“Imagine a world where everyone has access to the joys of audiovisual storytelling, regardless of their specific needs. On this journey, small actions can effectively make a big difference, and this is what we want to discuss and promote.”
That’s how the panel on Innovation and Inclusion: Accessibility in Entertainment was opened.
Anna Capezzera – Director, Accessibility – Deluxe
Amy White – Executive Director, Content Localization – Warner Bros. Discovery
Rafael Parlatore – Director of Audiovisual Accessibility – MAV
Following the central theme of the event, which revolved around Artificial Intelligence, the panelists were able to address the topic by discussing how these tools can be included in the discussion about accessibility.
The fundamental point everyone agrees on is that there is a basic premise when it comes to accessibility: it’s not possible to create anything without involving the main individuals who make use of accessibility– people with disabilities. We cannot create technological solutions that address compliance with the law and production, but are not efficient for those who need the features.
For example, speaking of avatars for sign language is still premature. Despite solutions having evolved in this direction, they are still in their infancy to meet the public’s needs. Sign language uses facial movements that are very subtle, which can modify the meaning of speech and the understanding of what is being said. For the film market, where dialogues are fundamental for understanding, we still have a long way to go in this regard.
John Estrada, the panel moderator, questioned how accessibility is viewed within the studios, and Amy White, Executive Director of Content Localization at Warner Bros. Discovery, responded:
“For me, from a localization point of view, it’s another language. And I feel that this approach gives it the focus it needs, rather than being what it has been for a long time– a regulatory obligation in which people are just checking boxes and trying to control costs– to make it something we dive into as deeply as dubbing in Spanish or French. Realizing that today we have two panels on accessibility is very significant.”
Anna Capezzera, Director of Accessibility at Deluxe, added:
“I feel the same way about AD. There is a time and a place for the use of synthetic voice and other AI tools, but we really want to be aligned with the community and understand more and more about how these features work for them. I think, in the future, things will improve and become more sophisticated, and we will certainly be interested to see how that goes.”
The theme of accessibility is fundamental and important for all scenarios and events. To strengthen the commitment to accessibility, Rafael Parlatore, Director of Accessibility at MAV, brought an innovation to the panel: real-time subtitles through voice recognition. “This is one of the ways to bring innovation, to meet an audience that is increasingly interested in participating in all discussions.”
Rafael, Amy, and Anna also shared information about the project they developed together for the Barbie movie, which gained ASL features and was a great success with the deaf community.
“One of the things I learned while working in ASL is that the community thinks “nothing for me without me,” and that we really should involve them in the process. So being open, involving the target audience, doing research, and asking what they want, is crucial. I think the fact that it’s easier to reach the audience through social media, I mean, if you want to know about good AD, go to social media because they’re talking about it. If you’re doing a good job, you’ll know. And if you’re not doing as good a job as you could, you’ll know too.”
Also, concerning projects being developed, Rafael Parlatore presented Mobi LOAD, an application that allows people with visual and hearing impairments to enjoy the magic of the cinema. Just over a year after its implementation, the app can be used in other countries.
“We want to export the model we developed in Brazil to other countries. We have come a long way in terms of legislation and how to apply accessibility in cinemas, and we want to shorten the path for other countries that need new technologies for this.”
To conclude, the discussion promoted at CON-LO-CON 2024 highlights the ongoing need for and importance of advances in accessibility within the entertainment industry. The integration of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence and specialized applications, as well as a collaborative and user-centered approach, illustrates a promising path to inclusion. By prioritizing the voices of disabled communities and aligning technological efforts with their real needs, we can transform the audiovisual experience, making it truly accessible to all. The panel reaffirms the commitment of the professionals and organizations involved in not only complying with regulatory requirements but also leading by example, elevating accessibility to an art form that enriches all audiences. Thus, we will continue to build a world where storytelling and the pleasure of cinema are universal, reinforcing the motto that true innovation embraces everyone, without exception.
About CON-LO-CON:
Content Localization Conference (CON-LO-CON) is media and entertainment’s only localization conference based in Los Angeles and focused exclusively on the commercial and technological impacts of the industry. With speakers from major studios, streaming companies, and innovative technology companies, the event offers the best forum for global storytellers to gain the insights needed to meet the needs of global audiences.
