Frequently Asked Questions
How much does description cost?
How long does description take?
In what format do you require the production?
What format can you deliver the final product in?
Where does the description get layered on?
What is the size of the market for description?
Who approves the described script?
Who chooses the talent to narrate?
Can we choose the narrator or provide our own?
Can we purchase the described script and do our own production?
Where do we ship the material?
Can we make an "after hour delivery" of the material?
How do we book description?
Can we be aired on VoicePrint?
How do the vision-impaired hear the description?
What is SAP?
If I have my movie described, is there anything additional that must be done to make it available in the AudioCinema format?
What is AudioCinema?
How does a distribution deal work?
How do I receive payments on a distribution deal?
Who do I contact to arrange distribution of my described movie?
Can have my "non-english" production described?
If I arrange a distribution deal, do I get approval of the cover artwork?
How much does description cost?
The industry average cost for description is approximately $1600 per hour. However, prices do vary depending on the type of production (documentary versus long form drama). Description can be costed on a "run time", "per minute of description" or "project" basis. Please contact an AudioVision account manager to determine which method works best for you and what the cost of adding description to your production will be.
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How long does description take?
Description takes anywhere from a minimum of 3 working days to a maximum of eight. The time is completely dependent on the length of the film, the genre and whether the final master is provided at the time we undertake to write the description. It is important to remember to book your production early so we are able to accommodate all of your production requirements and delivery date.
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In what format do you require the production?
Preferably Digital Betacam (DBeta), but other formats including BetaSP, S-VHS, DVD, and VHS are supported
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What format can you deliver the final product in?
DBeta, BetaSP, S-VHS, DVD, and DAT. We even provide broadcast wave files.
(we cannot deliver in BetaSP unless it's striped onto ch. 1 and/or 2.)
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Where does the description get layered on?
Channel 3 or 4 of original DBeta sent to us, this is an audio channel
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What is the size of the market for description?
Approximately 13 million North Americans have vision impairments and that number continues to grow with the aging of the population.
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Who approves the described script?
Our clients generally entrust us with the final decision but we always welcome feedback and suggestions. If you wish to approve the script prior to it being recorded we are happy to oblige. Please be aware that the timelines for the description process will increase by the time this exercise takes.
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Who chooses the talent to narrate?
Our Production Supervisor knows the voices and creative range of our narrators and carefully matches the voice to each film. Occasionally however, producers wish to use their own talent and we make every effort to accommodate this request.
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Can we choose the narrator or provide our own?
It is possible to choose from among our narrators or provide your own with the proper notice.
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Can we purchase the described script and do our own production?
The mixing and mastering of the voice track on the original tape to time code is a very specialized task. Our experienced editors can quickly and with precision weave in the narrative so the value of doing this yourself should be carefully weighed. However, if you choose to go this route we would be only too happy to prepare a script for your described soundtrack.
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Where do we ship the material?
To our studio.
1090 Don Mills Rd.
Suite 303
Toronto Ontario
M3C 3R6
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Can we make an "after hour delivery" of the material?
Our studios open at 9am and are staffed through to 8pm Monday through Friday. Due to the volume we produce we often have staff in on Saturdays as well. We are happy to accept deliveries outside of the usual business hours but a phone call in advance will guarantee someone will be there to receive your delivery.
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How do we book description?
Call our Account Manager at 1-866-966-7667 to iron out the details and confirm your schedule.
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Can we be aired on VoicePrint?
If your production is being aired on CBC your production will be "Simulcast" on VoicePrint. VoicePrint is a CRTC mandated "must carry" service that is available in just over 10,000,000 homes. During the day it provides vision impaired persons with audio versions of daily newspapers covering major headlines, sports, health and entertainment news. In the evening, VoicePrint offers a range of entertainment programming in a described format. If you are producer with material running on the CBC, we can offer you the additional exposure of a simulcast broadcast on VoicePrint. All audience for your programming is credited back to the CBC through the rating firms (BBM and Nielsen) so you gain audience.
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How do the vision-impaired hear the description?
They would have to activate the Secondary Audio Programming on their television sets where the description track is included in the broadcast.
And people can access the specific satellite/digital channels for open
description
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What is SAP?
Secondary Audio Programming is an audio option on newer television sets. On older sets, it is possible to purchase an external device that connects to your set that allows you to access SAP. The device works with the cable feed so it does not interfere with any of your services or settings. It is easy to use with a large button remote and easier to install. Please contact an AudioVision account manager to discuss pricing and how the device works.
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If I have my movie described, is there anything additional that must be done to make it available in the AudioCinema format?
Once your movie has been described and you would like to enter into a distribution arrangement with us for AudioCinema, there is an second processing stage that is required. Trained editors take the soundtrack and edit out non-described portions and remove extended musical interludes. Because it is imperative that the flow of the story not be interrupted and the soundtrack be uninterrupted, the process of editing usually takes about a day to complete. Upon completion the edited soundtrack usually fits on a single conventional CD. If you wish to pursue a distribution arrangement, your account manager will be happy to discuss the options available to you.
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What is AudioCinema?
AudioCinema is a modified soundtrack of a described movie or program. Like talking books, AudioCinema tells a story. But the story is told in through a script and description. Trained editors take the soundtrack and edit out non-described portions and remove extended musical interludes. Because it is imperative that the flow of the story not be interrupted and the soundtrack be uninterrupted, the process of editing usually takes about a day to complete. Upon completion the edited soundtrack usually fits on a single conventional CD.
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How does a distribution deal work?
AudioVision has developed over the years several distribution streams. We have a catalogue of described titles that is marketed throughout North America directly to libraries and institutions serving the vision impaired. AudioVision has a focused sales team whose sole task is to promote and market the catalogue. We sell the product online through this website and we also have a US sales agent that makes our videos/dvds and AudioCinema available to consumers through an "online" site focusing on the US market.
We also have international distribution options through our agreement with Audible.com, the world's largest provider of downloadable "audio entertainment." And we have an extensive distribution agreement with the United Kingdom. Copyright holders are not always in the position to authorize distribution in all countries. To facilitate their requirements for sales only in specific areas, we do make products available through as many of our distribution streams as makes sense. Where there is a potential for global consumers such as in the "on line" sales sites, we note each restricted titles with the areas they are "only" available in.
Once a distribution agreement has been agreed to, we design the cover artwork and forward it to you for approval. Upon approval, we add it to our catalogue and send out monthly notices of new titles to all of our clients. Sales are monitored monthly and royalty cheques are issued quarterly. We will provide audited sales reports for your records.
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How do I receive payments on a distribution deal?
A cheque with a summary sales report will be sent quarterly.
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Who do I contact to arrange distribution of my described movie?
Please contact AudioVison Account Manager at 1-866-966-7667.
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Can I have my "non-english" production described?
We have multiple language description capabilities. We have French, Spanish, Italian, Hindi, Cantonese and Polish writers and describers.
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If I arrange a distribution deal, do I get approval of the cover artwork?
Absolutely! You can provide us with some of your own artwork or we can design something ourselves. Once we have designed the cover with the "DV" logos included you will get a chance to do a final approval.
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