Transcription generally refers to converting an audio file into text. There are many reasons for transcription, including simplifying minutes or making a speech more accessible to the public. It is also possible to transcribe audio from a video file, such as a documentary.
What is a Documentary Transcription?
Documentary transcription means converting a video file and its oral content into a text document. This text document not only helps in the editing process of the documentary but also increases its reach.
Documentary transcription has many production and promotional benefits.
- Accurate time stamps in transcriptions allow the director to determine the best pieces of the video data collected for the final cut.
- Transcription saves a lot of time and is more convenient than playing all your video recordings over and over again.
- A good transcript allows a director to break down the documentary. This breakdown will enable them to write a public service announcement, summary, or synopsis of the documentary.
How Documentary Transcription Works?
Many documentaries have a similar format. There is always narration, interviews, and reenactments or original footage of the events related to the topic. Whether the documentary is about movie production, nature, or the state of living in a specific place, these sections are essential to the plot of the film.
A documentary transcript helps merge these different parts seamlessly. This is how good documentary transcription helps in the production process:
1. Break down the documentary scenes
A transcript captures the different words and events that occur in every scene, making it possible for directors to break down and arrange the various parts in the best way possible. Moreover, in the case of nature documentaries, the transcript gives an editor ease as they try to piece footage together. Moreover, as mentioned, with a transcript, it’s easier to create a trailer, synopsis, or summary of the documentary.
2. Guide the narrator
A transcript also works as a guide for the narrator. The transcript will not only help with the narrator’s scriptwriting process but guide an understanding of the events in the film. It leads to a smoother narration and a cleaner documentary.
3. Point out inaudible parts
Although transcription functions to work out every single thing that is said, in some instances, the inaudible dialogues are so bad that transcriptionists can’t decipher them. Having a transcript made helps directors point this out and figure out how to solve the issue.
How Documentary Transcription Benefits the Audience
Here are reasons you should consider using transcription in your documentary:
1. Make your content more accessible
Transcription serves as a precursor to video subtitles and captions. Subtitles serve as effective interpreters for those who do not speak the same language or are hearing impaired.
2. Increase access to students, researchers, and journalists
Document transcription is a great help for students, researchers, and journalists. You can use these transcripts to obtain data and authoritative information for articles and studies or as references for reports and articles. Instead of spending hours watching documentaries, the students or journalists simply search for specific scenes or parts of the transcript. This speeds up their work and is useful for education and research.
3. Better the quality of the film
Documentary interviews may contain interruptions and false starts. Video transcription will identify the speaker’s sentence breaks. This is important in the documentary post-production process. A well-made film involves cutting and piecing footage together smoothly.
4. Highlight documented content for better consumption
Companies distribute documentaries on television and in cinemas. A transcribed version of the documentary allows viewers to enjoy the film without watching it, which improves the user’s experience as it helps them understand the content better. A transcribed video can, therefore, improve visibility.
Why You Should Hire a Transcription Service
Many post-production teams prefer to cut out the middleman and do transcriptions in-house. However, many teams don’t have the know-how and experience to create flawless transcriptions, so mistakes often happen.
In contrast, outsourcing a transcription service is a smart decision. With advanced software and background, professionals with excellent listening and typing skills can perform the task faster, making it more cost-effective.
A good transcription company offers filmmakers a comprehensive approach to video transcription and translation, giving organizations of all sizes an easy way to quickly, affordably, and efficiently transform audio into text.
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