TV captioning, also known as closed captioning, plays a crucial role in television programming. It ensures accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing audience, as well as those who prefer watching TV with captions. As a highly specialized field, TV captioning demands specific skills and expertise. In this article, we will provide you with expert career tips on becoming a successful TV captioner.
What Is TV Captioning?
TV captioning involves displaying text on the screen that corresponds to the audio content of a television program. It enables viewers to read dialogue, sound effects, and music present in the program. This accessibility feature is beneficial for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as those who may not be fluent in the language spoken on the program.
TV captioners utilize specialized software to transcribe the audio content of a television program into text. They listen to the program and type the text into the software, which then displays it on the screen. For TV captioners, accuracy, speed, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are crucial.
Skills Required to Become a TV Captioner
To excel as a TV captioner, you need to possess the following skills:
- Excellent Typing Skills: TV captioners must type quickly and accurately. Typing at a minimum speed of 200 words per minute with minimal errors is desirable.
- Good Listening Skills: Accurately transcribing the audio content requires attentive listening skills.
- Attention to Detail: TV captioners should pay meticulous attention to detail and quickly catch errors in the text.
- Time Management Skills: Working under tight deadlines necessitates effective time management abilities.
- Knowledge of Grammar and Punctuation: A strong understanding of grammar and punctuation ensures the accuracy and readability of the captions.
How to Become a TV Captioner
If you’re intrigued by the prospect of becoming a TV captioner, you can follow these steps:
- Acquire the Right Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically necessary to embark on a TV captioning career. Pursuing a degree in communications, journalism, or a related field can provide additional knowledge and skills. Additionally, consider taking courses specializing in captioning, transcription, and subtitling to enhance your abilities.
- Gain Relevant Experience: To succeed as a TV captioner, gaining experience in the field is invaluable. Begin by working as a captioner for local television stations or captioning companies to sharpen your skills and build a portfolio.
- Obtain Certification: Certifications, such as the Certified Broadcast Captioner (CBC) and Certified Realtime Captioner (CRC) offered by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA), can significantly boost your credentials and credibility.
- Stay Updated with Technology: TV captioning technology is continually evolving. It’s vital to keep pace with the latest software and equipment to remain competitive in the industry.
Key Takeaways
Becoming a successful TV captioner necessitates specific skills, including excellent typing and listening abilities, attention to detail, effective time management, and proficiency in grammar and punctuation. To pursue a career in TV captioning, obtaining a high school diploma or equivalent, gaining practical experience, obtaining relevant certifications, and staying up-to-date with technology are crucial steps.
If you aspire to excel in TV captioning, consider enrolling in the NYU Film and TV Industry Essentials online course and certificate program. This comprehensive program offers you a deep understanding of the television industry, including a specialization in TV captioning. Completion of this program can equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive as a TV captioner.
