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Media

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Any job specs that relate specifically to the media file are found in this section.

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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Watch entire media file - -
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Job Spec
The entire media file should be watched, transcribing content according to the job instructions. If you have been given sections of the media file to transcribe, only watch these sections.
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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
The media file duration does not match the job slip durationIf the duration of the media file does not match the duration quoted on the job slip, contact PM.
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- - Style Guide - Nothing to transcribe? - -
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Job Spec
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Sometimes a media file will not contain any relevant material that requires transcribing.

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Find the solution that best fits the media file currently being worked on:

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  • If there is no sound on the file, but the media file looks like it should have sound. Please contact PM.
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  • If there is no sound on the file and it does not look like there should be sound (e.g. only contains some visuals or other Visual Events, but no one is talking on screen), contact PM. If there are no Visual Events, then the script has Nothing to Transcribe
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  • When there is no relevant dialogue and there are no Visual Events, contact PM.
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IMPORTANT: If there is nothing to be worked on. Please contact PM ASAP.

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Timecode

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Any job specs that relate specifically to timecodes can be found in this section.

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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Timecode approx 30 seconds - -
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Job Spec
Timecode approx 30 seconds or a speaker changes. If same speaker continues, please use appropriate nametag. Timecode should match on screen burnt-in timecode.
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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
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- - Style Guide - No BITC? - -
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Job Spec
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If a file has no BITC, then consider 00:00:00:00 as start.

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
What is timecode?Timecode consists of 8 numbers separated by colons, and represents hours, minutes, second and frames. For example:
  • 05:00:23:21 - the figure in red represents hours
    • 05:00:23:21 - the figure in red represents minutes
      • 05:00:23:21 - the figure in red represents seconds
        • 05:00:23:21 - the figure in red represents frames
        As the media plays, the timecode runs like a clock. It keeps track of when things are said and helps the TV editor put the programme together. Our job is to put timecodes into our script. This is done by stamping a new timecode into our transcript every time the interviewer asks a question and every time the interviewee answers it.
Why is timecode calibrated?Each media file will have its own unique timecode. It is vital that every media file is accurately calibrated. This simply means your script should consist the Burnt-In TimeCode and not the one of video player.

There is no BITC on the media file (Pre-Edit)When there is no BITC, and the timecode has not calibrated automatically, the timecode is calibrated to 00:00:00:00 at the start of a media file.
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- - Style Guide - Pause in dialogue - -
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Job Spec
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If a speaker pauses and the pause lasts 3-5 seconds, the pause is illustrated with an ellipsis...

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If the pause is greater than 5 seconds, then dialogue is continued with a new timecode stamp and a fresh character label.

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- - Style Guide - Timecode accuracy for audio events - -
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Job Spec
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Timecodes do not need to be absolutely on the nose accurate. As long as they are accurate to within one second the client will be satisfied. It is important not to waste time trying to get the frames correct.

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
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- - Style Guide - Timecodes around camera shot changes - -
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Job Spec
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If the camera shot changes, it is likely due to the camera operator turning their camera off and on. It could also be because the client has put a few tapes together to be transcribed as a single tape. It is important that when there is a shot change, the following steps are taken:

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  • Do not continue in the same content block if the speaker in the previous shot is the same as the speaker in the next shot. Instead, start a new timecoded content block.
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Audio

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Any job specs that relate specifically to the audio can be found in this section.

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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Include false starts - -
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Job Spec
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Not every sentence starts as we mean to go on. Speakers may stop in the middle of their sentence, often starting their sentence anew, or they may give up on the sentence entirely. False starts are transcribed. For example:

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  • "That's not what-- I definitely did not mean that."
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  • "And then I went to the ship-- sorry, the shop. "
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  • "I haven't heard of-- I've not come across this before."
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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Include repetitions - -
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Job Spec
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People often repeat themselves or stutter when they speak. Repetitions are transcribed. For example:

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  • "And then, then he ran."
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  • "I went to the, I went to the shop."
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  • "And, and I thought so too."
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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Include stammers - -
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Job Spec
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Some people have a stammer, or find that they develop a stammer when they are unsure or hesitant. Stammers are transcribed, but only one instance of the stammer is required. If someone stammers on the word and, repeating the word eight times, just transcribe one instance of stammer and move on. For example:

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  • "I, I don't know."
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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Include ums and uhs - -
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Job Spec
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Ums and uhs are transcribed. Our preferred spellings are um and uh, not uhm, err, er etc.

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- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - Transcribe the interviewer's questions fully - -
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Job Spec
Please transcribe the questions fully.
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- - Marker: Background - CHATTER - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Idle, or trivial chatter.

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How To Identify -

Chatter is irrelevant dialogue between the interviewer and interviewee that doesn't need to be transcribed. Examples of chatter often occur at the beginning of interviews when the interviewer may be preparing the interviewee for the up and coming questions, ensuring he/she is comfortable, settling them in and easing their nerves etc. Of course chatter can occur at any point throughout the media, so please use your discretion.

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How To Insert -

[CHATTER] marker should mostly be placed at the start or at the end of a meaningful dialogue event.

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
Chatter or relevant dialogue?Is the interview just starting? Often the beginning of the interview will have chatter. The interviewer may be preparing the interviewee for the up and coming questions, ensuring he/she is comfortable, ensuring that the film crew is happy with the set up etc. It could be any number of things, but the important thing is this type of dialogue is chatter.

Sometimes the interviewer prompts or grooms the interviewee for an answer. Most interviews are Q&As but sometimes within these interviews the interviewer may be looking for a specific answer to a question. In these cases they may suggest how to answer. Discretion should be used here - a lot of this type of dialogue can be treated as chatter. When the interviewer asks a direction question, or the interviewer begins answering, it is back to relevant dialogue.

Throw-away comments (something that someone says without thinking carefully and is not intended to be serious.) should be considered as relevant dialogue, not chatter.

Grouping irrelevant dialogue markersThere should only ever be one chatter event (be it CHATTER, CREW CHATTER or CREW DIRECTION) between the last bit of relevant dialogue typed and the continuation of new relevant dialogue. Prioritise in this order:
  • If there is any CREW DIRECTION in amongst CHATTER and CREW CHATTER then log the whole event as CREW DIRECTION.
  • If there is any CREW CHATTER amongst normal CHATTER, then log the whole event as CREW CHATTER.
  • All the rest is CHATTER
Irrelevant should always be just one marker, following the priority listing above.
Irrelevant dialogue during some other General Visuals (GV)When dealing with actuality there will often be General Views (GVs) of certain locations pertinent to the programme being filmed. Whilst filming, the film crew may be talking about what they did last night, how they feel, who scored in the football, or suggestions for changing the location of filming / type of shot. This type of dialogue is ignored, instead a CREW CHATTER marker is used.
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- - Marker: Background - CLAPS HANDS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Claps Hands

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How To Identify -

The sound produced when the palms of someone's hands are clapped together with force. If a clapping hand can be heard during relevant dialogue it needs logging.

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How To Insert -

[CLAP HANDS]

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- - Marker: Background - CREW CHATTER - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Crew Chatter

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How To Identify -

Crew chatter is irrelevant dialogue between the film crew and interviewer. Our client doesn't want to know what the cameraman had for lunch, or what the sound-man thought of the latest blockbuster. They just want to know what the interviewee is saying.

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[CREW CHATTER]. If the crew chatter has continued for more than 5 seconds before relevant dialogue continues, please insert a new speaker label with relevant timecode (by using the appropriate person speaking). 

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
Crew chatter or relevant dialogue?A member of the film crew may talk, but should it be transcribed as relevant dialogue?
  • When the crew talk amongst themselves, it is treated as crew chatter.
  • When a crew member talks to the interviewer, it is treated as crew chatter.
  • If a crew member asks the interviewee a question, it is transcribed as relevant dialogue. However, the crew member should be added to the clipboard and the dialogue should be assigned with the Interviewer speaker role.
Grouping irrelevant dialogue markersThere should only ever be one chatter event (be it CHATTER, CREW CHATTER or CREW DIRECTION) between the last bit of relevant dialogue typed and the continuation of new relevant dialogue. Prioritise in this order:
  • If there is any CREW DIRECTION in amongst CHATTER and CREW CHATTER then log the whole event as CREW DIRECTION.
  • If there is any CREW CHATTER amongst normal CHATTER, then log the whole event as CREW CHATTER.
  • All the rest is CHATTER
Irrelevant should always be just one marker, following the priority listing above.
Irrelevant dialogue during GVWhen dealing with actuality there will often be General Views (GVs) of certain locations pertinent to the programme being filmed. Whilst filming, the film crew may be talking about what they did last night, how they feel, who scored in the football, or suggestions for changing the location of filming / type of shot. This type of dialogue is ignored, instead a CREW CHATTER marker is used.
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- - Marker: Background - CREW DIRECTION - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Direction giving by a member of the film crew to the interviewee/s to do this, do that, or say the other. 

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How To Identify -

Direction giving by a member of the film crew to the interviewee/s to do this, do that, or say the other. The interviewer may be looking for a specific answer to a question and in some cases may suggest how the interviewee should answer. However, as soon as the interviewer asks a direction question, or as soon as the interviewee begins answering, you are back to relevant dialogue.

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[CREW DIRECTION]. If the crew chatter has continued for more than 5 seconds before relevant dialogue continues, please insert a new speaker label with relevant timecode (by using the appropriate person speaking). 

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ProblemSolution
Crew direction or relevant dialogue?The crew or the interviewer may give the interviewee directions that affect what they do or how they say something. This is recognised as crew direction. For example: If the interviewer asks the interviewee to stop looking at the camera, it is crew direction. If the interviewer starts exaplining that the interviewee's answer must include the question, then it is crew direction.
Grouping irrelevant dialogue markersThere should only ever be one chatter event (be it CHATTER, CREW CHATTER or CREW DIRECTION) between the last bit of relevant dialogue typed and the continuation of new relevant dialogue. Prioritise in this order:
  • If there is any CREW DIRECTION in amongst CHATTER and CREW CHATTER then log the whole event as CREW DIRECTION.
  • If there is any CREW CHATTER amongst normal CHATTER, then log the whole event as CREW CHATTER.
  • All the rest is CHATTER
Irrelevant should always be just one marker, following the priority listing above.
Irrelevant dialogue during GVWhen dealing with actuality there will often be General Views (GVs) of certain locations pertinent to the programme being filmed. Whilst filming, the film crew may be talking about what they did last night, how they feel, who scored in the football, or suggestions for changing the location of filming / type of shot. This type of dialogue is ignored, instead a CREW CHATTER marker is used.
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- - Marker: Background - DOOR SLAMMING - -
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Job Spec
Description -

A slamming door.

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How To Identify -

The noise from a door slamming shut during relevant dialogue spoken.

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How To Insert -

[DOOR SLAMMING].

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- - Marker: Background - INTERRUPTION - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Dialogue in which the person currently speaking is interrupted by another person's dialogue. This is used mostly in between the interviewee's dialogue. However, don't over-fill the script with this marker and take sound judgement.

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Dialogue in which the person currently speaking is interrupted by another person's dialogue. For example:

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1. A single word affirmation muttered by the interviewer as the interviewee talks

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2. The interviewer briefly interrupts what the interviewee is saying with dialogue that doesn't need transcribing. 

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How To Insert -

[INTERRUPTION]

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If the interruption continues for more than 5 seconds however, please transcribe what is said, with a fresh timecode and new interviewer label.

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- - Marker: Background - LAUGHTER - -
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Job Spec
Description -

There is laughter in the background.

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How To Identify -

When there is laughter in the background, but it is not from the current speaker. Instead it is interrupting or occuring during the current speaker's dialogue and therefore needs to be logged.

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How To Insert -

[LAUGHTER]

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This marker can be logged in the same content block as the dialogue that is currently being spoken.

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- - Marker: Background - NOISE - -
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Job Spec
DescriptionAny generic background noise.
How To IdentifyAny generic background noise that could interrupt relevant dialogue.
How To Insert -

[NOISE]

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- - Marker: Background - VOICES IN BACKGROUND - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Any voice/s heard in the media background.

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How To Identify -

Voice/s heard in the media background during the speaking of relevant dialogue.

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How To Insert -

[VOICES IN BACKGROUND]

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- - Marker: Delivery - FOREIGN DIALOGUE - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Foreign dialogue.

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How To Identify -

Any dialogue in the media that you cannot understand because it's not in your native tongue. 

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How To Insert -

[FOREIGN DIALOGUE]

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
Common foreign phrasesForeign dialogue is usually represented with a marker. However, if a foreign word is a common phrase, then it is transcribed. For example, bonjour, bon voyage, and por favor would be transcribed, whereas ¿Cómo se dice maybe en Español? would be represented with a marker.

The only rule is that the spelling must be correct. If unsure of spelling, or the spelling needs research, then it should not be transcribed and should be represented with a marker instead.

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- - Marker: Delivery - TALKING OVER EACH OTHER - -
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Job Spec
Description -

More than one person talking at the same time.

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How To Identify -

Where dialogue overlaps and it's hard to identify what's being said and by whom.

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How To Insert -

[TALKING OVER EACH OTHER]

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- - Marker: Unknown - INAUDIBLE - -
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Job Spec
Description -

A word spoken that can't be clearly heard because of sound issues, interference or poor audio. 

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How To Identify -

Any word spoken during relevant dialogue that cannot be clearly heard and understood. This may be because of poor audio or a loud background noise. Please note: if you have multiple instances of inaudibles that stop the resulting sentence making sense (for example "I [INAUDIBLE] was [INAUDIBLE] park and [INAUDIBLE] seaside [INAUDIBLE] car with [INAUDIBLE]") then simply label it all within one instance of [INAUDIBLE].

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How To Insert -

[INAUDIBLE]

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
The audio is poorThe following steps may improve the quality of the sound:
  • If there is background noise, or the audio isn't very clear, then try to adjust volume settings with external tools if available.
  • We do not recommend headsets, earphone and in-ear headphones as they tend to produce lower quality audio and can be uncomforatble to wear over long periods. We recommend using a pair of over-ear headphones which should produce good quality audio and be comfortable over extended use.
  • Some media files are difficult because of background noise, due to the nature of the file, there sometimes is very little that can be done to improve the audio. Do the best you can with this type of material.
  • If the audio sounds 'broken' and the poor audio quality cannot be attributed to background noise, then an issue report is submitted.
If all troubleshooting steps have failed and a media file with better sound is not available, and the audio is poor enough to slow down transcription considerably, contact the PM ASAP and transcription is stopped. You will be notified whether a surcharge is fair before continuing transcription. It is important the request is made before continuing any further with the transcript. Surcharges cannot be requested after completing a transcript.
Multiple words or whole sentence is inaudibleWhen a whole sentence, or a collection of words are inaudible, it is still logged with a single inaudible marker.

Sentences that have been broken up by multiple inaudibles and no longer make sense are excluded. Instead, the sentence is marked as inaudible.

The speaker has a strong accentAccents are a normal part of transcription and as such, dealing with them is part of the job. However, if the accent is so strong that it is going to slow down transcription considerably, an issue report is submitted to request a surcharge and transcription is stopped. You will be notified whether a surcharge is fair before continuing transcription. It is important the request is made before continuing any further with the transcript. Surcharges cannot be requested after completing a transcript.
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- - Marker: Unknown - PHONETIC - -
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Job Spec
Description -

A phonetic attempt at a word in the absence of knowing how to spell it.

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How To Identify -

A phonetic attempt at a word in the absence of knowing how to spell it.

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How To Insert -

[PHONETIC: word]

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ProblemSolution
Phonetic spellings allowedWhan a spelling is not known (even after research), or the audio is poor enough to prevent a word from being heard correctly, then you can try to spell the word phonetically. The phonetic marker can be used, which will prompt that an attempt at typing the word phonetically is made.
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- - Marker: Unknown - SPECIALIST TERMINOLOGY - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Specialists words or phrases that are specific to a particular subject.

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How To Identify -

Specialist words or phrases in the media specific to a particular subject that can't be identified or transcribed because of insufficient knowledge.

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How To Insert -

[SPECIALIST TERMINOLOGY]

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- - Marker: Unknown - UNSURE OF NAME - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Any reference to a person's name in relevant dialogue that you're unsure of.

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How To Identify -

Any reference to a person's name in relevant dialogue that you're unsure of.

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How To Insert -

[UNSURE OF NAME]

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
The speaker has a strong accentAccents are a normal part of transcription and as such, dealing with them is part of the job. However, if the accent is so strong that it is going to slow down transcription considerably, an issue report is submitted to request a surcharge and transcription is stopped. You will be notified whether a surcharge is fair before continuing transcription. It is important the request is made before continuing any further with the transcript. Surcharges cannot be requested after completing a transcript.
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- - Marker: Unknown - UNSURE OF WORD - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Any word in relevant dialogue that you can hear but you're unsure of.

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How To Identify -

Any word in relevant dialogue that you can hear but you're unsure of.

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How To Insert -

[UNSURE OF WORD]

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
The speaker has a strong accentAccents are a normal part of transcription and as such, dealing with them is part of the job. However, if the accent is so strong that it is going to slow down transcription considerably, an issue report is submitted to request a surcharge and transcription is stopped. You will be notified whether a surcharge is fair before continuing transcription. It is important the request is made before continuing any further with the transcript. Surcharges cannot be requested after completing a transcript.
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- - Marker: Utterance - BREATHES HEAVILY - -
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Job Spec
Description -

The speaker is breathing heavily.

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How To Identify -

This differs from panting in that a person is taking heavy breaths instead of quick breaths. Heavy breaths are deep breaths, not shallow.

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How To Insert -

[BREATHES HEAVILY]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the heavy breathing.

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- - Marker: Utterance - BURPS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

To expel gas loudly or rudely from the stomach through the mouth.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker burps, causing a pause in their dialogue.

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How To Insert -

[BURPS]

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If the burping has continued for more than 5 seconds before relevant dialogue continues, please insert a new speaker label with relevant timecode (by using the appropriate shortcut key for the person speaking).

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- - Marker: Utterance - CLEARS THROAT - -
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Job Spec
Description -

The act of clearing the throat.

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How To Identify -

The person currently talking, clears their throat, causing a pause in their dialogue.

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How To Insert -

[CLEARS THROAT]

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- - Marker: Utterance - COUGHS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

To push air from the lungs in a quick, noisy explosion.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker coughs, causing a pause in their dialogue.

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How To Insert -

[COUGHS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - CRIES - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Shedding tears; to weep, or to utter loudly.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker cries, either because of emotional distress, or cries out in anger, frustration, or surprise. Their cry may cause dialogue to pause, or they may be speaking whilst crying. Either way, it needs logging.

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How To Insert -

[CRIES]. If the crying has continued for more than 5 seconds before relevant dialogue continues, please insert a new speaker label with relevant timecode (by using the person speaking).

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- - Marker: Utterance - GASPS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Catch one's breath with an open mouth, owing to pain or astonishment.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker inhales sharply, perhaps in shock, pain, astonishment, or being out of breath.

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How To Insert -

[GASPS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - GRUNTS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

The speaker makes a grunting noise.

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How To Identify -

Someone makes a low, guttural sound. This is sually because of anger or pain, and sometimes because of an annoyance.

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How To Insert -

[GRUNTS]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the grunting.

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- - Marker: Utterance - GULPS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

Swallow quickly or in large mouthfuls, often audibly.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker gulps. This could be to swallow food or drink, but may also be a hammy way to show that the speaker is scared.

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How To Insert -

[GULPS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - HUMS - -
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Job Spec
Description -

The speaker is humming.

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How To Identify -

Humming to sing with the lips closed and without uttering speech sounds distinctly.

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How To Insert -

[HUMS]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the humming.

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- - Marker: Utterance - LAUGHS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

An expression of mirth particular to the human species; the sound heard in laughing.

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How To Identify -

A person can be heard laughing.

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How To Insert -

Logged inside a content block for the person laughing. [LAUGHS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - MOANS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

The speaker makes a moaning noise.

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How To Identify -

A speaker makes a moaning noise to express pyhsical or mental suffering. Note that some moaning can also be to indicate pleasure.

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How To Insert -

[MOANS]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the moaning.

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- - Marker: Utterance - PANTS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

The speaker is panting to catch their breath.

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How To Identify -

A speaker is panting. They are breathing with short, quick breaths. This might be due to fear, or extraneous exercise.

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How To Insert -

[PANTS]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the panting.

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- - Marker: Utterance - SCREAMS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

To utter a loud, sharp, piercing sound.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker releases a loud sharp, piercing sound, perhaps in joy, fear, shock or sadness.

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How To Insert -

[SCREAMS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - SIGHS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

Someone expelling air from their lungs in a laboured manner.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker releases a large breath of air, but labours the point of doing so. Perhaps they are bored? Perhaps they are emphasising that they are not interested in what is being said? Perhaps they are reminiscing over a past event with fondness?

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How To Insert -

[SIGHS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - SIPS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

The speaker makes an audible sipping noise whilst drinking.

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How To Identify -

Somone takes a sip from a drink, but makes an audible sipping noise. People often sip when drinking a hot drink.

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How To Insert -

[SIPS]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the sipping.

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- - Marker: Utterance - SNIFFS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

A sharp inhale through the nose, usually to express contempt, to detect a smell, or to stop it running (although we'd all prefer it if they just blew their nose!)

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How To Identify -

The current speaker sniffs, causing a pause in their dialogue. Or there is a deliberate sniff, either to smell something or show their disdain for something.

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If typing a finished programme, if someone sniffs without having any dialogue, consider whether it is plot pertinent, perhaps to communicate that the character has a cold. If it is, the marker should be added.

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How To Insert -

[SNIFFS]

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- - Marker: Utterance - SOBS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

Shedding tears; to weep.

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How To Identify -

The current speaker cries or sobs, either because of emotional distress, or cries out in anger, frustration, or surprise. The speaker is not sobbing whilst talking.

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How To Insert -

[SOBS]. If the sobbing has continued for more than 5 seconds before relevant dialogue continues, please insert a new speaker label with relevant timecode (by using the person speaking).

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- - Marker: Utterance - STUTTERS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

The speaker makes a stuttering noise, that is non-verbal, i.e. there are no real words in the stutter.

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How To Identify -

Someone makes a repeating noise when attempting to speak.

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This marker is not used if the stutter actually forms a word (words should actually be typed). Instead, this marker is used to indicate that the speaker makes a stuttering sound, but the noise made is not a word.

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How To Insert -

[STUTTERS]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the stuttering.

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- - Marker: Utterance - TUTS - -
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- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

An exclamation (used to express annoyance or frustration), noun (an exclamation of annoyance or frustration) or verb (make an exclamation of annoyance or frustration).

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How To Identify -

An exclamation made by the current speaker, or another speaker during relevant dialogue.

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How To Insert -

[TUTS]

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-

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- - Marker: Utterance - WHISTLES - -
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-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

The speaker makes a whistling noise.

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How To Identify -

Someone emits a clear, high-pitched sound by forcing breath through a small hole between their lips or teeth.

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How To Insert -

[WHISTLES]

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This marker is logged in between the dialogue before and after the whistling.

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- - Marker: Utterance - YAWNS - -
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-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

To open the mouth widely and take a long, rather deep breath, often because one is tired.

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How To Identify -

When the current speaker yawns during the speaking of relevant dialogue.

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How To Insert -

[YAWNS]

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-

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- - Speaker Role - Interviewer - -
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-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

A formal interviewer

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How To Identify -

Simply asking a question does make a speaker an interviewer. However, if somebody is purposefully playing a role of an interviewer they will attempt to extract relevant dialogue from a speaker in order to drive an interview forwards. They are steering the conversation in the direction of the TV show's purpose.

-

For example: If a final programme is going to be about chocolate, then the interviewer will ask questions about chocolate to lead the speaker into talking about chocolate.

-

It should be easy to identity an interviewer as they often take control of the footage that is being recorded. However, you will often find that an interviewer is off camera. This is because the interviewer's dialogue is usually edited out of the final show.

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How To Insert -

[INTERVIEWER]

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-

-
-
-
-
- - Speaker Role - Speaker - -
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-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
DescriptionSpeaker is a normal speaker. The speaker fulfils no other role defined in the speaker role list available in this job.
How To IdentifyIf the speaker currently talking does not fulfil any other role presented in the Speaker Role list then they are a speaker.
How To Insert -

Most speakers will default to being a speaker. If the speaker role is not speaker, it can easily be identified. For example, there may be an interviewer speaker role next to the speaker name in the name list provided.

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-

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-
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- - Style Guide - Audio quality is poor - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

If the audio quality is poor, resulting in excessive inaudible markers and potentially causing dialogue to be transcribed incorrectly, it is extremely important that PM is notified. He may be able to supply a replacement media file with better audio.

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-

-
-
-
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- - Style Guide - Background markers are logged - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

If there is a background noise during someone's dialogue, it should be logged with an appropriate 'background' marker.

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Background markers are noises made in the background. Most clients will want to know about the noises can try to edit the sound out from the audio.

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If the noise is constant throughout the file, try to log the marker just once and indicate that it is continuous.

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The marker list is not exhaustive. The nature of this type of work means that anything could happen in the background, so add your own custom markers and apply the 'background' marker type where necessary.

-

Examples of delivery markers:

-
  • [DOOR SLAMS]
  • [PASSING CAR]
  • [GUNSHOT]
  • [DOG BARKS]
-

Generally speaking, background markers should be in the 'Simple present' tense (words that end with 's' and do not end in 'ing', like door slams, phone rings, and passing car).

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-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Exclude under-dialogue - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

If there are multiple speakers talking at the same time, always transcribe the dominant speaker and ignore background voices. If both speakers are 'dominant' - such as two speakers are being interviewed at the same time, and they are tripping over each other's sentences - then all audible dialogue is transcribed.

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-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Grouping chatter - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

There should only ever be one chatter event (be it chatter, crew chatter or crew direction) between the last bit of relevant dialogue typed and the continuation of new relevant dialogue. Chatter markers are prioritised in this order:

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    -
  1. If there is any crew direction in amongst chatter and crew chatter then whole event is logged as crew direction.
    2. -
  2. If there is any crew chatter amongst normal chatter, then whole event is logged as crew chatter.
    3. -
  3. All the rest is chatter.
    4. -
-
-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Interruptions by the interviewer - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Single word affirmations muttered by the interviewer as the interviewee talks are logged as [INTERRUPTION]. Also, if the interviewer briefly interrupts what the interviewee is saying it is logged as [INTERRUPTION]. If the interviewer's interruption is sustained, then the dialogue is logged under a new timecode and interviewer speaker label.

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-

-
-
-
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- - Style Guide - Interruptions by the speaker - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Most single-word affirmations muttered by the interviewee as the interviewer talks are ignored. For example, if the interviewee constantly say's "yeah", "sure", etc. whilst the interviewer talks - these are ignored.

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If the interviewee very briefly interrupts what the interviewer is saying, but the dialogue adds nothing to the conversation and isn't a direct answer to the question being asked, then it is ignored

-

However, if the interviewee's interruption is sustained, then their dialogue needs to be logged under a new timecode and interviewee speaker label, splitting the dialogue it is interrupting.

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However, when an interviewee is actually providing an answer to the question, it must be transcribed, even if the response is just a single wordFor example, the interviewer asks do you like the colour red? and the interviewee replies Yes, then it is transcribed.

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-

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-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Naming speakers - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-
If a source script or source material has been provided:
-

If a source script has been provided, or you have been provided a cast sheet, always use the names provided in the source material for your speaker labels.

-
No source material is available, try the credits:
-

If no source material is available, but there are credits at the end of the programme, then check to see if the character's name is included in the credits. If so, use this name in the speaker label.

-
No credits:
-

If no source material or credits are available, use a speaker's full name in the speaker label if it is available. When a full name is not available, an appropriate circumstancial speaker name is used. Below is a list of naming conventions in order of priority:

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    -
  1. Full name, E.g. Jane Doe
    2. -
  2. Forename or Surname only E.g. Jane, or Doe
    3. -
  3. Nickname, E.g. Jay
    4. -
  4. Occupation and/or physical description of person using hair colour, description of clothes, facial hair and gender. E.g. Female dentist, face mask and brown hair
    5. -
  5. Appropriate circumstancial name based on gender and location. E.g. Female audience member
    6. -
  6. If you are unable to use any of the above name formats, then please only use their gender followed by a unique number. For example: Female 1
    7. -

    -

    -

    -

    -
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-

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-
Troubleshooting tips:
- - - - - - - - - -
ProblemSolution
Unknown speaker labels

When a speaker name is unknown, check the top of your script for Job Notes, Item Notes and the name of the job (in purple), it may provide relevant speaker names or a face sheet. Note that the file name may have the speaker name may be buried inside the file name, for example: AA11AA_TOM_Take22 - in this instance the speaker's name is TOM.

Furthermore, the speaker name may be provided in the dialogue. If no speaker name is available, a placeholder name must be used instead.

Below is a list of naming conventions in order of priority:

  • 1. Full name
  • 2. Forename or Surname only
  • 3. Nickname
  • 4. Occupation and/or physical description of person using hair colour, description of clothes, facial hair and gender. E.g. Male dentist with moustache and brown hair
  • 5. Appropriate circumstantial name based on gender and location. E.g. female audience member
  • 6. If the speaker is offscreen and circumstantial information is not available, their speaker name should be gender followed by a unique number. E.g. Male 1

WARNING: It is never acceptable to use racial or potentially offensive terms when providing descriptions.

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- - Style Guide - Profanities transcribed as spoken - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Swearing is not censored. Whatever comes out of their mouth goes down in the script.

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-

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Troubleshooting tips:
- - - - - - - - - -
ProblemSolution
Type profanity as normalWhen a profanity is spoken, it is typed as it is said, with no censoring.
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-
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-
-
- - Style Guide - Throw-away comments - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Throw-away comments are transcribed. More often than not, it's the throw-away comments that prove the most sought after soundbites.

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-

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-
- - Style Guide - Unheard word count is more than 10? - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

When uploading a script, include a message in the notes if there are ten or more markers of the 'unknown' type. For example, if there are any illegibles, unsure of word, specialist terminology, unsure of name markers etc., then upload the file with a notification sent to PM via mail and file number as reference.

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-

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-
Troubleshooting tips:
- - - - - - - - - -
ProblemSolution
The audio is poorThe following steps may improve the quality of the sound:
  • If there is background noise, or the audio isn't very clear, try external audio enhancer tools if available.
  • We do not recommend headsets, earphone and in-ear headphones as they tend to produce lower quality audio and can be uncomforatble to wear over long periods. We recommend using a pair of over-ear headphones which should produce good quality audio and be comfortable over extended use.
  • Some media files are difficult because of background noise, due to the nature of the file, there sometimes is very little that can be done to improve the audio. Do the best you can with this type of material.
  • If the audio sounds 'broken' and the poor audio quality cannot be attributed to background noise, then an issue report is submitted.
If all troubleshooting steps have failed and a media file with better sound is not available, and the audio is poor enough to slow down transcription considerably, PM must be requested for surcharge and transcription is stopped. You will be notified whether a surcharge is fair before continuing transcription. It is important the request is made before continuing any further with the transcript. Surcharges cannot be requested after completing a transcript.
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-
- - Style Guide - Unknown markers are logged - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

In a scenario where it has not been possible to identify the word(s) being transcribed, it should be substituted by an unknown marker.

-

A common example of an 'unknown' marker is the inaudible marker: It has been identified that there is dialogue, but it cannot be heard. Instead of ignoring the dialogue, an inaudible marker is used.

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Some 'unknown' marker types will ask for an attempt, allowing you to provide an educated guess of the word(s). Markers with an attempt make it more efficient to QC a script, and also allow us to communicate areas of concern to the client.

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Always use the suggested 'unknown' marker types where possible. If none of them apply, a custom 'unknown' marker can be used. Remember: the purpose is to communicate that something would ordinarily be included in this script, but it has not been possible to identify and type the words with confidence.

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-

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-
-
- - Style Guide - Utterance markers are logged - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

All utterances are logged with an appropriate marker. Utterances are non-dialogue noises made by a speaker's mouth. All instances of utterances must be logged, even if they do not occur alongside dialogue.

-

Examples of utterances:

-
  • Screams
  • Laughs
  • Sobs
  • Grunts
-

Utterances should be in the 'Simple present' tense (words that end with a 's', like shouts).

-

REMEMBER: Utterances should not be confused with Delivery markers. Utterance = a non-word mouth noise made by someone, Delivery = how the dialogue was said, e.g. whispering or screaming.

-

A a general rule, utterance markers should be put in the same content row as the speaker that made the noise.

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-

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Visual

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Any job specs that relate specifically to the visuals can be found in this section.

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- - Content Label - Describe - -
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-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

Some content blocks require a description.

-
How To Identify -

If a content block requires a description, it will prompt the user to provide a description.

-
How To Insert -

Type in a description of the content block that is being logged.

-

For example, if a Graphics on Screen is being logged, the software may ask for a description. This description should communicate the key features of the Graphics on Screen. For example:

-

[GV] Map showing journey from London to Edinburgh.

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-

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-
- - Content Label - End of Media - -
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-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
DescriptionThe end of the media file
How To IdentifyThe media file has been played its entire duration. Check the running time in the bottom corner of the media player to confirm that the entire media file has been played.
How To Insert[EM]
-

-
-
-
-
- - Content Label - GV - -
-
-

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Job Spec
Description -

GV refers to general view, and as its name suggests, is a generic shot of anything seen on screen.

-
How To Identify -

Any shot that doesn't contain an interview. For example, after an interview the film crew may get some shots of the person they've just interviewed in and around their office. Or the film crew may decide to get a romantic sunset shot. It could be any number of things where the film crew are getting what, the industry terms as a cut-a-way

-
How To Insert -

[GV]. Descriptions only require a succinct, accurate, one line sentence describing what's going on. The description is an overall summary, detailed logs are not required.

-

Only log a new GV if the location changes, or if the GV is interrupted by sustained relevant dialogue.

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-

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-

Grammar & Punctuation

-

Any style job specs related to standard practises regarding grammar and punctuation

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-
-
- -  !  - Style Guide - Important! - US Spelling - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

US spellings must be used in this script. Care must be taken with Americanisms such as color, mom and center.

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-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Abbreviations - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Abbreviations remove the start or end of a word, unlike contractions which remove the middle of a word. For example:

-

The Right Honourable can be shortened to Rt Hon.

-

Rt is a contraction of Right as the middle is removed. Hon. is abbreviated as the end of the word is removed.

-

You are not required to use full stops to indicate that letters are missing when typing abbreviations, just be sure that you are consistent with this. For example:

-
    -
  • PHD is an abbreviation of Philosophiae Doctor
    • -
  • Stat is an abbreviation of statim (immediately)
    • -
  • Conj is an abbreviation of conjuntion
    • -
-
-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Accents - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Accents are a normal part of transcription and as such, dealing with them is part of the job. If you are substantially slowed down by strong / foreign accents then please request a surcharge from eLanguageWorld before continuing.

-
-

-
-
Troubleshooting tips:
- - - - - - - - - -
ProblemSolution
The speaker has a strong accentAccents are a normal part of transcription and as such, dealing with them is part of the job. However, if the accent is so strong that it is going to slow down transcription considerably, an issue report is submitted to request a surcharge and transcription is stopped. You will be notified whether a surcharge is fair before continuing transcription. It is important the request is made before continuing any further with the transcript. Surcharges cannot be requested after completing a transcript.
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-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Acronyms - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

An acronym is a word formed from the first letters of each word in a phrase. For example:

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    -
  • Frequently asked questions is FAQ
    • -
  • Digital Versatile Disc is DVD
    • -
  • United States of America is USA
    • -
-

Acroynms are written in uppercase.

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-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Apostrophes - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Apostrophes are used to show that something belongs to someone or something else. For example:

-
    -
  • Alice's coat (the coat belonging to Alice)
    • -
  • Jack's friend (the friend belonging to Jack)
    • -
  • The BBC's website (The website that belongs to the BBC)
    • -
-

Add an apostrophe and an s ('s) to singular nouns and plural nouns that don't end in s, such as children and people. For example:

-
    -
  • the dog's dinner
    • -
  • the children's play area
    • -
-

Just add an apostrophe to plural nouns that already end in s. For example:

-
    -
  • ladies' room
    • -
  • parents' evening
    • -
-

Never use an apostrophe to indicate a plural. This also applies to initials, abbreviations and numbers. For example:

-
    -
  • DVDs
    • -
  • 1990s
    • -
-

An apostrophe is used in contractions to indicate that something is missing. For example:

-
    -
  • That DVD is rubbish becomes That DVD's rubbish
    • -
  • Cannot becomes can't
    • -
  • because becomes 'cause
    • -
-

It's should only be written to shorten it is or it has. When it's is being used as a pronoun (like his or her) it never takes an apostrophe.

-
    -
  • Correct: Never judge a book by its cover.
    • -
  • Incorrect: Never judge a book by it's cover.
    • -
-
-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Capital letters - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

New sentences begin with a capital letter. Very self explanatory. The only exception is when a sentence starts with a brand name that purposefully has a lowercase first letter. For example, 'iPhone sales are better this year'.

-
-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Colloquialisms - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

A colloquialism is a word, phrase or other form used in informal language. Often, the spoken word is informal and therefore contains colloquialisms. Please transcribe relevant dialogue even when it is colloquial.

-
-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Colons and semi-colons - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

The most common use of the colon is to inform the reader that what follows the colon proves, explains, defines, describes, or lists elements of what preceded it.

-

The semicolon is a punctuation mark that separates major sentence elements. A semicolon can be used between two closely related independent clauses, provided they are not already joined by a coordinating conjunction. Semicolons can also be used in place of commas to separate items in a list, particularly when the elements of that list contain commas.

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-

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-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Commas - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Following the normal rules and conventions when using commas, they should be used to reflect the rhythm and meaning of the spoken word. Also, in our transcripts commas are normally used after well, but, because, 'cause, like, etc. Commas are also used to surround utterances such as you know, like, uh, um, mmm, etc.

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-

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-
-
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- - Style Guide - Contractions - -
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-

- - - - - -
Job Spec

A contraction is a shortened version of the written and spoken forms of a word, syllable, or word group created by omission of internal letters. Apostrophes are used to show that you have missed some letters out. For example:

  • cannot becomes can't
  • are not becomes aren't
  • it is or it has becomes it's
  • we are becomes we're
Remember, insert the apostrophe in the exact place you have omitted letters.
-

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-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Copyrighted material - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Films, songs, books, pieces of art, or anything that is copyrighted are capitalised. For example:

-
    -
  • Star Wars
    • -
  • Hot Shots! Part Deux
    • -
  • The BFG
    • -
  • Waterloo
    • -
  • Terminator 2
    • -
  • WALL-E
    • -

    If the word/s are normally capitalised in unusal ways, then follow the unusual way. For example, iPod capitcalises the P.

    -
-
-

-
-
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- - Style Guide - Currency and money typed numerically - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Money is typed as signs and numerals and not words. Type £5 instead of 5 pounds. Furthermore 250k or 250 grand are all acceptable if that is what the person said.

-
-

-
-
-
-
- - Style Guide - Dashes - -
-
-

- - - - - -
Job Spec
-

Dashes are used to denote a break in a sentence or to set off parenthetical statements. For example:

-
    -
  • A flock of sparrows – some of them juveniles – alighted and sang.
    • -
-
-

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- - Style Guide - Dates and times typed as spoken - -
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Dates are typed how they were spoken, using numbers where possible, even if the number is 10 or lower. Examples:

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  • 1st January 1972.
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  • May 3rd 1988.
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  • 5th of the 1st 2015.
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Times are typed as spoken, using numbers where possible, even if the number is 10 or lower. Examples:

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  • I'll meet you at 9:45 p.m.
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  • See you at quarter past.
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  • It's midnight.
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  • See you at 6:00.
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  • It's 3:00 in the morning, call me later!
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- - Style Guide - Diacritics - -
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Job Spec
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A diacritic is a glyph added to a letter. The main use of diacritical marks in the Latin script is to change the sound-value of the letter to which they are added. For example: Iñtërnâtiônàlizætiøn is full of diacrtics. The software should autocorrect common words with diacritics. For example, cafe is automatically corrected to café.

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- - Style Guide - Double Hyphens - -
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The double hyphen is used to indicate that a sentence was not completed. Usually this is when someone cuts their sentence short, trails off, or was interrupted by someone and was never completed their sentence.

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The double hyphen is perfect to indicate that someone was interrupted by another speaker and that they never got to finish their sentence.

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It is also perfect for occasions when speakers stop themselves mid-sentence to change the conversation direction, or because they don't want to complete their sentence. It can also be used if false starts need to be transcribed and someone cuts the sentence short to start again.

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Never use the double hyphen if someone finishes their sentence, e.g. someone pauses before finishing their sentence, or if someone interrupts them, but they still finish their sentence.

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The double hyphen is always two hyphens. It is never one or three hyphens.

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A double hyphen should not be preceeded by a space-- it should always come directly after the word it follows-- there should be no punctuation between the word and the double hyphens.

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Good (Speaker interrupts themselves):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to-- Oh, I just remembered that you-- I have to tell him I can't see him."

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Bad (Speaker is only pausing, they still finish their sentence):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to-- tell him-- I can't see him anymore."

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Good (Speaker is cut off by another speaker):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to--"
"I told you not to see him."
"Okay, I won't."

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Bad (space before the hyphens):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to --"
"I told you not to see him."
"Okay, I won't."

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Bad (punctuation before the hyphens):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to,--"
"I told you not to see him."
"Okay, I won't."

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Bad (incorrect number of hyphens):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to-"
"I told you not to see him."
"Okay, I won't."

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Bad (the speaker got to finish their sentence):
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to--"
"I told you not to see him."
"...tell him that I won't see him again."

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- - Style Guide - Ellipsis - -
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Job Spec
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The ellipsis is used to indicate a mid-sentence pause, or when a sentence needs to be split between two content blocks because of an interruption.

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The ellipsis is not used to indicate that a setence has finished mid-sentence when someone trails off. Instead, the double hyphen is used.

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The ellipsis is three dots. It is never two or four dots.

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An ellipsis should not be preceeded by a space... it should always come directly after the word it follows...

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Good:
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to..."
"I told you not to see him."
"...tell him that I won't see him again."

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Bad:
"I'm seeing Jack tomorrow to ..."
"I told you not to see him."
" ..tell him that I won't see him again."

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Good:
"On today's episode of Deadliest Catch..."
"...we see some deadly waves."

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Bad:
"On today's episode of Deadliest Catch .."
"....we see some deadly waves."

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- - Style Guide - Exclamation marks - -
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An exclamation mark is usually used after dialogue that is shouted. Exclamation marks should seldom be used.

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- - Style Guide - General numbers - -
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Excluding dates, measurements, weights and money, the numbers 0 - 10 are typed as words (zero to ten), and then 11+ as numerals. For example, the number 1 is typed as one, but the number 12 is typed as 12.

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- - Style Guide - Hyphens - -
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Hyphens are often used to break single words into parts, or to join ordinarily separate words into single words.

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- - Style Guide - Measurements - -
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Measurements are typed as signs and numerals, not words. For example: 5m instead of five metres.

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- - Style Guide - Parenthesis - -
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A parenthesis or parenthetical phrase is an explanatory or qualifying word, clause, or sentence inserted into a passage. The parenthesis could be left out and still form grammatically correct text. In general, do not use parenthesis.

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- - Style Guide - Periods - -
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Periods or full stops represent the end of a sentence. A single space is always used after a full space. For example:

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  • End of sentence. Start of new sentence.
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- - Style Guide - Question marks - -
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A question mark is always used if someone is asking a question. No exceptions.

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- - Style Guide - Quotation marks - -
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If somebody delivers a famous quote in their dialogue, or the quote is specifically referred to in this following manner (for example): I know, I told him quote, unquote, "There's no way it can be done," then quotation marks are used regardless of what script type you are producing. It can also be used when someone is reading their dialogue to indicate that they are quoting from the written words.

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- - Style Guide - Slang words - -
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People often use slang when they speak, if the slang word is common, please transcribe it as it is. For example, slob, chill out, cool, lol are all slang words. Do not confuse accents with slang. For example, something should never be transcribed as somethink, even if that is what is said. Piano shouldn't be transcribed as piana.

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- - Style Guide - Type grammar exactly as you hear it - -
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If the person speaking uses bad grammar, type it exactly as they say it. The transcript must reflect the rhythm of the speaker. Long, long, long sentences with no commas or full-stops are not acceptable, and commas and full stops must be used where appropriate.

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- - Style Guide - Type slang contractions verbatim - -
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Job Spec

People often remove letters from words to make new words. Sometimes these are not considered 'proper English', but are still understood by the masses. For example:

  • because becomes 'cause (definitely not cos or coz)
  • want to becomes wanna
  • am not becomes ain't
  • you all becomes y'all
  • them becomes 'em
Slang contractions are transcribed as they are said.

Do not confuse slang contractions with proper English contractions such as they'll, they're and I'll. Proper English contractions are covered in a separate job spec.

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- - Style Guide - Use the correct spelling - -
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Transcripts must have good spelling and grammar. Care must be taken not to confuse their, there and they're; let's and lets; who's and whose; to and too; it's and its.

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- - Style Guide - Weights - -
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Weights are typed as signs and numerals, not words. For example: 5g instead of five grams.

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Support Material

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Any job specs that relate specifically to support material can be found in this section.

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- - Style Guide - Research - -
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If the spelling of a name, word, phrase or specialist term is unsure, then it needs verifying with an internet search. Highlight it by writing it in [].

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Troubleshooting tips:
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ProblemSolution
Quick Google checkIf there is a name, word, phrase or specialist term that needs varifying with an internet search, then it is easy to search for the word by highlighting it.
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- - Style Guide - Using face sheets and support material - -
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Job Spec
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If you have been provided support material, then ensure that it is used when transcribing the media file.

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Support material is provided to us by the client, it is not created by eLanguageWorld.

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Support material can come in many forms, but the most common type of support material provided for pre-edit jobs is the face sheet.

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If a face sheet has been provided, ensure that your script's speaker labels reflect the spellings of the names in the face sheet.

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Also, people often refer to other speakers in their dialogue. When this happens, make sure that use the correct spelling according to the face sheet. However, if someone refers to somebody by their nickname in the dialogue, but the source script only has their actual name, make sure you type what was actually said. Make an educated guess to the spelling of the nickname.

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If support material has been provided, the client expects it to be visible and referred to whilst typing the script. Consider opening the face sheet on a second screen or printing it out in order to fulfil this expectation. Mistakes found in a script that could have been avoided by referring to the support material will be perceived as negligent and inattentive by the client.

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Admin

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Any job specs that relate specifically to admin and availability can be found in this section.

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