‘The Murder of Actor Rafael Miguel’ HBO Docu Series Audio Description



This gripping three-part HBO True Crime docuseries traces the events leading up to the 2019 murder of Brazilian actor Rafael Miguel and his parents.

It’s a compelling true-crime story set in Brazil, which meant as an AD (Audio Description) Narrator, navigating many names and locations unfamiliar to me.

Fortunately, my high school Spanish and time living in a Portuguese-speaking neighborhood provided a useful foundation- enough to catch patterns, stress, and rhythm, even if Portuguese isn’t Spanish.

Still, I approached every unfamiliar term with care: researching pronunciations, cross-checking reputable sources, and confirming tricky names with production, to ensure cultural and linguistic accuracy.

My audio description process for this series:

  • Tone and intent: Clear, neutral, and respectful—objective descriptions that support the viewer’s understanding without editorializing or sensationalizing.
  • Pronunciation prep: A pre-session glossary with IPA or phonetic notes, verified against Portuguese references and production guidance.
  • Timing and pacing: Descriptions placed in natural pauses, aligned with the score and dialogue so the narrative breathes and tension remains intact.
  • Session workflow: Multiple passes for dense sequences; consistent mic technique, breath control, and noise management for seamless edits.
  • Delivery: Provided alternates for segments with rapid or long form dialogue.

 

“A bonus on this project was working alongside a bilingual team—collaboration that sharpened accuracy and kept the narration culturally respectful. The result is audio description that’s precise, unobtrusive, and engaging, guiding the audience through a complex story while keeping the spotlight on the film itself.”



Contact William ( Bill)
Email: bill@wmcline.com
Call 401-523-2876