If you can’t see the CNE, he’s there
The visually impaired get help from a professional describer to paint their own picture
J.J. Hunt, 42, loves to tell stories. He likes it so much, he made it his job.
Hunt is a freelance describer, a trusted “interpreter” who lends his voice to film, television shows, YouTube videos and live performances. By describing the action the blind can’t see, he brings to life the dances, smirks and gestures that are crucial to the world of visual storytelling.
“If I’m doing my job well I’m giving the listener enough information for them to start painting their own picture,” Hunt said.
On Thursday, Hunt took his storytelling talent to the Canadian National Exhibition to test out a broadcasting app. With his iPad held flat in his right hand and earbud microphone in the other, Hunt spent a few hours winding his way past the corn-dog stands, the Ferris wheel and the teenagers on the Swing Tower, a rising, rotating ride.
It was mid-afternoon by the time Hunt stopped in front of the swings, squinting as he gazed up at the riders dangling in the air. He spoke into the microphone, de- scribing the sight for listeners who were following along.
“As the swing picks up speed, the riders slowly starting to spread out, the force of the spinning sending them in a wider and wider circle. Most of the riders look to be in their teens and tweens, their hair and shorts, shirts and pants flapping in the wind as they spin around and around. Some smiling — no one looks too frightened,” Hunt said to his few online followers.
He has been in the audio description business for 13 years, and guesses he has between 1,200 and 1,300 projects under his belt. Since coming out of theatre school and delving into narration, he has lent his voice to kids’ shows, CBC documentaries, CSI and CBC’s Murdoch Mysteries.
He’s also recently added live event coverage to his portfolio. Hunt has described Toronto’s wild and colourful Pride parade, and described the Pan Am and Para Pan Am opening and closing ceremonies, letting audiences know when there were changes in lighting or movement on stage.
One of his favourite gigs was doing an audio description of the classic thriller Fargo.
“As a Coen brothers fan, to have an opportunity to describe a leg in a wood chipper — that’s fantastic. You don’t get that every day,” Hunt said.
It’s a service that is growing in demand, he said, adding technology has made it easier for big corporations and independent artists to seek out description services.
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission calls the service Described Video, requiring certain broadcasters to provide its regulated services since 2001.
Creating a script for film and television works lets Hunt work from the comfort of his home, but he takes the work seriously. He takes care with word choice — is he going on a walk, a saunter, or even a march around the CNE grounds? — to describe actions and movement. He strives to attach memorable “sticky words” to important props on screen; he is careful with tone and brevity.
Most importantly, it’s about getting the story right.
“It’s a bit of a puzzle,” Hunt said. But best of all, he feels the service is important because his words can allow more people to better understand works of art.
“At the end of the day, I feel good about the work that I’m doing because it matters,” he said.
“They’re able to participate in part of our culture that perhaps they weren’t able to fully participate in before.”
“They’re able to participate in part of our culture that perhaps they weren’t able to fully participate in before.” J.J. HUNT