Audio Description for the visually impaired: an experiment with the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

This project of thesis originated from a deep interest in thoroughly analysing audio description and its impact on accessibility and disabled people. The aim of this work is to understand and define the technique of audio description by discussing its evolution over time; in addition, the analysis of audio description practices in different countries will provide an overview of how AD (short for audio description) is perceived and addressed, particularly in Europe. In the first chapter, which has a more theoretical approach, we will explore how scholars define audio description and the guidelines that audio describers should adhere to. We will also investigate the concept of translation applied to audio description, the benefits and problems of its employment in this particular field. The second chapter will present a practical work showcasing the application of the guidelines and techniques discussed in chapter one. The experiment will consist in creating the audio descriptions in Italian for two selected scenes from the movie Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. This hands-on experiment is aimed at gaining practical insights into the process of creating audio descriptions and the complexities involved in conveying visual information through auditory means. Overall, this thesis tries to shed light on the importance of audio description as a tool for promoting inclusivity and diversity in the realm of media and entertainment.