Objectives

The primary objective of this tender is to appoint a qualified service provider to deliver audio description and captioning services for content produced or funded by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. The goal is to enhance accessibility for audiences, including those who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf, by providing comprehensive audio-visual descriptions and captions across multiple projects over a three-year period.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Audio description and captioning of eight funded content projects per year, totaling 24 projects over three years.
• At least four projects annually must be audio-described in isiZulu, with a total of 12 isiZulu descriptions over the contract period.
• Provision of services for films, television, short films, animation, and documentaries produced or funded by the Authority.
• Mentoring and capacity building of local SMMEs, including companies owned by disabled persons, women, youth, or co-operatives, as part of enterprise development.
• Training and skills transfer to emerging service providers and ongoing support for sustainability.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope encompasses:

• Provision of high-quality audio description and captioning services aligned with industry standards.
• Use of accessible, non-expiring links for project submissions; watermarked works are acceptable.
• Provision of certified proof of training and competency in audio description services.
• Delivery of services in accordance with the specified timelines, including in isiZulu language for designated projects.
• Mentoring and capacity building of local SMMEs, including skills transfer and close-out reporting within 30 days of project completion.
• Adherence to accessibility standards for visually and hearing-impaired audiences.

Skills Requirements

The successful service provider must demonstrate:

• 5-10 years of experience in the film/TV industry, specifically in audio description and captioning services.
• Proven track record with at least five projects showcasing expertise in audio description and captioning, including watermark-protected samples.
• Qualified personnel with relevant training and certification in audio description services, with evidence of training undertaken from 2015 onwards.
• Strong methodology outlining approach, including project management, quality control, and capacity building strategies.
• Concise CVs of key team members, including project managers and technical staff, with relevant experience and competencies.
• Capacity to mentor and transfer skills to emerging SMMEs within KwaZulu-Natal.