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CUSTOMER SPOTLIGHT

MAK Pictures

In a Nutshell
MAK Pictures produces unscripted documentary and reality shows that involve many interviews, all of which must be transcribed. In order to put a show together, writers and editors must search these transcripts for specific terms to find particular clips they need. MAK had been working with a number of other transcription providers, both externally and in-house, to accomplish this task. The need to receive completed files faster and at a lower cost inspired them to look for an alternative transcription solution.

The Challenges

MAK Pictures decided to choose a new transcription vendor based on four core decision criteria: speed, price, efficiency and workflow. MAK Pictures had been working with a number of different transcription vendors that were unable to offer the delivery speed they needed to transcribe interviews in a timely manner. Beyond on-the-fly interviews, MAK Pictures was incurring substantial costs for certain shows that required entire transcription departments. MAK was also in need of a better workflow, as integrating SMPTE timecodes into the transcription is critical to them, and yet their previous vendor’s solution did not include this specialized feature. The cost of obtaining transcripts was proving to be prohibitive with cable TV budgets. Finally, MAK needed a more efficient solution, as they were bringing in an in-house team to transcribe interviews manually.

The Solution

MAK Pictures was able to leverage cutting-edge AI technology for quick turnaround and lowered costs, without compromising on the accuracy of its transcriptions. Verbit’s solution provided MAK with its domain-trained Automated Speech Recognition (ASR) Engine: Verbit’s core speech-to-text technology is trained using industry and client-specific data. Verbit's AI technology provided them with adaptive machine learning algorithms that improved with use, resulting in a high level of quality. MAK also received the assurance of human expertise, with Verbit's network of highly-qualified professional transcribers who edit and review each transcript to ensure 99%+ accuracy. Verbit also built a custom SMPTE timecode integration so that time codes were perfectly aligned with MAK's transcripts for maximum precision.

Cut transcription costs by 50%

Delivered files 2x faster

Provided integration with SMPTE timecodes

The Results

Lower costs

“Because Verbit brought our costs down, we’ve been able to transcribe a lot more, which helps us put together
more compelling content and enrich the stories we tell.”

Faster turnaround

“Sometimes we require transcripts in less than 24 hours, and, depending on how much footage we needed, our previous vendor couldn’t always meet that deadline. And, if they could, it would almost double the cost.”

Increased efficiency

“Sometimes we shoot pickups, which are scenes that are filmed after the main shoot is done. We need these interview bites turned around very quickly. Now we can do that.”

“Verbit is half the price and twice the speed of previous vendors we’ve worked with in the past. We’ve expanded the number of interviews and other scenes that we transcribe, which is something we weren’t able to do with other providers.”

– Paul Sutherlin
Head of Post Production, MAK Pictures

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