I've been so busy working that I had no time for this blog. I am trying to do weekly posts but with a busy life, I don't know how I'm going to keep this up. I am trying though.
Anyway, I've been doing some transcription work and a bit of captioning. It has had me pretty occupied. The time it takes to do something depends, of course, on the length of time but the quality of the audio, how fast a person speaks, and how much repetition they may do. It's challenging but I like it. I will try to put more posts when I have some free time.
I would like some direct work so I can earn more money but for now, I'm satisfied I get any work at all. So, here's to a great day wherever you are! :)
Wednesday, 22 July 2015
Wednesday, 1 July 2015
Getting into the industry
What I am realizing is that the captioning world is a hard world to gain employment. The usual thing is that you need experience to get the jobs. I decided to set up this blog to practice and keep track of my progress. I don't know if it is a blog that people will be interested in but I know my purpose for doing it. I can tell you what I'm learning.
1. You just don't get it. (re: audio that is not clear)
2. It's ok if you don't get it.
3. Being able to write American English is an advantage. I learnt British English so I have to switch to American English. This is very difficult but not impossible.
4. It's time-consuming. The job itself is time-consuming and some things you may have to research.
5. Working at home beats having to be in traffic and be at someone else's workplace.
6. Work may be slow in coming if not established or with an established company.
7. Harder to get jobs if not in the US or a US citizen.
8. Timing is everything. Time those captions!
9. Being educated while you work is fantastic. Some videos can be really interesting.
10. There is always work since there will always be another movie, tv show or some form of video out there.
11. Rest your hands. Those babies are your work tools.
12. Patience. The beginning seems rough but when you're near the end, there is a sense of accomplishment.
13. Proofreading is your best friend. Keep him/her close. Stay besties.
14. Flexibility. You can work day or night, weekdays or weekends or a combination of those but get the work done on time.
15. Relax. Breathe and don't get anxious. Take your time but don't be a snail.
I think from looking at the above, I have learnt quite a lot. Wow! So, maybe these points will help someone even in another job. Some things are relatable.
1. You just don't get it. (re: audio that is not clear)
2. It's ok if you don't get it.
3. Being able to write American English is an advantage. I learnt British English so I have to switch to American English. This is very difficult but not impossible.
4. It's time-consuming. The job itself is time-consuming and some things you may have to research.
5. Working at home beats having to be in traffic and be at someone else's workplace.
6. Work may be slow in coming if not established or with an established company.
7. Harder to get jobs if not in the US or a US citizen.
8. Timing is everything. Time those captions!
9. Being educated while you work is fantastic. Some videos can be really interesting.
10. There is always work since there will always be another movie, tv show or some form of video out there.
11. Rest your hands. Those babies are your work tools.
12. Patience. The beginning seems rough but when you're near the end, there is a sense of accomplishment.
13. Proofreading is your best friend. Keep him/her close. Stay besties.
14. Flexibility. You can work day or night, weekdays or weekends or a combination of those but get the work done on time.
15. Relax. Breathe and don't get anxious. Take your time but don't be a snail.
I think from looking at the above, I have learnt quite a lot. Wow! So, maybe these points will help someone even in another job. Some things are relatable.
Monday, 29 June 2015
The captioner sometimes needs subtitles too
Sometimes, it's really hard to understand what people are saying and I, for one, can't seem to figure it out. I don't know if over time, you understand more and more of these very difficult words but I do try to replay as many times as I can. I may get it on the 5th sometimes the 3rd or maybe the 10th but other times, I don't get it at all.
I really think that without subtitles or captions, some things I wouldn't understand when watching shows. At least, if you have someone proofreading your work, that person may be able to catch what was being said. Who knows?
All I can say is, I try and I keep working on it.
I really think that without subtitles or captions, some things I wouldn't understand when watching shows. At least, if you have someone proofreading your work, that person may be able to catch what was being said. Who knows?
All I can say is, I try and I keep working on it.
Wednesday, 24 June 2015
Rough Transcript
What do I mean by rough transcript?
It means that it's not the final version that I would give someone. It's really a draft. If someone were to request the transcript or have me caption the same exact video, I would already have the basic transcript and can build on that for a final transcript or to use to caption.
This helps me build my skills and speed in the meantime.
I hope this helps with understanding what I'm doing.
It means that it's not the final version that I would give someone. It's really a draft. If someone were to request the transcript or have me caption the same exact video, I would already have the basic transcript and can build on that for a final transcript or to use to caption.
This helps me build my skills and speed in the meantime.
I hope this helps with understanding what I'm doing.
Hi,
Welcome to my site!
I need to practice captioning and wanted to post my finished projects here. I will not post the videos due to copyright infringement but I will have the finished transcripts of each project I work on, finished as a file. When I get permission to post the finished product, then I will update and post the link.
Keep checking to see what I'm working on. :)
Welcome to my site!
I need to practice captioning and wanted to post my finished projects here. I will not post the videos due to copyright infringement but I will have the finished transcripts of each project I work on, finished as a file. When I get permission to post the finished product, then I will update and post the link.
Keep checking to see what I'm working on. :)
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