The European Disability Forum (EDF) is looking for a service provider to produce an animated video on the impact of technology and digital skills for persons with disabilities in the workplace. EDF is hoping to create a short animated video that can be shared on social media (between 1 minute 30 seconds and 2 minutes long).

Deadline: 18 April 2024

Purpose of the video

The video is part of the raising awareness campaign. The main message is to show the potential of digital skills training and the use of accessible and assistive technologies to create positive change for people with disabilities in the workplace. As well as making reasonable accommodations that allow people with disabilities to work on an equal basis with other people.

The video will present a number of personal stories that persons with disabilities have shared with us about their experience in the labour market. The animation should help convey the testimonies they are sharing and help visually clarify the situation they are describing. The animation should also help convey the messages we will present just before and after sharing these personal testimonies.

Requirements for animators and conditions

• The video should be in 2D or 3D, with the final decision made based on accessibility considerations after discussing with the service provider.
• The video will need to be captioned to make them accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. EDF will provide a list of suitable captioners.
• The video should include a voice-over based on a script to be decided on alongside the animation office.
• EDF may add sign language interpretation to the video. This work will be done by EDF after the video is produced (or by the service provider in collaboration with a sign language interpreter chosen by EDF. If so, the sign language interpreter should be involved and informed by the animation studio when necessary). In case the sign language interpretation is added by EDF, the animation studio should keep some space for the interpreter’s video to be embedded in the animation (see example of sign language interpretation in animated video).
• The cost for the sign language interpreter and audio description will be handled by EDF and is the only accessibility measure that should not be factored into the production budget by the animator.
• Video editors should be open to making modifications based on feedback. We predict 2 rounds of feedback for the storyboard and script, 2 rounds of feedback for the visual sample of the main character, 2 rounds of feedback on the animation draft, and 1 round of feedback on the captions.
• The script will be provided by EDF, but the provider’s input will be welcomed.
• The video should be accessible, considering the following criteria:
  • Colour contrast and colouring should be used to accommodate individuals with colour blindness.
  • Subtle motion should be incorporated to enhance accessibility.
  • Audio description should be included when there is no dialogue.
  • If background music is used, it should not hinder people who are hard of hearing from understanding dialogues and audio description.

Terms and Conditions

The chosen service provider is required to:

• Deliver the completed product to EDF.
• Provide EDF with source files/masters of edited content, visuals, fonts, raw footage, and full rushes, all accompanied by shot lists with English time codes, at no extra charge. This is vital as EDF upholds stringent accessibility standards and may need to make modifications based on accessibility issues reported long after the video’s production. If the service provider is unable to share the source material due to stock media licensing terms, they must supply EDF with comprehensive information about the source material, including the stock media website and item number it was sourced from. All copyrights for all products must be transferred to EDF. However, the service provider will continue to be acknowledged as the original creator of the animation.

The contractor is expected to carry out the work independently. However, in specific circumstances or for particular products, subcontracting may be permitted provided EDF gives written consent after receiving prior written notification (for example: voice-over, audio-description, etc.).

Budget and Limitations

EDF is setting aside a 9.000 euros budget for this video, including VAT.

While we’re able to be flexible about the storyline and the length of the video, we are unable to compromise with regard to the accessibility requirements detailed in this document.

Timeline

The timeline can be discussed with the service provider, but should ideally follow this structure:

• Quote/application sent to EDF by 18 April 2024
• The final video should be ready for release by late summer, to be used by EDF during the second half of the year

How to apply

If you are interested in producing an awareness video on the impact of technology and digital skills for persons with disabilities in the workplace and helping EDF be a more effective advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities across Europe, we invite you to apply. If your experience aligns with our requirements:
forward your proposal, inclusive of references to prior similar work and a pricing quote to Haydn Hammersley, EDF Social Policy Coordinator, until 18 of April. Ensure to include Vanessa James at vanessa.james@edf-feph.org in the correspondence.

Any questions feel free to contact haydn.hammersley@edf-feph.org.

by 18 April 2024 at 17.00 Central European Time (Brussels Time).