Audio Description Narration
I’m Roberto “Berto The VO” Jolliffe, a Texas-based voice actor and narrator offering audio description narration. Audio description gives blind and low-vision audiences the visual side of the story: the actions, settings, expressions and on-screen text that dialogue alone doesn’t carry. My job is to deliver those descriptions clearly, on time and without getting in the way of the story.
Everyone deserves the whole story. I bring the same care to every line of description that I bring to a national commercial, because for the person listening, those lines are the picture.
Audio description samples
These self-produced samples show my approach across a nature documentary, an animated comedy and a dramatic feature film.
Nature documentary: lioness hunt
Animated comedy: Rick and Morty, “Pickle Rick”
Feature film: American Gangster
Additional sample
What audio description needs from a voice
- Clarity: every word easy to understand, even under music and effects
- Objectivity: describing what’s on screen without interpreting it or upstaging the program
- Timing: fitting each description into the gaps between dialogue and key sounds
- The right tone: matching the energy of a documentary, a comedy or a brand video while staying neutral
- Consistency: the same sound across long sessions and pickups
Who it’s for
- Streaming, broadcast and film
- Documentaries
- Corporate, brand and social video
- eLearning and training courses
- Museums, exhibits and tours
- Schools, universities and government video, where accessibility standards such as WCAG 2.1 AA call for audio description on prerecorded video
Narration experience
Audio description builds on my narration work, including a character role in the audiobook Easy Out (Newhouse University, Book 1) from Podium Audio on Audible, the audiobook of my own book, Ahhh, So You Want to Be a Voice Over Actor!?, and eLearning, documentary and explainer narration. I trained in audio description with coach Jazzy Frizzle.
How it works
- Send the finished description script (with timecodes, if you have them) and the video.
- I record to picture so each line fits its gap, and flag any line that’s too long for its window.
- You get broadcast-ready WAV files, either as separate, slated lines or as one track timed to your program.
- Live-directed sessions are available over Source-Connect or Zoom.
Audio Description FAQ
What is audio description?
Audio description is narration added to video that describes important visual details, like actions, settings, facial expressions and on-screen text, so blind and low-vision viewers can follow along.
Do you write the description script?
I voice description scripts written by your describer or production team.
Can you match the tone of my program?
Yes. Descriptions stay objective, but the delivery can be adjusted to fit the program, from a serious documentary to a lighthearted series or brand video.
What file formats do you deliver?
Broadcast-ready WAV (or MP3 on request), as separate slated lines or one track timed to your video.
How fast is turnaround?
Short-form projects are usually delivered within 24 hours. Longer programs are scheduled with you.
Let’s work!
I give every client my best, no matter how big or small the project. Email RobertoJolliffe@gmail.com with your script, where it will run and your deadline, or use the Book Me Now form on my voice over portfolio page. I can’t wait to hear what you’re working on.
Respectfully,
-Berto