I coach beginner and working AD performers in entertainment media. I enjoy sharing feedback on existing AD content, finding ways to integrate existing passions along with accessibility, and how working with blind pros makes all the difference.
When I first met with Roy, he instantly put me at ease with his warmth and empathy. His passion for all things AD/accessibility is infectious—within minutes, we were brainstorming personalized ideas for how I could get involved in the space (which was only possible because he was so attentive and engaged with me on such an individualized level). I walked away really believing in myself, because I could feel that he believed in me. Couldn’t have asked for a better mentor!
“I had asked Roy if he would listen to some of a specific film for which I had narrated the AD, to see if he agreed with my overall assessment. I had thought he would give me generalizations but he went far beyond that, going into granular detail on specifics. He has a very finely tuned ear and combines it with an ability to articulate exactly what he’s hearing. If you’re looking for a detailed breakdown of your work in AD, he’s the man.”
“Roy is an incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and generous coach. Even before our first coaching session, he was helpful, responsive, and supportive through email. I walked away from our first session brimming with new insight about what it’s like to be a working talent in the audio description world. He offered detailed guidance that helped me feel equipped to deliver the best performance I could on my first AD job. As a voice talent who’s new to this field, I couldn’t have asked for a better or more experienced coach to initiate me onto this path!”
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If you are wondering if you should work with Roy Samuelson — the answer is a resounding YES you should, my friend!
I had the pleasure of working with Roy when I took my first Audio Description class in 2021. His instruction on how he approaches an AD script was so insightful I also began using it in other voiceover genres as well- to much success. He has always been quick to respond to any questions I may have and is kind, considerate, and HONEST in his answers.
However, last year I made an audio description demo with Roy. This is when the rubber met the road for my audio description career. I not only left the session with a killer audio description demo but received a one on one master class on the true art of audio description.
I am happy to say that audio description has become a very large part of my daily voiceover work. I find it challenging, and meaningful. I’ve met wonderful people and worked with incredible post-production teams.
Thank you, Roy Samuelson!
“Roy is incredibly knowledgeable about AD. I found his approach to this unique VO genre thoughtful and encouraging. Roy also gave me ideas on how to create my own content and to seek partnerships within the blind community.” — Sandra Manwiller, voice actor
Roy Samuelson Audio Description Portfolio
Since 2014, Roy has performed thousands of AD projects for film and TV. He uses his decades of experience in entertainment media to jump start sustainable parity opportunities for AD professionals and audiences.
Roy guides conversations, perspectives, and thoughts on the direction of AD:
Roy consults professional corporate organizations on integrating AD within their content.
He’s presented multiple times at
American Council of the Blind,
National Federation of the Blind, and
American Foundation for the Blind.
Produced AD for an Oscar-nominated documentary with a total blind team. Hear the AD team behind the scenes
Develop AD from the ground up in collaboration with filmmakers for The American Federation for The Blind “Possibilities,” directed and produced by BeachGlass Productions.
Roy provides one on one coaching of voice talents’ opportunities in AD, along with accessible workouts, featuring feedback from blind professionals.
He supports the launch of and growth of their careers, using their own unique skills.
He’s collaborated with dozens of AD facilities to provide more accessibility and streamline processes to provide the best results from each role in AD.
Thousands of AD performances on TV series and films
Served on the TV Academy Performers Peer Group Executive Committee (2015 to 2022), remains an active member.
Co-produced a TV Academy panel discussion on announcers called Now for a Special Announcement
First formal proposal to TV Academy for AD performers’ credits
Founded the public Facebook group Audio Description Discussion with over 3,400 members, focusing on lively conversations on quality and excellence in AD from audience and creator’s perspectives
Keynote Speech for American Council of the Blind; introduced the various roles of audio description, and the artistry of those roles, pivoting the discussion from quantity to quality, and inclusion of blind professionals in AD.
Podcast Series featuring over 200 AD professionals in all roles, “The ADNA Presents” showcases the underrepresented talents in film and TV.
As a member of the TV Academy Performers Peer Group with Jason George, Bob Bergen, and Lily Tomlin, included AD Narrators’ TV Credits to qualify to join, giving more voice to VO talents to vote for Primetime Emmys. Here’s some background.
2021 Roy Samuelson produced an event for the TV Academy on Audio Description, which was approved by the TV Academy Performers Peer Group Executive Committee. This was co-produced by Roy, Marian Massaro, Nickie Bryar and Bob Bergen. Roy moderated. This event was the catalyst for Board approval to bring these narrators into our peer group. And, this event has been a terrific tool used to educate the industry on the need and growth of Audio Description. Audio Description: How Blind People Watch TV
Television Academy panel on Audio Description and an Emmys article “Seeing For Blind Audiences”
2021 Audio Description Achievement Award recipient. Here’s the speech
Worked with Performers With Disabilities committee and SAG Awards to bring nominated entries to require audio description, connect with sponsor for live AD for Awards show, and promote publicly their inclusion for blind audience and blind talents.
Through his performance on blockbuster feature films and well known series, he’s worked with the best, and understands the multiple approaches of each of the AD facilities, and guiding companies new to AD on the many directions to best serve their, and their audiences’, needs.
Additional articles here
Below are a sample of AD Narration demos Roy has produced. If you’d like more information, please contact roy@roysamuelson.com