The state of audio descriptions in the United Kingdom – from description to narration

Abstract

Audio description and audio narration – this article focuses on the problematic relationship between description and narration, re-examining the pronouncements of objectivity in broadcast guidelines for audio describers in the United Kingdom. Using narratological theory and works by members of the various schools of continental philosophy by way of explication, the article calls for a more subjective and cultural-historical reference point for audio describers in the UK. Audio descriptions – provided by a professional audio describer – are analysed in reference to the Esper Photo Analysis Machine episode in Ridley Scott's 1982 film Blade runner.