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TRANSCRIBERS
FAQ & GUIDELINES
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A MUST READ FOR WANNABE TRANSCRIBERS
Last Updated by Jim l May 22, 2008
Extensive Transcriber Knowledge Database
Read Carefully Before Applying
So you want to know more about transcribing for the site. On this very page you will be able to find useful information on how to write a transcript, how to choose what show to transcribe, and how to apply for a transcriber position. It's a long read but it covers every aspect of the transcribing process. So read carefully the following and don't hesitate to apply if you want to partner up with us and have your transcripts posted on the most extensive TV scripts database on the web.
Select:
WHAT EXACTLY IS A TRANSCRIPT?
A transcript (or TV script) is a written copy of the exact action and dialogue of the actors in an aired episode. A transcript includes accurate word-to-word dialogues, setting descriptions, action scenes, and camera movements where the transcriber felt they were necessary. In fact, taking the time to listen to every word and dialogue of a specific episode and write them down accurately makes a transcript. NOTE: Occasionally, you may find that the transcript does not match the exact speech of the actors. This may be because the person making the transcript did not hear exactly what the actor said. In any case, the transcript should be fairly close, if not identical, to the spoken language in the aired episode or movie.
WHAT EXACTLY DOES A TRANSCRIBER DO?
To make it short the transcriber, as stated above, watches the entire episode and writes down what he sees and what he hears. Most of the time a transcriber works from a taped episode and/or from an episode downloaded from the web so that he can go back if he didn't quite catch the dialogue the first time around. The transcriber adds scene descriptions, camera movements and other indications where he feels they are necessary.
WHY ARE TRANSCRIPTS SO FUN?
Transcripts are fun because you can read episodes you missed. You can print it out and read it on the bus, in waiting rooms, wherever you want! Transcripts may also encourage reading among our youth and that is a very important issue everywhere in the world. Most of all it's a great way for non-English speakers to learn English on a weekly basis. Priceless!
TRANSCRIBING IS FOR FUN AND IS NOT INTENDED TO INFRINGE ON ANY COPYRIGHT NOR TO ENCOURAGE SUCH
WHO CAN BECOME A TRANSCRIBER?
About anyone interested enough to spend some time on a TV show. It doesn't matter where you live, it doesn't matter what your native language is. Basically, as long as your English skills are correct you're welcome to apply for a transcriber position.
Although US-born transcribers have made most of our transcripts, we do have plenty of them written by non-English countries speakers. So if you happen to live outside the US and still want to apply, feel free to do so.
Keep in mind though that we're looking for serious people, people willing to spend some time on it and to make the best work possible. So don't apply if you're not motivated. We have a lot of people signing up and then a week later emailing us to let us know that well, after all, they don't have time to transcribe anything. It's a waste of time for both of us so just send an application if you do plan to take things seriously!
WHY SHOULD I APPLY?
Because you like TV as much as we do, because you like this little site of ours and want to be part of it, because you want to help us improve it. But also because transcribing is fun, because you have free time on your hands, because you like to write, and want the world to share your passion for your favorite show. Whatever your reason, we will gladly welcome you as a member of our team.
DOES IT PAY TO BE A TRANSCRIBER FOR TWIZ TV.COM?
NOPE. Unfortunately you cannot expect any kind of money when transcribing a show for us. Keep in mind that TWIZ TV.COM is a non-profit website and therefore the little money earned from advertising, if any, is only used to keep the site online, in other words to cover the monthly-growing hosting bills. Leftover money also allows us to have contests for our visitors.
We will gladly accept your help because you like the site and want to help us improve it, not because you want to make some bucks out of it. Basically we only want to rely on people's goodwill. Our goal is to create a worldwide network of people interested in transcribing TV shows for other people to read.
Plus don't forget that there are rules regarding posting TV transcripts on the web and one of them clearly indicates that they are tolerated as long as there is no commercial gain from it. We do intend to respect that rule by the letter, and that's why all material posted on the site is free of charge to access, read and download. That's just how we see things here at TWIZ TV.COM .However, since we really do appreciate you taking the time to help fans out, we are proud to offer special items to selected transcribers. Basically what we like to do is sometimes offering a DVD SEASON SET or a GIFT CERTIFICATE to committed transcribers during specific times of the year (mostly Christmas if our budget allows it). The above is not an incentive to encourage you to transcribe for us. This is just a way for us to reward on a case by case basis a transcriber for his committed work. We are able to offer such reward only when our budget can allow us to.
DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSCRIPTS FOR ANY KIND OF "SCRIPTED" SHOWS?
YES. Whether it's a sitcom, a drama or a show aimed at teens, whether it's on national television or on cable, we accept transcripts for any kind of television shows or mini-series events. Our plan is to get the most shows possible listed on the site so that we can offer more choices to our visitors.
No matter which show you want to transcribe and as long as it's a SCRIPTED show, you can be sure there is definitely an audience out there for it.
DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSCRIPTS FOR CANCELLED SHOWS?YES. We do not have any restrictions when it comes to TV shows. So transcripts for new shows, as well as transcripts for cancelled shows or golden classics are gladly welcome. Once again the more transcripts we get, the more choice for our visitors.
DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSCRIPTS FOR REALITY-TV SHOWS?NO. Reality TV is not a genre we appreciate, as it's fake, pointless television. There's absolutely no chance that you'll find any Simple Life or Survivor transcripts on TWIZ TV, even though we do agree that they might be fun to watch. Same thing for Games Shows or any other program that is not scripted.NOTE : Exceptions can be made upon request.
DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSCRIPTS FOR NON-US TV SHOWS?YES. We do accept transcripts for shows that are not produced in the US as long as they are pretty well known worldwide or at least in the country of origin. We currently accept transcripts for shows from the U.K, Canada and Australia, in other words from English-spoken countries only.
DO YOU ACCEPT TRANSCRIPTS IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH?NO. For the time being we are not accepting transcripts in any languages other than English. Although we would like to offer transcripts in different languages (Spanish and French are possible additions to the site) we do not have plans to add some in the near future.
DO YOU ACCEPT MOVIE TRANSCRIPTS?NO. Although we used to accept them, due to copyright policies and bandwidth issues we are no longer hosting any movie scripts or transcripts. There might be exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Don't hesitate to contact us for more information. NOTE : That rule does not apply if you're planning on transcribing a movie based on a popular TV show.
DO YOU ACCEPT FANFICS?
NOT AT THIS MOMENT. The plan is to concentrate on genuine scripted TV shows only.
Although we're mainly looking to get transcripts for a current weekly series, we would gladly welcome transcripts for any particular cancelled shows that you may want to transcribe.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A SHOW TO WORK ON? EASY. Obviously pick one you like. You'll be spending some time on it, going back and forth to try to catch the dialogue, so pick one that you are really interested in. Basically pick a show that you would like the rest of the world to enjoy as much as you do.
IS THERE A LIST OF SHOWS AVAILABLE? Basically, any show that is not listed on TWIZ TV.COM is available to transcribe. However since we're aiming at finding suitable transcribers for the new season here's a short list of shows we're currently looking for transcribers for:
SEASON 2007-2008
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24
Aliens In America
Bionic Woman
Brothers & Sisters
Chuck
Desp. Housewives
Dexter
Dirt
Dirty Sexy Money
Friday Night Lights
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Gossip Girl
Heroes
How I Met Your...
K-Ville
Moonlight
Private Practice
Pushing Daisies
Reaper
Samantha Be Good
Ugly Betty
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Any other TV show of your liking (new or returning) not listed on this page.
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You can also choose to resume and complete transcripts for a show already listed on the site but use missing transcripts or simply choose a show we don't have any transcripts for.
WHAT IF THE SHOW I WANT TO TRANSCRIBE IS ALREADY BEING TAKEN CARE OF? If the show you want to transcribe is fully covered by a transcriber that makes a point to send a weekly episode then in that particular case the transcriber has priority, meaning you should definitely pick another show. There are plenty of shows that are waiting to be picked so we're sure that you'll find one that's gonna suit your needs. NOTE : However if you're only interested in transcribing one particular show, then maybe we can work something out with the transcriber.
DO YOU PROVIDE EPISODES ON TAPES?
NO. Our website happens not to be US-based. We are a website based in Europe (Paris, France to be exact) so we do not get US channels and therefore we do not have any episode on tapes to share. Read below for more information about getting your hands on the episode you want to transcribe.
In this section you will find useful information on the transcribing process. This is mostly aimed at transcribing for our site but it also can be applied for any kind of transcribing.
WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DO I HAVE TO INCLUDE IN MY TRANSCRIPT HEADER? Although we want you to be as free as possible when writing your transcript, we do require that you include the following elements on top of your transcript:
1)- NAME OF THE SHOW
2)- NAME OF THE EPISODE. Including the episode and season number. NOTE : We will add that information for you if you don't know.
3)- ORIGINAL AIRDATE. Including the name of the network broadcasting the show. NOTE : We will add that information for you if you don't know.
4)- NAME OF THE WRITER AND DIRECTOR. We do make a point to give proper credit when due so we do request that you add the name of the writer responsible for penning the episode and the name of the director. NOTE : We will add that information for you if you don't know.
5)- THE FOLLOWING TAGLINE: "TRANSCRIBED BY [Your Name] FOR TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE" should be added on EVERY single transcript sent to us. We will take the liberty to add it for you if ommited. NOTE : It is important that you do not forget it so that you get credit for your own work.
6)- EMAIL ADDRESS. Your email address is required should you want to get feedback or comments from visitors. It is optional so you don't have to add it if you don't want to.
NOTE : We can provide you with a personal yourname@twiztv.com email address upon request.
7)- COPYRIGHT DISLCAIMER. We will add a copyright disclaimer before posting the transcript. It is aimed at letting people know that the transcripts are posted without permission from the people who do own the rights of the show. You can also add your own disclaimer.
All the required information can be found at TV.COM. Feel free to check it out as it is an extensive episode guide for all kind of shows. For your information we have included an example below for you to see how we present transcript headers:
BONES
2X09 - ALIENS IN A SPACESHIP
ORIGINAL AIRDATE (FOX): 15/NOV/2006
WRITTEN BY JANET TAMARO
DIRECTED BY CRAIG ROSS JR.
TRANSCRIBED BY JESSICA FOR "TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE"
DO NOT ARCHIVE/DISTRIBUTE/REPOST THIS TRANSCRIPT ANYWHERE ON THE INTERNET!
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DISCLAIMER:
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The following is not a
novelization or an actual script but a dry transcript of the aired
episode that includes accurate word-to-word dialogues, settings descriptions,
action scenes and/or camera movements where the transcriber felt they were necessary. This transcript is archived at " TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE" IN WORLD WIDE WEB EXCLUSIVITY courtesy of JESSICA. "BONES" and other related entities are owned, (TM) and © by ABC/TOUCHSTONE TELEVISION in association with BENDERSPINK. This transcript is posted here without their permission, approval, authorization or endorsement. Any reproduction, duplication, distribution or display of this material in any form or by any means is expressly prohibited. It is absolutely forbidden to use it for commercial gain. For entertainment and educational purposes only. No infringement intended.
========================== TRANSCRIPT: 2X09 - ALIENS IN A SPACESHIP ==========================
Of course you're welcome to add any information that you think might be relevant. We are also open to suggestions.
HOW DO I TRANSCRIBE EXACTLY?
Watch the episode once to be familiar with the storyline and dialogues. Then start over and write down the action scene and settings. Then listen to every word and write them down, with the name of the character before the spoken dialogue. A transcript is really easy to write when you think of it. The only problem you might encounter is when you have a hard time understanding a sentence or a specific word. Other than that, transcribing is a pretty easy process. Since you cannot transcribe everything the first time around it would be a good choice for you to use your VCR or DVD player to go back and forth with the episode. If you're watching it on your computer then it's even easier for you as you can stop, rewind, watch twice or pause the episode in just one click.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO TRANSCRIBE AN EPISODE?
IT TAKES TIMES. Transcribing might be an easy process but it does take a hell of a time. So before applying make sure that you think twice because it IS very time consuming. When you start it may very well take at least ten times the program length in order for you to complete a transcript. Typing it in, adding the visual details, checking it for errors or typos, and formatting it, all adds even more time. It also depends on whether you work on a 1-hour drama or on a 30-minute comedy.
Keep in mind that this is just an estimation and that it really depends on you and on how you manage to do it. The more transcripts you write, the faster you'll transcribe.
HOW CAN I GET MY HANDS ON A SPECIFIC EPISODE IN ORDER TO TRANSCRIBE IT?
Once you have selected the show if want to transcribe all you need to do is finding a way to get your hands on episodes of the show. To do that there are three possibilities listed below. TAPE/TIVO THE SHOW. If the show you want to transcribe is currently airing on TV it's definitely the easiest way to do it as it's really no hassle. You can go back and forth with your remote control to transcribe parts of the episode you didn't quite catch the first time around. 2)- GET THE DVD. If the show you want to transcribe has been released on DVD then it's the best solution for you because you would be able to add subtitles while watching the show, allowing you to be more accurate with the dialogues. 3)- DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE ONLINE. There are many websites out there where you can download full episodes from. So if you have a high broadband Internet connection and missed an episode or if you live outside the US it's definitely the way to go.
CAN I USE CLOSED-CAPTIONS TO TRANSCRIBE? YES... AND NO! It came to our attention that if you live in the US you might use the closed-captioning tool that most television shows offer to help you with your transcript. It is a great way to gather information from television shows especially dialogues. All shows being closed caption by law, it makes it possible to automatically create a transcript of any television show using specific CC tools. However we do advise to check the captions afterwards to see if they are really accurate and if you need to watch the episode nonetheless to be able to add scene descriptions. NOTE: Captions can be perfect to check spelling for non English-speaker.
WHAT FORMAT SHOULD I USE TO WRITE MY TRANSCRIPT?
As you may have noticed most transcripts hosted on this site are .html files. Those are easier to access and are better viewed with any kind of web browser. Also, we use HTML files instead of text files because then a chosen part of a word can be italicized or put in bold for emphasis if needed. Of course, these distinctions are subjective at times but still they can be very useful. Here are a few guidelines:
1)- Send us the transcript under the regular .htm, .html or .shtml format if you have html knowledge or if you use a html editor like CuteHTML. Files created with an html editor are usually perfect when it comes to the source code. They are quick to load and do not require a lot of work before posting.
2)- Please avoid MSWord-generated .html files as much as possible. MSWord tend to generate big-weighted files that take a hell of a time to load. Plus the source code is most of the time a hassle to clean. . NOTE: Of course if you have absolutely no knowledge of html you're free to use MSWord. It is even recommended for newbies as you just have to type the whole thing, save it and then send it as is without much of a hassle on your part.
3)- You can use a regular WordPad-generated .txt files because .txt files are smaller in size and faster to load. Plus they can be read easily no matter which computer OS you use. However they do not offer the possibility for specific word emphasis or anything else for that matter.
4)- Also allowed are .doc and .rtf WordPad-generated files. They are also heavy files but they're easy to generate if you have no html knowledge. Upon reception we will convert the file into a regular html file so that it can be accessed online. NOTE: If you intend to use this format PLEASE DO NOT USE TABS!
5)- Acrobat Reader's .pdf format is also accepted. Choosing that format assures you that your transcript will not be modified in any way.
Please do not use .php, .asp, .cfm, or any kind of other format. We do not currently support them.
Feel free to check different transcripts on the site to see how it should be done. Some people tend to "bold" the name of the characters to make the transcripts easier to read. It's up to you to make the transcript look the way you like.
Don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns regarding formats.
CAN I SPLIT AN EPISODE TRANSCRIPT IN PARTS?
PLEASE DON'T! We find it annoying when people split transcripts into several pages. Therefore we will request to fit your transcript on one single page as it's easier to load (and that way there are no annoying breaks in reading). A transcript on a single page also lets our visitors print the entire transcript at once and lets them easily search the entire transcript using the browser's find function. Fans that look for specific quotes appreciate that.
CAN I USE A SCRIPT SOFTWARE TO WRITE MY TRANSCRIPT?
YES. There are many scripts software out there (FINAL DRAFT, MOVIE MAGIC SCREENWRITER,...) that you can use to write your transcript. You are more than welcome to use any of them as long as the transcript is sent in one of the above stated formats. Script written using a script software have a real script feel and that is always appreciated when reading a transcript.
CAN I ADD SCREENCAPS TO MY TRANSCRIPTS?
NO. Pictures tend to take a lot of bandwidth and tend to make the transcript slower to load. Plus most of the time they are irrelevant to the reading experience.
DO I GET CREDIT FOR THE TRANSCRIPT I'VE WRITTEN?
DEFINITELY! So please make sure to include a "TRANSCRIBED BY (YOU)" in your transcript header so that you get credit for it. We will then add the "IN EXCLUSIVITY FOR TWIZ TV.COM - FREE TV SCRIPTS DATABASE" tagline after your name so that the transcript and its original location can be identified in the web community.
We do make a point to always give proper credit to the original transcriber. We do not, in any way, claim ownership to your work nor do we let people think that it's ours. Although you do not own the transcript legally and although we do ask for web exclusivity it still remains your work and you deserve to get full credit for it.
NOTE: Please be advised that we will not accept frauds or copycats, meaning that sending us a transcript written by someone else with your name on it will not be tolerated.
AM I ALLOWED TO POST MY TRANSCRIPTS ON ANOTHER WEBSITE? As stated above the transcripts remain yours. However by applying for a transcriber position at TWIZ TV.COM you do agree to make transcripts for the site in WORLD WIDE WEB EXCLUSIVITY. That means that you're not supposed to share the transcripts with other sites... at least for a specific timeframe! That timeframe is currently of 6 months (details can be worked out upon request).
To make it short, if you send us a transcript you agree to offer the site WEB EXCLUSIVITY and you agree not to repost the transcript anywhere within the next 6 months. This may sound harsh but we're merely trying to assure a web-exclusivity for our visitors. Should the transcripts be reposted somewhere else we would require formal email warning and a visible link back to TWIZ TV.COM with the mention "ORIGINALLY TRANSCRIBED FOR TWIZ TV.COM" on the site the transcripts will be reposted to.
NOTE: Obviously if you have your own website and if you want to share your transcripts the above does not apply to you
IS THERE A SPECIFIC TIMEFRAME FOR ME TO SEND A TRANSCRIPT?
YES... AND NO! It actually depends on the kind of transcript you're working on. Basically if you're working on a weekly series that is currently airing on prime-time television, the quicker the better. Our visitors expect us to post transcript for the last episode of their favorite show as soon as possible. However, since we do understand that transcribing takes a heck of a time, we finally allow you the time that you need. Better to take your time to make a good accurate transcript than to make it quick and flawed. But for the sake of our visitors, once again the faster the better. You will quickly realize that one of things you'll have to deal with is finding a way to work around your own schedule.p>
If you have decided to work on a cancelled series then the timeframe is up to you. Again try to work your schedule so that it allows you time to transcribe efficiently.
I HAVE COMPLETED A TRANSCRIPT, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO BEFORE SENDING IT TO YOU? First make sure the spelling is correct. A quick reading of your transcript is sometimes enough to fix a few mistakes.
Make sure you didn't forget any required information (as listed above). And most importantly don't forget your name on it!
HOW DO I FORWARD THE TRANSCRIPT TO YOU?
HOW SOON WILL MY TRANSCRIPT BE POSTED ONCE SENT TO YOU? 72 HOURS. In most cases it will take us up to 72 hours for us to post your transcript since we try to update weekly.
HOW WILL I KNOW THAT THE TRANSCRIPT SENT TO YOU HAS BEEN POSTED?
If you send your transcript by email or via our "Transcriber Area" you will get an automated reply email confirming its reception and thanking you for your hard work. Once the transcript has been posted, usually within 3 days after its reception, we personally send you an email to let you know and to inform you about its location on the site.
I ALREADY HAVE A WEBSITE WITH FULL TRANSCRIPTS ON IT? CARE TO ADD THEM ON YOUR SITE?
OF COURSE! Although we're trying every day to expand our own team of transcribers to be able to post our own exclusive material we are also definitely and permanently looking for new partnership opportunities. So you allowing us to archive your transcripts on TWIZ TV.COM would be greatly appreciated. Plus it would give you the opportunity to get more readers for your work and more visitors for your site.
I AM AWARE OF A WEBSITE WITH TRANSCRIPTS YOU DON'T HAVE. SHOULD I CONTACT YOU ABOUT IT?
DEFINITELY! Please contact us with the website link so that we can contact the owner(s) and ask permission to archive the transcripts on TWIZ TV.COM. Again, we're always open to new opportunities.
I CURRENTLY OWN PLENTY OF (TRAN)SCRIPTS ON MY COMPUTER, CARE TO BUY ME SOME? NOPE! We are a non-profit website and therefore we have no money to spend. We only rely on people's goodwill. So you won't get any money from us. We intend to remain a fan website.
CAN I GET INTO TROUBLE FOR TRANSCRIBING A SHOW? DEFINITELY NOT. As a transcriber you can't get into trouble. There's no law preventing you from transcribing whatever you want. However there might be some higher PTB unhappy with us offering free transcripts. But even if legal actions are taken, keep in mind that, as a transcriber, you do not have to worry at all. If there's trouble in paradise, it will be the site's full responsibility to deal with it since we're the ones hosting the transcripts.
I DON'T WANT TO TRANSCRIBE BUT I MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN PROOFREADING.
If you have an interest in proofreading and if you do know html a bit then we would like for you to proofread somes of our material. There might be grammatical errors here and there that definitely need to be fixed. Please don't hesitate to contact us in case you're interested in proofreading.
I DON'T WANT TO TRANSCRIBE BUT I'D LIKE TO BE INVOLVED WITH THE SITE SOMEHOW.
CONTACT US! We are looking for people to promote the site online or to look for copycats on the web or any other positions. Feel free to contact us with any ideas you may have.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE I SHOULD KNOW?
Not that we can think of. If you do apply you'll probably be in regular contact with us so if you do have any questions or concerns that are not listed and/or covered here you are more than welcome to contact us anytime.
OK, I DEFINITELY WANT TO JOIN THE TEAM. WHAT DO I DO NOW?
Before clicking on the link below to fill our application form just remember that transcribing can be very cool and a hassle at the same time. It is very time consuming so make sure to be motivated and serious about it. In any case, just give it a try.
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DISCLAIMER
- Do not spam/virus us as we virus-scan our mail.
- Do not send us a transcript with your name on it if you are not the original transcriber. I do make a strong point to always give proper credit where due. I'd rather get an email from you with a link to transcripts you found instead of getting an email with transcripts you stole.
- Do not apply if you're not serious about transcribing. It is very time-consuming to manage our team of transcribers and we would hate to waste both our time with an application that you don't intend to go through with. Thank you for understanding.
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TRANSCRIBING IS FOR FUN AND IS NOT INTENDED TO INFRINGE ON ANY COPYRIGHT NOR TO ENCOURAGE SUCH
Ready ? Then...APPLY FOR A TRANSCRIBER POSITION TODAY
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