How to Use Transcription Services for Films

You can streamline the process of script creation, adding time codes, or creating subtitles for your documentary or film by partnering with a transcription service.

Traditionally, screenwriters have developed handwritten scripts that producers then transform into movies. In relatively recent years, however, screenwriting software is becoming a more popular way to produce a quality transcript. As a result, technology is now a big part of the film industry.

Increasingly, movie transcripts are part of the creative process involved in modifying scripts. Also, accurate transcription enables actors to read their lines easily, allowing them to put forth their best performance.

What’s in a Word?

There are many people involved in the movie production process. For instance:

• Actors
• Editors
• Production executives
• Set designers
• Technicians
• Writers

These individuals work together to create Hollywood magic, or alternatively, documentary history. Transcripts play a crucial role in relaying the information that each one of these essential players needs to do their jobs. However, a film transcript is only useful if it’s properly formatted.

To begin with, you might need to convert your screenplay to suit your needs. For example, you may need to divide the screenplay into time slots that align with the overall schedule required to complete the shoot.

For the production transcript, you may need different time-ordering. One popular method encompasses using one film script sheet to figure out the estimated screen time. In general, this means that one script sheet equals one minute on screen.

Using this method, production stakeholders schedule filming according to the number of sheets. Eventually, the script forms a sequence of storytelling events that include action, music, dialogue and special effects.

Typically, your finished deliverable will consist of 100 to 300 pages or sheets. This number of pages translates into approximately two hours of screen time.

Working With the Finished Product

A high-quality transcript is essential for optimizing the production process. For example, you’ll need standardized scripts to coordinate how various angles will appear to viewers.

There are a few industry-standard practices used to facilitate the filmmaking transcription process. In the modified screenplay, transcriptionists use black ink written on white paper. The standard font is 12-point Draft Courier or Courier New. If there any further modifications, the script is presented on colored paper.

The colors change anytime you add a new element. The sequence of colors is as follows:

• White
• Pink
• Green
• Yellow
• Goldenrod
• Salmon

This color scheme is the industry standard used by professional filmmakers.

Professional Transcription for Your Next Project

If you’re a filmmaker, the timecode is an integral part of the filming process. Time codes assist you with editing workflows, shooting the film and reviewing footage.

You can add time code to film using a service such as Rev. Vendors such as Rev simplify the transcription process. For instance, you begin by navigating to their transcription page. There, you can take advantage of advanced services, such as adding foreign subtitles.

To begin, you upload files of your video content or provide a link to where you’ve published your film online. Next, you’ll choose the timestamp option to add this critical feature to your transcript. Once you receive confirmation that your project is complete, you can preview the transcription to make sure it’s just right by comparing to your video file.

If all looks well, the transcription service will start inserting time codes, broken up by speakers, if that’s what you desire. Now that your video transcripts are complete, the service makes it easy for you to share the work with relevant stakeholders. You can also export and download the transcription using the provider’s dashboard.

At Your Service: Professional Transcription for Your Documentary Film

For documentary films, transcription is one of the most challenging, expensive tasks involved in the production. You could do it yourself, but more than likely, it will take too much time and won’t produce the same great results that you’ll receive if you hire a professional transcription service.

Most documentary filmmakers shoot hours of interview footage. With no interview transcript, it’s challenging to make it to the final cut. A documentary transcript enables you to fact check, organize content, and edit dialogue sequences quickly. It also helps you to avoid creating scenes where viewers might take content out-of-context.

Any quality transcription begins with a great audio file. Research shows that high-quality audio is more important than visuals. Crisp, clean audio is essential for production as well as the transcription process.

If your audio is unintelligible, it’s nearly impossible to transcribe. You may as well upload the audio of your subjects talking underwater.

Today, top transcription services pool the talent of many skilled transcriptionists to make your project spring to life. To complete your projects faster, for instance, a premium transcription service will break your project into multiple parts. This way, the transcriptionists can complete their work faster, resulting in faster turnaround time for your order. If you want to go the high-tech route, some transcription services offer AI-powered speech to text service.

The best transcription services can produce an exceptional deliverable five times faster than you could on your own. They may even offer a nearly 100% accuracy guarantee.

Whether you’re shooting a film or documentary, transcription is essential for your next project. You need the best quality transcription to while focus groups and other important stakeholders. Make the smart choice and partner with an experienced provider that can help streamline the process of your next production.