Post-production scripts are an important tool in producing films and TV shows, as they provide an accurate transcript of a completed film or TV series. These scripts are used by production companies, distributors, and other industry professionals to ensure that the final product is accurately transcribed and can be used for dubbing, subtitling, and distribution.

They come in a variety of formats and levels of detail, depending on the specific needs of the project. Some of the most common post-production scripts include the Continuity List, the As-Broadcast Script, and the Dialogue List. These scripts are created to provide a comprehensive transcript of the completed film, including all dialogue, actions, and scene descriptions. This is important for dubbing, subtitling, and distribution as it allows for the accurate translation and synchronization of the film for different audiences and markets. Post-production scripts are an essential part of the distribution process, as they are used to ensure that the final product is accurate, consistent, and ready for distribution.

Most Common Post Production Scripts

Dialogue List

A dialogue list is a widely requested post-production script in the film and television industry. It is a document that includes all of the spoken dialogue in a film or TV series, including utterances, voice-overs, overlapping dialogue, and more. The primary purpose of a dialogue list is to provide an accurate record of all the lines spoken by actors, which can be useful for translating the production into a foreign language.

Having a dialogue list can save both time and money for production companies. Translators can use the dialogue list as a reference, which eliminates any errors that may occur during the translation process. This makes it easier for the translator to efficiently translate the film or TV show into the desired language. Additionally, by having a dialogue list, the translation, dubbing, subtitling, and closed-captioning process can be done more quickly and efficiently.

As-Broadcast Scripts

A broadcast script, which is an accurate record of the final edited version. This type of script is typically required by networks and studios as a deliverable when a project is finished. With an as-broadcast script, you can see the flow of your film or TV show in its entirety on paper.

An As-broadcast script includes the word-for-word dialogue spoken within the film or TV series, act breaks, scene headings, and a description of the scenes portrayed. This level of detail allows for a precise account of the film or TV show, ensuring the coherence of the final product. This also allows the network and studio to have an overall view of the project without actually watching the film or TV show.

Overall, an as-broadcast script is an important tool for the film or TV post-production process, most especially for compliance to the networks’ and studios’ requirements. If your post-production team is in need of an as-broadcast script, consider working with a professional transcriptionist to ensure accuracy and quality.

Continuity Lists

A continuity list serves multiple purposes in film and TV production. It is used as an outline for subtitling, closed-captioning, and dubbing, as well as a legal description for copyright purposes.

There are four types of continuity lists to choose from, each with a different level of detail.

The Combined Continuity List includes a detailed, cut-by-cut description of camera and actor movement, camera shots, and all dialogue. The CDSL (Combined Dialogue and Spotting List) includes all spoken dialogue, scene headings, and changes, slug lines, along with all the elements of a Spotting List. The Spotting List includes actual subtitles, along with character names, time calculated for dialogue, and in and out times.

The most comprehensive continuity list is the CCSL (Combined Continuity and Spotting List). This list provides complete details of every camera shot or scene within your film or TV show. It includes the characters’ names and locations during these scenes, in addition to the complete dialogue of each actor and other details that may be needed to present your production.

A CCSL has both the continuity list and the spotting list listed within one document, which allows for cross-referencing between dialogue and scenes. However, the level of detail provided in a CCSL can be a burden for production companies to develop, but it is a requirement for studios.

Reality TV/Documentary Drama Transcripts

Reality TV and documentary productions often involve a significant amount of camera footage. However, editing this footage down to the essential elements can be a challenging and time-consuming task for producers. One way to streamline this process is by using transcriptionists to transcribe the footage. This creates a reality TV/documentary drama transcript, which can be used as a reference for editing purposes.

With a transcript, producers can quickly locate the specific footage and dialogue needed to create pivotal moments in the production. Rather than sifting through hours of film, they can use the transcript to identify the most relevant sections. This can greatly speed up the editing process and make it more efficient.

Reality TV/Documentary Drama Transcripts  can also be useful for post-production tasks such as foreign language translation. By creating a post-production script, transcriptionists can reduce the amount of time needed for these tasks.

Reasons Why you Should Hire Professionals for your Post-Production Transcription

Hiring a professional transcription service can bring numerous benefits to your project. Firstly, you’ll receive a greater level of accuracy as professional transcriptionists are experienced and skilled in transcribing a variety of files into different post-production scripts. Professionals are adept at handling files and know the best way to go about transcribing.

Secondly, it is a more affordable option as you will not be paying your employees to take a lengthy amount of time to transcribe your files when they should be performing other responsibilities in the project.

Thirdly, professional transcription services have the right tools to do the job, such as complex software programs, which ensure a faster turnaround time and a greater level of accuracy. In addition, professionals already have enough experience with different clients and distributors and therefore are already familiar with which file types are used for which distributors and production companies. This way, administrative errors can be prevented.

Lastly, professional transcription services are equipped to handle large-volume transcription projects and can work through the transcription of these documents with ease.

At Daily Transcription, we are committed to providing quality post-production transcription services for your film or TV series. By entrusting us with your transcription needs, you can free up your staff to focus on their core responsibilities while we handle our core responsibilities – post-production transcription.