The Dark Room: Recent Episodes
Alex Howard and Lee Pugsley
Two legally blind cinephiles discuss movies and the wonders of entertainment while giving listeners a better understanding of how people with low vision experience the world.
In celebration of the recent release of "Toy Story 5", Alex and Lee discuss the lasting legacy of the beloved franchise and rank all 5 films. Find out if our rankings match yours.
If you would like to contact us, please email darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
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In light of the recent release of Steven Spielberg's "Disclosure Day," Alex and Lee celebrate the prolific film director and his body of work. We give our thoughts on his current movie and reveal our top 10 favorite Spielberg films.
If you would like to contact us, please email darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
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Alex and Lee chat with audio description performer, Tansy Alexander, who has worked on franchises like "Stranger Things," "The Hunger Games," and "A Quiet Place." In our discussion, Tansy discusses her journey into audio description, what access for all looks like, and how AI is changing the AD landscape.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
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Find us on Facebook!
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In honor of the recent theatrical release of "Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu", Alex and Lee rank all live-action Star Wars films, which makes for some fun discussion.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Joanne DiVito, a former Broadway dancer and live audio describer for performing arts events in the Los Angeles area. In our conversation, Joanne recounts some of her previous experiences as a performer and how it prepared her to step into the world of live audio description.
If you live in the Los Angeles area and would like to request live audio description for an upcoming performance, please contact the performance venue and let them know you would like to request live audio description.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Colleen Connor, co-founder of Audio Description Training Retreats, who discusses their journey with blindness and their work in audio description. We explore the craft of AD and how their immersive retreats are helping train the next generation of describers.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee are joined by special guest Anna Capezzera, who is the director of accessibility at Deluxe. This global media and entertainment services company provides audio description, captions, and other accessible options. In our discussion, Anna chronicles her journey into accessibility, talks about her current role at Deluxe, and touches on raising puppies for guide dog training.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee are joined by special guests, John Stark and Ren Leach, to present the 2nd annual Blind Film Critics Society nominations and awards, which honor the best in cinema for 2025.
Follow Alex on Letterbox'd at @alexhoward11 and Lee at @leepugsleyla
Follow John Stark at:
https://www.macthemovieguy.com
YouTube - @macthemovieguy
Rotten Tomatoes - John Stark
Follow Ren Leach at:
https://www.renleach.com
Letterbox'd - @renleach
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee share their 2026 film festival experiences at the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals, recap the films they saw, and recount some fun stories. Plus, they touch on the Warner Bros. sale drama.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
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Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee are excited to present the 3rd Annual Oscars Audio Description Round Table, celebrating the work of some very talented audio description writers and performers representing 5 of the Oscar-nominated Best Picture films from this awards season.
This year's lineup of panelists includes:
- Liz Gutman - “Frankenstein” and "Train Dreams" (AD Writer)
- Anusha VeDagiri - "Marty Supreme" (AD Writer)
- Roy Samuelson - "Marty Supreme" (AD Performer)
- Justin Sohl - "One Battle After Another” and “Marty Supreme" (AD Writer)
- Errin Mixon - "One Battle After Another" (AD Performer)
- Christina Stevens - "Sinners" and “One Battle After Another” (AD Writer)
- Adrienne Livingston - "Sinners" (AD Performer)
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Sheridan O’Donnell, a legally blind film director. In our conversation, Sheridan discusses his feature film “Little Brother” and his documentary “Rising Phoenix”, as well as chronicling his journey as a disabled creative.
Check out Sheridan’s website here: https://www.sheridanodonnell.com
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee reveal their top 10 films of 2025.
Please note: This episode was recorded before the Oscar nominations were announced on January 22, 2026.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee preview 2026 in cinema and discuss their top 10 most anticipated films of the year.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee ring in the holiday season by sharing favorite holiday memories, favorite festive films, and a holiday wish list for accessibility.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex & Lee celebrate the legacy of the prolific Stephen King by reviewing his four theatrical adaptations from 2025 and some of their personal favorites. They also go into some industry talk about the current and future state of Warner Bros.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Anthony Marciona, a live audio describer and actor who has been in show business for over 50 years. In our discussion, Anthony discusses the nuanced similarities and differences between being an audio describer and an actor.
Check out Anthony’s website at: https://www.anthonymarciona.com/
If you would like to request live audio description for an upcoming performance you will be attending, please contact the venue directly, and they will get in touch with Audio Description Los Angeles.
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website! https://adp.acb.org/findavideo.html
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Lee and Alex sit down with Serina Gilbert, a blind AD Quality Control Specialist, mom, content creator, and AD advocate.
Serina Gilbert on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blindygirlofficial
AD Discussion Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AudioDescriptionDiscussion
If you want to reach us, e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Audio Description Project here:
https://adp.acb.org
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee celebrate 50 episodes of THE DARK ROOM with a retrospective look back at the past three years. They reflect on the evolution of the podcast and how it has impacted them personally and professionally, as well as recalling their favorite episodes and casting a vision for what the future holds. They also recap highlights from the 2025 summer movie season, and end with some fun games featuring current and long-time editor, Jamie Gagnon.
Follow his work on Vimeo (https://vimeo.com/showcase/11112062), and on Minute of Zen (www.youtube.com/@MinuteOfZenYT)
If you want to reach us, e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Audio Description Project here:
https://adp.acb.org
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee welcome Matt Lauterbach of All Senses Go to discuss the inaccessibility of the New York Times' Top 100 Films of the Century So Far. In this episode, we discuss why accessibility for these films is important, the barriers to getting them audio-described, and potential solutions moving forward.
Matt's interview with Alex: https://allsensesgo.substack.com/p/these-are-the-best-films-of-the-century?fbclid=IwY2xjawMvQkVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtDSHHujndVMfuCskiYonhOCw-b2fKt3z4wqLVVXGcKwVo7K5dJ9elyvhob6_aem_5w3kn_0k-JmQcZM0ANwAWA
Original NYT Article: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2025/movies/best-movies-21st-century.html
Alex's Letterboxd list of NY Top 100 Movies with AD: https://letterboxd.com/alexhoward215/list/nyt-industry-top-100-industryof-the-century/
If you want to reach us, e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Audio Description Project here:
https://adp.acb.org
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Roman Howell, live audio describer and audiobook narrator, about the nuanced differences of each type of narration.
Follow Roman on Instagram at @Romanaudiobooks and pre-order his upcoming Goosebumps Audible audiobook “Ghost Camp” here.
For those in the Los Angeles area looking for live audio description, please contact the venue box office for the performance you are attending, and they will get in touch with Audio Description Los Angeles.
If you want to reach us, e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Audio Description Project here:
https://adp.acb.org
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
In this episode, we’re joined by Dakota Green and Ren Leech, the audio description writer and narrator, respectively, for the Emmy-nominated HBO series THE PENGUIN. They share their creative process behind crafting AD for the dark, gritty Gotham world and discuss the power of inclusive storytelling through an authentically disabled AD team. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes look at making The Penguin accessible to blind and low-vision audiences.
Check out the Audio Description Project here:
https://adp.acb.org
If you have any questions or comments for us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Ariel Baska, disabled film maker and horror activist, about the Access: Horror Film Festival happening in New York on August 1. In our discussion, Ariel chronicles their journey with disability, getting the horror film festival off the ground, and what attendees can expect this year at the Access: Horror event.
Sign up to attend the Access: Horror Film Festival by July 29 here:
Https://www.accesshorror.com
Follow Ariel Baska on Instagram at @justaskabaska and @accesshorror and check out their podcast RIDE THE OMNIBUS here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ride-the-omnibus/id1515065987
If you have any questions or comments for us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube: @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee kick off Disability Pride Month by welcoming disabled actors, Tobias Forrest and John W. Lawson, to the show. They discuss their award-winning film DARUMA and the importance of authentic disability representation in the entertainment industry.
DARUMA is currently available to stream for free with an Amazon Prime Video subscription. To get the accompanying audio description track, download the All4Access app here:
https://all4access.com/how-to-use
If you have any questions or comments for us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube: @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Now that the final installment is out, Alex and Lee rank all 8 Mission: Impossible films and discuss their favorite stunts, as well as the audio description tracks for the franchise.
If you have any questions, comments, or would like to share your MI rankings with us, please email darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel at @darkroomfilmcast.
The Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
If you have any questions or comments about anything covered in this episode, please e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Carl Richardson and Kim Charlson are the co-chairs of the American Council of the Blind's Audio Description Project, or ADP. They join Lee and Alex to discuss the various media-related committees of the ACB and how they are helping to advance accessibility in the entertainment industry. We also discuss the upcoming ACB virtual and in-person conference, as well as the panels that will be available for you to attend.
ACB website: https://www.acb.org/home
ACB convention info: https://acbconvention.org/?p=108
ACB link app for iOS: https://link.acb.org/
The Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
If you have any questions or comments about anything covered in this episode, please e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee are pleased to welcome special guest, John Stark, to the show as we proudly introduce the Blind Film Critics Society (BFCS). The BFCS was formed to bring blind and low vision voices to the film criticism space, and we are honored to present the nominations and winners for the first annual BFCS awards. Please note that our selections represent the 2024 calendar year in film.
If you are interested in joining the Blind Film Critics Society or would like to learn more, you can e-mail John Stark at macthemovieguy@aol.com, and be sure to follow him and subscribe to his YouTube channel macthemovieguy.
You can also reach Alex and Lee at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee discuss their 2025 experiences at the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals, including a recap of the movies they saw there. They also chat about the aspects of film festivals they appreciate in terms of accessibility, as well as identifying areas of continued growth they would like to see.
If you have any questions or comments about anything covered in this episode, please e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with JC O’Connell, who performs live audio description for many performing arts events in the Los Angeles/Orange County area. In our conversation, JC discusses her process and preparing for the unexpected.
If you live in the LA/OC area and would like to get in touch with JC, please e-mail her at jcoconnell2020@gmail.com
If you would like to contact us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Dr. Joel Snyder, known as the pioneer of audio description. He is also the president of Audio Description Associates LLC and founder/senior consultant of the Audio Description Project. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, which he shares in this insightful conversation.
Visit the Audio Description Project here: https://adp.acb.org
Check out YOU Describe here: https://youdescribe.org
Buy Joel’s book, “The Visual Made Verbal” here: https://acbminimall.org/product/23?v=51
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
If you have any questions for us or want to connect, feel free to e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee chat with Roy Samuelson, an audio description performer, voice actor, speaker, coach, and author of the book, A Voice Actor's Guide to Audio Description Performance: Crafting Immersive Entertainment Experiences for Blind Audiences. In our discussion, Roy highlights what makes for a good audio description performance and chronicles his experiences in the accessibility field.
Learn more about Roy's book here: https://www.roysamuelson.com/book/
You can listen to some insightful interviews with audio description professionals on Roy’s podcast “The ADNA Presents” here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adna-presents/id1513229594
Check out the Audio Description Project here:
Https://adp.acb.org/
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
If you have any questions for us or want to connect, feel free to e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee host the 2nd Annual Audio Description Roundtable. This year we are featuring the audio describers behind Anora, Dune Part Two, and The Substance.
If you would like to reach us, feel free to e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube to @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Listen to an excerpt from the Succeed Without Sight Summit interview Alex did while at the Sundance Film Festival, hosted by Kristen Smedley.
If you would like to reach us, feel free to e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube to @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee sit down for a chat with visually impaired writer, Marc Muszynski, who has worked on shows such as “Dexter” and “Polly Pocket”. Marc chronicles his journey with visual impairment and talks about his experience in the writers' room.
Check out the Honest trailer for “Frozen” here:
https://youtu.be/Zb5IH57SorQ?si=llA9Qhz6hGn_PCFH
If you would like to reach us, feel free to e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube to @darkroomfilmcast.
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Alex and Lee present their top 10 films of 2024.
We want to take a moment to acknowledge the devastation and losses people are experiencing during the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires. our hearts are with the city of Los Angeles and everyone affected by this natural disaster. For anyone looking for fire recovery resources, please visit:
http://recovery.lacounty.gov/resources
If you would like to reach out to us, please e-mail darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com and be sure to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast
Check out Lee’s award-winning short film, Audio Description:
https://youtu.be/NdHN94XRrf0?si=MXlKjcsnPkrjUyc3
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Happy New Year! As we look ahead to 2025, Alex and Lee share their most anticipated films of the year and some fun life updates.
If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com. Also, be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast.
Lee’s award-winning short film, Audio Description:
https://youtu.be/NdHN94XRrf0?si=MXlKjcsnPkrjUyc3
Check out the Blind Can Film Festival hosted by our sponsor, Ben Fox:
https://www.blindcan.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
Support the show
Support the show
Alex and Lee sit down with Rhys Lloyd, the Studio Head of Descriptive Video Works to discuss everything that goes into creating live audio description for the 2024 Summer Olympics, Paralympics, and Saturday Night Live, which has AD for the full season for the very first time!
Contact Rhys Lloyd: rhys@dvworks.com
Contact Descriptive Video Works: info@dvworks.com
Email us with questions, feedback or show ideas! darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!
Support us on Patreon!
Follow us on Instagram!
Find us on Facebook!
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We sit down with Nefertiti Matos Olivares, a band audio description narrator, writer, and advocate. She has done live audio description for the Academy Awards for the last two years among other notable projects.
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Alex and Lee sit down with the team behind the world-class audio description of The Mandalorian (and the rest of the Mando-verse), which includes AD writer Justin Sohl and narrator Nicol Zanzarella. The Mandalorian and the rest of the Mando-verse is now streaming on Disney+. Huge thanks to Justin, Nicol, Disney, Deluxe, and LucasFilm!
Find Nicol at: http://www.nicolzanzarella.com/
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
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In honor of Venom: The Last Dance's release, Alex and Lee debate the best and worst of the 9 Spider-Man Films!
Email us and let us know what you think of the Spider-Man films!
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
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Alex and Lee welcome filmmakers , Aaron Sauerland and Dustin Little, to the show to discuss their upcoming short film “In Case Of Fear”. We also recap our favorite horror films of 2024 so far.
If you would like to partner with Aaron and Dustin on “In Case Of Fear” which will have audio description, you can contribute to their campaign here:
http://www.seedandspark.com/fund/InCaseOfFear#story
Also, be sure to follow them on Instagram here:
In Case Of Fear: @InCaseOfFear
Aaron Sauerland: @AaronSauerland
Dustin Little: @IntBrainNight
And be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast and e-mail us to be in the running for the “Rosemary’s Baby” digital copy giveaway at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
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For this episode, Alex and Lee take a detour from the film world to discuss the video game landscape with Ross Minor, a blind accessibility consultant. Ross has played a huge role in advancing accessibility for video games within the blind and low vision communities and he discusses his experiences with us.
TRIGGER WARNING: There are discussions of murder, suicide, and domestic abuse early in the episode. Please skip to 5:28 to avoid these subjects if you wish.
Thumbnail Image Description: The words "The Dark Room" in the classic yellow and blue Pokemon Font over the words: "Audio Version" in a blocky 8-bit black font.
Be sure to follow Ross on Instagram, YouTube, and Twitch.
https://rossminor.com
Ross' Accessible Gaming Wiki
Editor Jamie's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43IU2IRX2wU&list=PLAQUjJTUd6PMoYe-3tHHioG9eKSxChIqb
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
Find transcripts of our episodes on our hosting site, Buzzsprout!
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Alex and Lee chat with Tristan Snyder, blind audio describer and sound engineer. In our discussion, Tristan talks about his journey into the world of audio description and sound engineering and the way he navigates this being blind.
Tristan’s website:
https://ear2earsound.com
Find video versions of Tristan’s audiobooks here:
https://dcmp.org
Be sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast and feel free to e-mail us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Lee and Alex discuss the accessibility and history of movie trailers with special guest Kensuke Nakamura. He discusses his process when making audio described trailers.
NOTE: This episode resulted in the Alien Romulus trailer getting described by Kensuke, you can find it, along with his other trailers. at the link below.
Kensuke's Audio Described trailers: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?app=desktop&list=PLKtLt6a4OKA-xipFD_DRi_02-iF00F70d&si=qKBI3LBSlGhisv7Q
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee give their reactions to the 2024 Oscars ceremony and winners and review DUNE: PART 2.
Please follow us on Instagram and YouTube at @darkroomfilmcast and if you have any questions or comments, we would love to hear from you! You can email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com.
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Now that the Oscars are over, Alex and Lee look ahead to the rest of the year and discuss their most anticipated films for the remainder of 2024.
*** Please note: this episode was recorded prior to the release of “Dune: Part 2”.
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
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Alex and Lee continue their celebration of the accessible world of Disney with part 2 focusing on Disney animated films. They review the latest Disney animated feature “Wish” and share their favorite animated movies from the Disney cannon.
Image Description: The words "The Dark Room" are in the classic 90s Disney Home Video white Font sitting over the iconic light blue Disney Castle. The word "podcast" is sitting under the castle in a light blue font. The entire image sits on a stark blue background.
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Watch the video version of this episode here!
Alex and Lee are pleased to present this special panel presentation, featuring audio description writers and narrators who worked on 7 of the 10 Oscar-nominated Best Picture films.
In their conversation, they celebrate the works of these wonderful individuals who made these films accessible and highlight specific audio description aspects of each project. The panel features Matthew Christoffersen ("American Fiction"), Tristan Snyder ("Anatomy of a Fall"), Stoney Emshwiller ("Barbie" & "The Zone of Interest"), Liz Gutman ("Maestro" & "May December"), Christina Stevens ("American Fiction" & "Oppenheimer"), and Samantha Manahan ("Poor Things").
Image Description: A top-down stock photo of business folks gathered around a white round table. The Dark Room logo is on the tabletop with the words 2024 Oscars Audio Description Roundtable.
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee are joined by returning guest Jamie Gagnon to discuss Alex and Jamie's trip to Sundance 2024, the slate of films they saw, and the overall festival's accessibility.
Watch the Thelma Post-Screening Q&A! (minor spoilers)
Watch Jamie's newest horror shorts here!
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee reflect on the films of 2023. They reveal their favorite audio description tracks and movies of the year!
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee chat with Ashley Eakin, a disabled director and writer, who has worked on projects for Netflix, Disney+, and Apple TV+. Ashley recounts her journey into Hollywood, and what navigating her disability has looked like, as well as how her experiences have influenced her storytelling. She also discusses her experiences utilizing audio description on her projects.
Ashley's Instagram: @asheakin
Forgive Us Our Trespasses: https://www.netflix.com/title/81320168
Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Lee and Alex chat with Michele Spitz, a speaker, philanthropist, audio, describer, and grant provider for filmmakers. In this episode, Michele discusses her journey into the audio description world, and the way she has been able to advance accessibility for blind and low vision viewers.
Michele Spitz's Woman of Her Word website:
https://www.womanofherword.com/
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Happy Halloween! To celebrate spooky season, Alex and Lee chat with Rein Brooks, audio description writer for “Birth/Rebirth”, “The Royal Hotel”, and other films. We discuss your favorite horror films and the unique challenges of writing audio description for the horror genre.
Note: When Rein discusses The Walking Dead description he is referring to a sample he did, not the actual description.
Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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In this part 2 episode, Alex continues recounting his experience at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and discusses the ways the film festival was accessible as well as areas where there is room for growth.
Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex had the amazing opportunity to attend the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and he is back to discuss his experience on this episode. In part one, Alex shares his thoughts on the movies he saw at TIFF and which ones he anticipates being part of the awards season conversations.
Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee welcome back friend and blind movie critic John Stark on the show to rank Christopher Nolan's entire filmography so far. In this second part, we review and rank Nolan's second six films from Inception through Oppenheimer.
For a video version of this episode check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfrdRkUMGDNwgLAI_YpxSg
John Stark's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/macthemovieguy
Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee welcome friend and blind movie critic John Stark on the show to rank Christopher Nolan's entire filmography so far. In this first part, we review and rank Nolan's first six films chronologically, Insomnia through The Dark Knight.
For a video version of this episode check out our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwfrdRkUMGDNwgLAI_YpxSg
John Stark's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/macthemovieguy
Audio Description Project: https://adp.acb.org/
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
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Alex and Lee chat with Kurt Yeager, a disabled actor whose credits include “Sons Of Anarchy”, “NCIS”, and “The Beanie Bubble”. in our conversation, Kurt discusses the accident that caused his disability, his philosophy on representation and navigating Hollywood, and the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. If you would like to help the industry professionals currently out of work, you can donate to the Entertainment Community Fund at https://entertainment community.org
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Join Lee and Alex for a conversation with Liz Gutman, an audio description content creator. In this episode, Liz discusses her process of writing audio description, what inspired her to get into this field, and more.
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Alex and Lee discuss their favorite films, audio description tracks, and performances of 2023 so far.
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Lee and Alex talk about the positives and negatives of at home movie and TV viewing from a legally blind perspective. We discuss the accessibility of the major streaming services, devices and physical media.
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Alex and Lee celebrate Disney accessibility with the focus on live action films. They review the recent adaptation of “The Little Mermaid”, rank the live action remakes, and share some favorite nostalgic classics.
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Lee and Alex are guest speakers at an accessibility in Cinema class at DePaul University. Listen in!
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Alex and Lee welcome special guest, Jamie Gagnon, Script Coordinator for the television series, 9-1-1. In our conversation, Jamie discusses his short films, making audio description tracks for them, and the current Writers Guild of America Strike.
Jamie's Accessible Shorts Playlist on Vimeo & YouTube!
Jamie's AD short, Ax-essibility.
A great WGA Strike explainer by Dan Murrell (tell him The Dark Room sent you).
Questions? Email us at darkroomfilmcast@gmail.com
Search for Audio Description availability for any title on the American Council for the Blind's Website!
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Image Description: An orange circle fills the screen with an image of a black & white 'solidarity fist' held high, gripping a pencil with the words 'Writers Guild on Strike' surrounding it.
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Alex and Lee discuss their movie sin lists, consisting of classic films they have never seen, and recount their most memorable movie going experiences.
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Lee and Alex discuss what it's like going to the movie theater as a legally blind patron. What we like, using audio description devices and how it can be improved.
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Lee and Alex discuss their most anticipated films for the rest of 2023 and their brief thoughts on John Wick Chapter 4.
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A conversation with Aaron Sauerland, script supervisor of the Oscar nominated film "Marcel the Shell with Shoes On." Listen to Aaron discuss his on set experiences and opinions on disability representation in the industry as well as audio description.
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Alex and Lee discuss several topics related to the Oscars and give their Oscar predictions.
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Alex and Lee discuss their favorite movies of 2022 and how expectations and audio description impacted their experience
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Welcome to The Dark Room! Listen and learn about our background, eyesight and love of cinema!
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