Lights, camera, inclusion: Adapting TV and VFX practices with Deaf and hard-of-hearing actors

Creating an inclusive TV industry requires intentional adaptation of production practices to support the participation and success of Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) actors. This article explores strategies for fostering accessibility and equity on TV sets, with a particular emphasis on high-production environments like those involving visual effects (VFX). Through the lens of a case study interview with Amy Murray, a Deaf actor who starred in the fantasy series The Witcher: Blood Origin (2022), the research examines real-world challenges and solutions for enhancing accessibility and integrating VFX workflows with inclusive practices. Murray provides insights into her experiences, including navigating communication barriers, the use of on-set interpreters and the importance of visual aids, written cues and pre-visualization tools during the production process. The article highlights how the production team of The Witcher: Blood Origin implemented inclusive practices, such as hiring sign-language interpreters, providing captioned scripts and fostering an inclusive work culture while collaborating with VFX teams. Key to their success was the use of visual storytelling tools and technologies, including VFX pre-visualizations and accessible digital interfaces, to ensure Murray and other team members could effectively visualize and interpret scenes involving complex effects. Murray’s reflections underscore the significance of authentic representation, noting how her presence as a deaf actor enriched the storytelling and brought depth to her character within the highly visual medium of VFX-heavy productions. The article calls for a collective shift towards a more accessible, equitable and visually inclusive TV industry.