Breaking Barriers: UK Cinemas Prioritize Deaf Audiences with Early Screenings

Paramount Pictures UK is prioritizing deaf audiences by showing captioned films a day early, starting with 'Transformers One'. This initiative is considered groundbreaking, aiming to make cinemas more accessible for deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Training for staff in British Sign Language is also underway.

In a groundbreaking move, Paramount Pictures UK is setting a new standard for inclusivity by offering captioned film screenings for deaf audiences a day before the general public. This initiative begins with the robot animation film 'Transformers One' on October 10, with future titles such as 'Gladiator II' and 'Sonic the Hedgehog 3' to follow.

Rebecca Mansell, the chief executive of the British Deaf Association, praised the initiative as revolutionary for the deaf community, who have often faced inconvenient scheduling for subtitled showings. Now, they have the opportunity to be the first to see these films, marking an exciting moment for the 18 million people in the UK registered as deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing.

Furthermore, cinema staff across UK cities are undergoing deaf awareness training to improve communication with deaf customers. This training, led by TV presenter and British Deaf Association ambassador Yvonne Cobb, focuses on teaching basic British Sign Language and effective interaction techniques, enhancing the overall cinema experience for the deaf community.

(With inputs from agencies.)