Over the last year, I’ve been transcribing tape for an independently-produced documentary film. I’ve played, rewound, and fast-forwarded through more than 5,000 minutes of HD video footage–upwards of 87 hours–describing every shot and noting each word spoken while the camera rolled. Lingo-laden professional interviews and lively conversations among family members, footage of sleepy suburban neighborhoods and kids riding the bus to school–it’s all there and it’s all been transcribed.
Considering that feature length films typically average between 80 and 210 minutes in length, that could mean that 95% of this footage may never be used. Some of this video accumulates as the camera rolls, waiting for just the right light or to record a special moment, the worthy reward being a perfect shot…and the transcript will tell you exactly where to find it in those 87 hours of tape.
