Audio Description scripter - Access Services - Operations Job stage 2

Job description

Job Title: Scripter – Audio Description (please see scripting exercise at the bottom of the page)
Base: London or Glasgow

Closing Date for applications - Sunday 26th March

Job Purpose

To write scripts for Audio Description (AD) recording across a broad range of TV and film output, and to assist in the delivery of Ericsson's Audio Description service.

Audio Description is a second soundtrack which describes onscreen action, locations and characters and is interwoven with the programme dialogue, music and sound effects to assist the visually impaired audience. Scripts are timed precisely to indicate the periods when AD is possible and desirable.

An AD script consists of timings and text. The timings indicate periods when audio description is possible and desirable, the script describes action, location, characters etc.

Reporting Lines and Key Relationships

This post will report to the Head of Audio Description.

Organisation

The AD team currently consists of the Head of Audio Description, one Production Manager and twenty voicers and scripters.

The AD department is based in Ealing, W5 but also has staff in the Glasgow office and working from home.

Context
Ericsson's Broadcast Services division specialises in the delivery and promotion of digital media and offers the complete range of services required to promote, playout and provide access to broadcast content across all media, from television to mobile phones.
With over 1000 staff in London and almost 100 around the UK and revenues in excess of £100million, our UK team is the largest playout and channel management business in the UK, providing critical services to a number of broadcasters including the BBC, BT Sport, UKTV, Channel 4 and Five.
Access Services provide a vital service which makes programmes accessible on BBC, BT Sport, UKTV, Channel 4 and S4C channels for visually impaired, deaf and hard of hearing audiences.

Key Accountabilities
To prepare AD scripts for a wide variety of programme material that meets Ericsson's standards of accuracy, faithfulness, access and style as specified in Ericsson's audio description guidelines.
To contribute ideas on editorial practice during group discussions and programme reviews.
To gain a clear understanding of the programme material and, where necessary, to check factual detail and editorial accuracy.
To watch or read fellow scripters' work and give feedback.
To work with and support the person recording the Audio Description to ensure that s/he achieves the best end product.
To explain audio description to production teams and gain their support in the preparation of described programmes.
To operate a range of technical equipment, to ensure the preparation and delivery of audio-description scripts.
To support the Audio Description Production Management team in planning for new audio-described output.
To collaborate with colleagues across Access Services to ensure the meeting of objectives

Person Specification

Experience & Knowledge

1. Professional experience of audio description is desirable but not essential.

2. Proven writing skills and experience of using a wide vocabulary with flair so as to be able to communicate the action, mood and register of programmes.

3. Ability to write scripts to very tight deadlines.

4. Ability to adapt your writing style to communicate the action and register of programmes and to produce a wide range of tones, paces and moods in keeping with the programme style.

5. Meticulous attention to detail and accuracy.

6. A high level of awareness and understanding of the visual aspects of programmes.

7. A high level of editorial awareness and judgment.

8. An understanding of the needs and wishes of visually impaired people when watching television.

9. Experience of working in a technical environment with the ability to learn new techniques and procedures quickly and easily.

10. Genuine interest in and knowledge of television output.

11. Awareness of Health and Safety issues.

12. Understanding of the role and objectives of Access Services.

Competencies
The following competencies (behaviours and characteristics) have been identified as key to success in the job. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate these competencies.

Collaborative working : Establishes effective working relationships with a wide range of people. Is tactful and diplomatic. Listens to colleagues' views and opinions and compromises, when necessary. Shares information and experiences. Evaluates scripts with colleagues. Is sensitive to others' needs. Behaves professionally, even throughout difficult situations.

Editorial Judgment : Applies editorial AD guidelines sensitively and appropriately. Contributes to the editorial process by offering views on script content.

Resilience : Maintains high quality of scripting. Works effectively within a pressured, deadline-driven environment. Is able to work alone and maintain enthusiasm and commitment. Reacts well to constructive criticism.

Writing Skills : Writes scripts which stimulate interest. Effectively reflects the different programme styles. Has excellent grasp of the English language and is able to write creatively.

Flexibility : Responds readily to changing circumstances and adapts to suit new challenges and new ways of working; embraces change and looks for learning and development opportunities.

Exercise for Audio Description Scripter candidates – ‘Playing Ball'

You are required to submit a script for the opening five minutes of a programme. Please write suitable and sympathetic descriptions which you believe will enhance the enjoyment of the programme for someone with a visual impairment, giving your in-cues (when you want the description to begin) and out-cues (when you want the description to finish). Descriptions must be a maximum of 20 seconds in duration.

Example

01:27 – 01:30

She takes off her bib.

Your descriptions should end before 04:40

The clip for the programme can be found here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p02w4gmb/original-drama-shorts-2015-3-playing-ball

We will be assessing your submission against the following criteria:

·  A keen visual awareness that demonstrates an understanding of the needs of a visually impaired audience
·  The quality of script in terms of style, grammar and vocabulary
·  A meticulous attention to detail and accuracy

When the exercise is completed

Please label it clearly with your name and address and attach to your application.

Ericsson provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, national origin, ethnic background, age, disability, political opinion, social status, veteran status, union membership or genetics.

Ericsson complies with applicable country, state and all local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location across the world in which the company has facilities. In addition, Ericsson supports the UN Guiding Principles for Business and Human Rights and the United Nations Global Compact.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, training and development.

Ericsson expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, national origin, ethnic background, age, disability, political opinion, social status, veteran status, union membership or genetic information.

Primary country and city: United Kingdom (GB) || || Ealing || Consulting&SysInt; IT; ProdMgt; R&D; SalesStratMkt&ComMgt; ServEng; SharedServ; Stud&YP; Supply&Log

Req ID: 167424