How can we improve subtitles?

“When I read the Six Recommendations that had been made, I was nodding my head to each and every one of them. They all make sense, they all feel achievable, and they all result in improving the visual experience for Deaf people using subtitles. I can see no reason why they can’t be done.” 

William Mager
Producer, Director, and Scriptwriter with 20 years of experience in film and television production

Research conducted by the University of Sheffield has found that poor captioning makes Deaf audiences feel excluded from the cinematic experience. 

Our latest research film puts our award-winning ‘Six Recommendations for Change’ for improving film and TV subtitles in front of industry professionals and key stakeholders. 

To quote William Mager: “Let’s get on with it!"

“As a Deaf viewer with a deep appreciation for film and theatre, I see subtitles not as an enhancement, but as essential. I cannot overstate how essential high-quality subtitles are — they are not an optional extra, but a fundamental component of equitable access.

This film rightly highlights that true progress in accessibility depends on the meaningful involvement of Deaf, Deafblind and hard of hearing people in shaping standards. Without that, inclusion risks becoming superficial rather than transformative.”

- Hamza Shaikh
Deaf BSL Consultant and Trustee of the British Deaf Association

“The Rethinking Subtitles for Deaf Audiences project is an important and timely piece of work, and the Six Recommendations for Change offer a clear, practical framework that the screen industries can realistically adopt. What makes the research especially powerful is that it is rooted in the lived experience of Deaf audiences, ensuring the recommendations are not only technically achievable but genuinely meaningful.

It also connects directly to the kind of inclusive production we want to see more of across the region. Screen Yorkshire’s investment through the Yorkshire Content Fund in the BBC drama Reunion shows how targeted support can help bring ambitious, accessible and representative storytelling to the screen. The work being done through this project complements that progress by helping ensure audiences can fully engage with that content once it reaches them.”

- Caroline Cooper Charles
Chief Executive, Screen Yorkshire

“Inclusivity in film isn't just about who is on the screen or behind the camera, it’s about who can access the story. We can champion diverse creative voices all we like, but the promise is hollow if our cinema doors aren't truly open to everyone. Accessibility shouldn't be a luxury or an afterthought, it should be a commercially viable, foundational pillar of the modern cinema experience. Key to this are two central conceits; captions and audio descriptions should be designed by Deaf practitioners with Deaf audiences in mind, and exhibitors should commit to user-tested, personalised captioning and screening times that actually respect the lives of Deaf audiences. The goal should be simple - a cinema experience that belongs to everyone without compromise."

- David Holloway
Co-director, Spirit of Independence Film Festival

"At ITV, we believe strongly in the need for high-quality subtitling and audio description to enable everyone to enjoy our programmes. As audiences fragment across a huge number of different services and different devices, having a common understanding of what is meant by quality becomes even more important. And embedding that commitment to inclusion as early as possible in the production process will facilitate the best outcomes."

- David Padmore
Director of Accessibility, ITV

For a version of the 'How can we improve subtitles?' film accompanied by BSL Interpretation, press 'play' on the video below: