How I Transcribe...

Transcribing Workflow:
1) Import entire interview into ProTools session.
2) If the interview is in multiple WAV files: insert all onto one track, leaving about a 3-5 second gap between files. Exception: Ambient and active sound, don’t add into track.
3) If you have multiple files on the track, select all and normalize. This will even out all the sound variation and reduce the interview to a single WAV file.
4) Import single (normalized) WAV file into Transcriva.
5) Select (on Toolbar) “Speakers” / “Add Speaker” > type name of interviewer, interviewee, and anyone else heard in the recording. TIP: you can color coordinate the speakers.
6) As you listen to the file, select “New Entry” every time a new person speaks. Where it says “Unknown / None”, select the arrow to insert the speaker. If you hear a line that is possibly worthwhile, type a quick line or memo for later.
7) Summarize all the questions and responses.
8) Find your most intriguing sound bites (statements that catch your attention) and transcribe those. Isolate those sound bites in ProTools for later.
9) Transcribe everything else that is relevant to your story.

Hope this helps someone.
- Shane... Radio

doing documentary

...i just read the following:

"All [documentarians] share a common goal: to engage an audience in the wonder of actuality, creatively interpreted."