How to Become a Successful Television Captioner
As technology continues to evolve, there is an increasing need for professionals who can provide accurate and timely captions for television programs. Television captioners play a vital role in ensuring that all viewers, including those who are deaf or hard of hearing, have access to the content being aired. If you are interested in pursuing a career as a television captioner, this article will provide you with the information you need to get started.
What is a Television Captioner?
A television captioner is responsible for creating captions that appear on screen during a television program. These captions provide a written representation of the audio being presented, which makes the content accessible to viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captioning is also used in noisy environments, such as bars or gyms, where the audio may be difficult to hear over other sounds.
Captioning can be done in real-time or offline. Real-time captioning is done during a live broadcast, while offline captioning is done after the program has been recorded. Real-time captioning requires a high degree of accuracy and speed, as the captions must appear on screen in real-time. Offline captioning, on the other hand, allows for more time to ensure accuracy.
Education and Training
While there is no specific educational requirement for becoming a television captioner, most employers prefer candidates who have completed some post-secondary education. A degree in communications, journalism, or a related field can be beneficial, as it provides a foundation in writing, editing, and critical thinking.
In addition to formal education, there are several training programs available that can prepare you for a career in captioning. Organizations such as the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA) offer captioning training programs that cover topics such as English grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. These programs can be completed online or in-person and typically take several months to complete.
Skills Required
To be a successful television captioner, you need to have excellent writing skills, a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, and the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure. You also need to be able to listen and type at the same time, which requires strong multitasking skills.
Captioners also need to be familiar with the technology used in the industry, including captioning software and hardware. They should also be comfortable working with a variety of audio content, including different accents and dialects.
Job Outlook and Salary
The job outlook for television captioners is positive, as the demand for captioning services is expected to grow in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of court reporters and captioners is projected to grow 7% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
The salary for television captioners can vary depending on the employer and the type of captioning being done. According to Payscale, the average salary for a captioner is $49,000 per year, with salaries ranging from $29,000 to $87,000 per year.
Key Takeaways
- A television captioner is responsible for creating captions that appear on screen during a television program.
- While there is no specific educational requirement for becoming a television captioner, most employers prefer candidates who have completed some post-secondary education.
- To be a successful television captioner, you need to have excellent writing skills, a strong understanding of grammar and punctuation, and the ability to work quickly and accurately under pressure.
- The job outlook for television captioners is positive, with employment projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations.
- If you are interested in pursuing a career in the television captioning industry, consider taking the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program to gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the field.
