Captioning

Broadcast captioning is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences on the job market today. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of broadcast captioners is projected to increase 20% percent through the year 2014.  This new and innovative training program will prepare you for a career in broadcast captioning.  This program has been specifically designed by experts in the field to provide participants with hands-on training through online multi-media seminars, manuals, dictionary builders and realtime writing evaluation.  The course is limited to 10 participants and is taught in a unique fashion.

Entry requirement:  Must be a proficient realtime writer with thorough knowledge of CAT software.

The course is broken into four or five units:

Module 1 Introduction to Broadcast Captioning

• Principles of captioning
• General broadcast production and News
• Proper show preparation
• Realtime Accuracy Self-Evaluation
• Job dictionary development
• Writing exercises
• Home Study Writing Assignment (4 weeks) + Test

Module 2 Psychology + Writing One Topic Content

• Thinking outside the box
• One topic – weather programming
• Developing a brief form theory
• Research and preparation
• Realtime Accuracy Self Evaluation
• Writing exercises
• Home Study Writing Assignment (4 weeks) + Test

Module 3 Captioning Toolbox  - Lecture

• Dictionary management
• Proper number translation
• NCRA Style Guidelines Review
• Finger spelling, punctuation and alphabets

Module 4 Equipment, Shopping,  Music, Sports

• Equipment organization and setup
• Programming – shopping
• Captioning music
• Sports captioning – golf
• Home Study Writing Assignment (3 weeks) + Test

Module 5 CART [Optional]

• Overview of the CART writing environment
• Review of CART Provider's Manual
• Setup
• Research and dictionary preparation, maintenance
• Writing exercises
• Realtime Self-Evaluation

Each unit is designed be to be completed at a self-paced speed over the course of one month.  The entire course can be successfully completed over 5 months.  During week one of each month, there is a lecture portion that is offered at 2 different weekly times.  Students will participate in one of the lectures.  During weeks 2 - 4, students will work on home study writing assignments at their own pace. They are required to turn in the writing assignment and Self-Evaluation Form at the end of each week's assignment.  Students are also encouraged to "check in" with the instructor at least once a week when the instructor posts virtual "office hours."

Unique to CMS II, the "home study portion" is incorporated into each program and reinforces the skills learned.  Once each home study portion is completed with a score of 98.5% accuracy, the participant will receive a certificate of completion and can add this course of study to their resume.

Costs for the CMS II program are as follows:

For RealtimeFitnessOnline members, the cost is $200 per module.  If a module is not completed in 4 weeks, the fee is charged again until completion is reached.  To sign up for the entire CMS II program, the cost for members is $500 for all five modules. (If module five is not selected, the cost is $450.) Membership must be maintained throughout the course to retain member rates.

For non-members, the fee is $300 per module.  If a module is not completed in 4 weeks, the fee is charged again until completion is reached.   To sign up for the entire CMS II program, the cost for members is $700 for all five modules. (If module five is not selected, the cost is $650.)

To receive a certificate of completion, participants must complete modules 1 - 4 and the home study portion.

Through the Caption Masters Series II, we will help you achieve your goals. Caption Masters Series II is unique because it does not teach tricks to writing.  Rather, it builds on what you already know and gives you strategies to be successful.   The course is limited to 10 participants and is taught in a unique fashion:

If you question your readiness, Realtime Fitness Online offers a “realtime ready review.”  Judy Brentano, CMS II creator, will give you specifics for a file to be written and she will then review the writing to determine your readiness for the series. 

I would like more information on membership.