Tim holding an award

Tim Hands – living with nystagmus

Tim has a whole clutch of awards for his work.

He says: I ain’t done bad for a lad that can’t see too well.

This is Tim’s amazing nystagmus story or watch his video

I was born with Congenital Nystagmus. I’d probably describe my sight as middle of the range, but still not good enough to drive.

After leaving school I took a degree in Fine Art in Nottingham and then moved on to the Royal College of Art where I took a Master’s degree in film.

Somehow, despite my lack of visual acuity, I have managed to forge a career in post-production sound for film and television. 

Much of my work is re-recording dialogue with cast members and my hearing has been my asset. I may not be able to see dialogue in sync as well as my colleagues, but my hearing is what I rely on.

People I have worked with aren’t really aware of the full extent of my condition. I hide it well and none of the actors I have worked with have even noticed.

My work has taken me to the US and Europe and I have had a pretty successful time working on films such as “Chicken Run”, “Mamma Mia” and “Les Misérables”, as well as major TV series including “Brave New World”, “The Nevers” and every episode of “Game of Thrones”. You can hear my voice in many of these shows, too.

I have been nominated for numerous awards along the way and have won seven MPSE (Motion Picture Sound Editors Guild) Golden Reels and four Primetime EMMYs. I ain’t done bad for a lad that can’t see too well.

Watch Tim’s video online here