Rushes transcription
Reality and unscripted source footage with speakers and terminology.
Formats / glossary
Name the document before you order it.
Post-production uses several transcript and script formats. A rushes transcript records raw footage for the edit. As-broadcast scripts, post-production scripts, continuity scripts, CCSLs and CDSLs record the finished programme for delivery. BestTranscript supplies rushes transcripts, source-timecoded and ScriptSync-ready files, and subtitles. This page defines each format.
Format by format
What each document is, and who supplies it.
Production documents are made from raw footage. Delivery documents are made from the locked programme.
| Format | Stage | BestTranscript | What it contains |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rushes transcript | Production | Supplied | A transcript of unedited source footage, one file per source clip, with speaker labels and source timecodes so story producers can search and find material. |
| Source timecode | Production | Supplied | The SMPTE timecode recorded with the camera or sound file (HH:MM:SS:FF). Transcript lines that carry it point back to the exact frame in the original clip. |
| ScriptSync-ready transcript | Edit | Supplied | A text transcript prepared so Avid Media Composer ScriptSync can align it to the matching clip audio. Avid performs the alignment. |
| Subtitles and captions | Delivery | Supplied | Timed-text files such as SRT, SCC or PAC, built to a named platform or broadcaster specification. |
| As-broadcast script (ABS) | Delivery | Not currently offered | A verbatim script of the final programme as transmitted, with speaker IDs, timecodes and usually music cues and on-screen text. US broadcasters and distributors ask for it at delivery. |
| Post-production script (PPS) | Delivery | Not currently offered | The UK name for a script of the finished programme for broadcaster delivery, with timecoded dialogue, music and on-screen captions. |
| Continuity script | Delivery | Not currently offered | A shot-by-shot record of the finished film: every cut, camera angle, action and line of dialogue. |
| CCSL | Delivery | Not currently offered | Combined continuity and spotting list: a continuity script plus frame-accurate in and out times for every subtitle line, used for localization and distribution delivery. |
| CDSL | Delivery | Not currently offered | Combined dialogue and spotting list: dialogue with subtitle spotting times, without the full shot-by-shot description of a CCSL. |
What we supply
Start with the production record.
Timecoded transcription
Source timecode, frame rate and discontinuities checked at intake.
Avid ScriptSync files
Transcripts prepared for Avid alignment and tested in a pilot.
Format answers
Short answers to common format questions.
What is the difference between a rushes transcript and an as-broadcast script?
A rushes transcript records unedited source footage so the edit team can find material. An as-broadcast script records the final programme after picture lock and is a delivery document for the broadcaster or distributor.
What is a CCSL?
A combined continuity and spotting list. It describes every shot of the finished film and gives frame-accurate in and out times for each subtitle line. Distributors use it for translation, subtitling and legal delivery.
Does BestTranscript supply as-broadcast scripts or CCSLs?
Not at this time. BestTranscript supplies production transcripts of raw footage and rushes, ScriptSync-ready files and subtitles. Ask if a project needs delivery documents and we will tell you what is possible.
Production pilot
Not sure which format you need?
Send the delivery specification or the broadcaster request. We will tell you which parts we supply.
Scope a pilot