Offline Captioning Transcriptionist
What is an offline captioning transcriptionist?
Before we delve into the specifics of the offline captioning transcriptionist, let’s first talk about what transcription is. Transcription is taking the spoken word and writing it down. In this case, it is taking the script and dialogue spoken during a TV show or movie and writing out what is being said.
Offline captioning transcription is done on those shows that are pre-recorded and not shown live. You will be given a recording or a script from which to place into the captioning program, which will later be displayed on a screen during the show for those that have hearing problems to be able to read.
What Do I Need To Become An Offline Captioning Transcriptionist
We have all seen the displays during TV shows and movies that they are closed captioned. Ever wonder how it gets there? Well, one way is through an offline captioning transcriptionist. You may now be wondering how you can become one and where can you find employment in this special area of transcription.
What skills are need to become an offline captioning transcriptionist?
As with all transcription jobs, the number one skill needed for offline captioning transcriptionists is typing speed and accuracy. This is because people will be reading this in place of hearing dialogue during a TV show or movie. If it is not accurate, then they will not get the full effect of the movie or TV show.
You will also need an understanding of time codes, those codes that are stamped into video that shows frame number, time of recording and/or exposure. You will need this information to be able to code it into the finished product.
What education is required for offline captioning transcriptionist?
Like all transcription jobs, the offline captioning transcriptionist only needs to have a high school diploma or GED. While this can get your foot in the door, the next section will discuss some different types of training that will be extremely helpful to become a proficient and demanded offline transcriptionist.
What type of training will help me get good offline captioning transcriptionist jobs?
As mentioned before, you only need a high school education to apply. However, getting a certification in transcription is extremely helpful. It will give you a base from which you can begin to specialize. You will learn the basics of transcribing, formatting various programs like Word, how to mark your audio/video, how to use various transcribing equipment and a basic understanding of English grammar.
How much does an offline captioning transcriptionist get paid?
The rate of pay is entirely dependent on the company and the state in which you live. Most offline captioning is done through a service, so each service will have their own pay rates which can include by the page, by the project, by the audio hour and by the working hour. Most offline captioning transcriptionist make between $10.00 and $20.00 per hour. But if you are not quick, you won’t be rehired and that is why typing speed is very important.
Where can I find offline captioning transcription jobs?
Finding and keeping employment is the ultimate goal, so knowing where to find these jobs is important. We have listed a few of the more popular places.
TranscriptionJobsHQ.com: That’s right, this website has a job search function which is incredibly helpful in helping you find financial transcription jobs on the internet. We have partnered with top companies to offer you a very easy-to-use job search engine that pulls all listings from Simply Hired, Monster, and Indeed to show you most of the financial transcription jobs that you can find on the internet.
Elance: This is a freelance site where companies and individuals can hire people without having to go through the long interviewing process. Free to join, you will develop a profile and enter skills. In searching for jobs, you will use credits called connects that are included with your membership, which costs from free to $60.00 per month.
As a freelancer, you will be responsible for all taxes and you will need a PayPal account to receive payment. PayPal is free to join and is used on almost all freelance sites as place to send payments.
oDesk: Like Elance, oDesk is free to join. After you develop your profile, you search and apply to those jobs that you are qualified for.
Simplyhired.com: This is a large job posting site that offers work from home and company positions. You can develop a profile, search jobs by keyword and view available jobs. Each job will have a specific job details section that will include rate of pay, hours, requirements and application process.
Careerbuilder.com: This is one of the largest and most well known job posting sites on the internet today. Offering job postings in virtually every industry and job known to man, you will need to develop a profile, list your skills, upload a resume or CSV and create a cover letter. Like Simplyhired, each job will have their own details which will outline the job, requirements, pay and application process.
Monster.com: Another well known job posting site, it works very similarly to Careerbuilder.com. Again, you will search using keywords or location and then apply according to the instructions listed in the job details.
Working as an offline captioning transcriptionist is lucrative as well as helpful to others. Transcribing pre-recorded TV shows and movies, it is what is seen in the closed captioning for those who have hearing disabilities. Knowing what is required and where to find these jobs will allow you to decide if this transcription specialty is right for you.