Video and Descriptive Video

Sample a described clip from The Lion King , on WGBH's site. Note: Your software must be properly configured to view this clip.

Staff Time
The production of high quality videos is usually a service that is contracted for by the grantee. Video production services require a significant amount of information to produce a desired video. Staff must determine the topic, speakers, visual content, remote location (if desired), informational content, graphics, captioning and descriptive formatting requirements. While production services can help with these, it is necessary for you to know what you wish to communicate through the video.

Descriptive video provides an additional synchronized sound track about visual events happening in the video that may not be incorporated into the original auditory text. Descriptive video is often used to add descriptions of color, settings, costumes, physical characteristics and body language. The inclusion of this material often provides a richer experience for people with visual or other interpretational impairments.

Equipment
If contracting for video production, no special equipment is required. In some cases, a grantee may wish to capture some of the video from training, therapy, or other therapeutic procedures. In this case, a minimum of a standard size, low lux video recorder should be used. It is preferable to consult with your video production company prior to doing this to determine special requirements to make the video as high-quality as possible.

Costs
The production of videos can be quite expensive depending on the length, number of remote locations used, special graphic and captioning requirements. Many times, you will need to clarify your budget for the production of a video in advance. By making this clear to the video service contractor, you should be able to avoid surprise expenses. Descriptive soundtrack additions to videos can cost in the range of $1,300 to $4,500 depending upon the length of the video.

Effort
The production of a high-quality video requires significant effort. Because of the multi-media format that video makes available, it means that effort must be focused on the content, message, context, ant the special needs of the intended user groups. Although video services can be contracted, many decisions regarding the finished product must be made by you.

Resources
Many local resources generally are available for the production of video material. Consult with local television and video production companies for information about what services they provide. Limited resources to assist in descriptive video production are available but WGBH's Descriptive Video Services is available to work with you. Contact WGBH in Boston at (617) 492-2777 and ask for Laurie Everett (extension 3735) or Gerry Field (extension 3496).

Helpful Hints About Selecting a Video Service Contractor

1. Great variation exists in the capabilities of video production companies. Shop around for the best rates and capabilities.
2. Ask companies that you are considering to give some examples of their video productions.
3. Determine how the video company will provide services themselves versus how they will contract with others for the services.
4. Share with the contractor your budget for the production and determine what service features you can obtain for your budget. Make clear those elements that are not optional, e.g., captions, versus those that are optional.
5. Obtain a written agreement for services from your contractor with timelines, video features that will be included, and cost.

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