Ready to learn about a little-known yet fast growing genre in voiceover?
It’s called Audio Description (AD), and it’s a fast-growing style of voiceover narration that serves an IMPORTANT purpose.
In fact, the rise of Audio Description is due in big part to the vast demand for content on Streaming services like Netflix, Apple+, HBO Max, Hulu, Disney+ and many more.
So, what is Audio Description exactly?
For media consumers who are blind or of low-vision, Audio Description helps listeners understand what’s happening and when during television, film, video presentations, museums, theatre, live events, and more so that they have the best, most immersive experience possible!
To accomplish this, voiceover actors a.k.a Describers or Narrators are hired to provide narration to describe what is happening in scenes, settings, costumes, body language, on-screen text, and other visual content, all slipped in-between portions of dialogue or songs.
Sadly however, the standards within the Audio Description genre can vary greatly. This diminishes the cinematic and/or entertainment experience greatly. And that’s just not okay!
That’s why I’m offering this signature Introduction to Audio Description Course!
Audio Description is NOT charity!
As a seasoned voiceover actor with several years of experience as an Audio Description narrator, my goal is to raise these standards by training voiceover actors on exactly HOW to meet the needs and desires of blind and low-vision listeners. So that they receive the high quality entertainment they deserve even when the production company itself may not necessarily care or ask you to meet any standards. All while raising the rates for the Narrators doing this work.
To this end, Blind Advisors form part of the curriculum to ensure you have the most well rounded learning experience which will help you succeed as an Audio Description Narrator.
This Audio Description course is where you’ll learn the ins and outs of the Audio Description genre, and where you’ll put what you’ve learned into practice and receive real-time feedback.
This course is designed to give you a solid foundation that will help you get started with everything you need to know about this genre of voiceover work. I have helped many Voiceover Actors become Audio Description Narrators with great success. I have also helped them negotiate great rates that are far above standard rates for this genre.
More and more producers are awakening to the need of Audio Description. With this course, you'll be able to understand what it takes to step-up and become part of the Narrators that are in demand today.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THE
MOST COMPREHENSIVE AUDIO DESCRIPTION COURSE ON-LINE
This course has four modules. Each module is over 2 hours longs. You will listen to each module before attending the LIVE portion of the course. Each LIVE class will start at 7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific. Each LIVE class will be approximately two hours depending on the size of the class. The focus of this course is Film and Television but you also learn about the industry as a whole. Most importantly, this course has many Blind Advisors as part of the curriculum to offer you a well rounded learning experience that will make a difference in your career as an Audio Description Narrator.
Can't Attend a Class?
No problem! You will have Instant Access to every module and every LIVE class will be available in your membership site after each class is complete. This course is designed to be able to be completed as a self-study course with the added benefit of a LIVE class to ask questions and get feedback.
December 18, 2024
In the first module, you will learn the history of Audio Description with two Blind Advisor guests.
Our Blind Advisor guests delve into what works well with Audio Description today and what still needs improvement for the future.
Ailana also discusses how AI is impacting the Audio Description genre.
You will get a brief assignment to understand Audio Description yourself and learn firsthand how this world works.
January 8, 2025
In Module two, Ailana is joined by a blind Audio Description Narrator that shares his approach to this work, the importance of always including blind people on projects and other important information for all Audio Description Narrators to take into account as they approach this genre.
We also go into depth on what it takes to succeed as an Audio Description Narrator. You will learn about the various styles of Audio Description.
Ailana also shares best practices to be able to thrive in this genre.
January 15, 2025
In Module three, you will hear samples of the various styles of Audio Description. You will also get to start practicing some Audio Description for Film and TV. This will help you explore the niche your voice will fit the best. You will get to practice the content of module 3 during the LIVE portion of this course this week.
In this module, a panel of Blind Advisors joined us providing valuable feedback on what stands out to them when they hear Audio Description. This is a very important part of the course as you'll understand the importance of the nuisances it takes to narrate with your audience in mind at all times.
Please note, the live class may go as long as three hours depending on how many people read during this class.
January 22, 2025
In our final week, we will hear from a Hiring Director for Audio Description.
You will learn what a Hiring Director wants and values in an Audio Description Narrator.
This module covers an overview of the rates in the industry and gives you more practice with a TV show. The live class for this week will be an extensive Q&A and more practice on narrating Audio Description.
“I hired Ailana to help me with a complex Audio Description rate negotiation and for Audio Description coaching but I received so much more. Her coaching helped me confidently book an Audio Description project for a major tech company. I learned tools for building confidence, recognizing self worth and approaching negotiations from a place of genuine connection with clients. I’m really grateful for Ailana and the support she has brought to my career and life!”
Jessica Latour
Want or Need More?
If you'd prefer to schedule a one-on-one Audio Description coaching session with Sophia, you can do so here: ADcoaching. Many who have an immediate Audio Description opportunity opt for this option to get specific coaching or for anyone who wants to advance quickly in securing AD work. Sophia has helped launch the Audio Description careers of many voiceover talents for some of the most prominent companies that offer Audio Description services.
Please note Ailana Kainoa was previously known as Sophia Cruz which is why this testimonial from Raúl Aldana refers to her as Sophia.
I’m Ailana Kainoa – a seasoned voiceover actor of 17+ years, a speaker, educator and a success coach.
I created this Introduction to Audio Description course to offer a solid training resource to aspiring Audio Description Narrators. It is one the most comprehensive Audio Description Courses On-line. This training can also be used to train employees at companies to learn the importance of Audio Description for the blind and low vision community.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the education offered through Winning in VoiceOver is designed to give you the tools to succeed.
My mission is to offer trainings that aren't offered at the level I am teaching which help you filter through the noise and find the right formula for you so you can start having big wins in your business.
Ailana can be heard on Netflix, Amazon, HBOMax, Disney+, and Hulu as an Audio Description Narrator for many TV series and films.
