Development of Audio Description Services for Hong Kong Films Project 2020-2022 “Audio Description Training Programme of Film” Kick off Ceremony

• The enrollment of the nine-month training programme has started, the course will commence in July

• Guests from film industry, cultural and academic fields attended to show support of the audio description (AD) service development

The Hong Kong Society for the Blind (HKSB), with the support from the Film Development Fund, launched a two-year “Development of Audio Description Services for Hong Kong Films Project”. Apart from promoting (AD service in film, in order to train more audio describers and establish professional qualification for them, a nine-month “Audio Description Training Programme of Film” will be organized.

A kick-off ceremony of the aforesaid training programme was organized on 13 May 2021 at the auditorium of HKSB, officiating guest included Mr. Mak Sing Hei, Gary, Assistant Head of CreateHK(2)/SG of Film Development Council. Guests from film industry, cultural and academic fields attended to show support of the AD service development including Mr John Chong, famous film producer. Top management and representatives from different film companies and film associations, to name a few: Golden Scene Company Limited, Media Asia Film, Mei Ah Entertainment Group Co., Ltd, Emperor Motion Pictures, One Cool Production Limited, Intercontinental Film Distributors (H.K.) Ltd., Universe Entertainment, Hong Kong Theatres Association Ltd, Hong Kong Screenwriters' Guild, HKIFF Society and Hong Kong Arts Centre , attended the ceremony.

The training programme lasts for nine months in three phases, including elementary level (theory & practice), advanced level (film appreciation & film screening, vocal and writing training, and the last phase – AD recording practicum. Trainees would obtain attendance and graduation certification after passing the assessments. A portfolio will be made for selected graduates as personal reference for their future career in AD services.  Enrollment starts from now on until 13 June, the programme will commence on 3 July.      

Guests group photo

Ms Jennifer Yu, Audio Description Ambassador promotion video displayed

Ms Jaqueline Pang demonstrated live audio description

Ms Maureen Tam, Chief Executive, HKSB gave a welcoming speech

Mr. Mak Sing Hei, Gary, Assistant Head of CreateHK(2)/SG of Film Development Council gave a speech

Mr John Chong gave a sharing

Mr Li Wing Hong, Senior Lecturer in Voice Studies and Discipline Leader in Musical Theatre Curriculum gave a sharing

Mr Yang Kut Si, Honorary Audio Description Service Advisor gave a sharing

Ms Jacqueline Pang chit-chatted with visually impaired person Mr Joseph Yam