Paramount Pictures UK Launches Nationwide Priority Captioned Screenings for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Audiences

A multi-way collaboration with the Film Distributors Association (FDA) and UK Cinema Association (UKCA) and Paramount Pictures UK are prioritising deaf, deafened and hard of harding audiences by launching priority captioned screenings in cinemas nationwide for improved accessibility. 

For the approximately 18 million people who are classed as having hearing loss in the UK, these screenings will provide on-screen transcriptions of audio elements, including dialogue and sound effects. 

With support from the British Deaf Association, the partnership aims to improve the current cinema experience for deaf and hard of hearing audiences by increasing the availability of captioned shows at various times throughout the week. Additionally, venue staff will receive training in deaf awareness and basic BSL (British Sign Language) to enhance their understanding and engagement with customers. 

In a statement, Andy Leyshon, Chief Executive FDA shared his excitement, “We should all be striving to improve accessibility and enhance the audience experience in cinemas, and this initiative from Paramount is a great further step forward that will hopefully lead to a much better offer in this area as we progress. 

“We also know that there is a general increase in audiences choosing to watch captioned content either on mobile devices or at home watching TV/PVOD or SVOD content – 61 percent of 18–24-year-olds and 13 percent of 50–64-year-old equating to over a quarter of the population – suggesting that captioned shows are now more likely to be accepted by general audiences, not just the deaf community.”

Charity Check-in

At Smiley Movement, we like to elevate the work of charities across the world. Here are three charities whose causes align with the themes in this article. 

Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) is a national charity that supports over 12 million people with hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus. Find out more.

British Deaf Association (BDA). This charity advocates for the rights of deaf individuals, promoting British Sign Language (BSL) and raising awareness of the challenges they face. Learn more here. 

StageText. This is a deaf-led charity that is passionate about making the arts a welcoming and accessible space. Support them here.

This article aligns with the UN SDG Reduced Inequalities.