The Efficient Filmmaker MZed Course Series – Part 1: Easy Transcripts and Subtitles

The development of new tools and techniques is so rapid nowadays that it feels overwhelming. Especially regarding the vast area of artificial intelligence. AI here, AI there, AI in countless newsletters in my email box, and announcements on social media. But what tools are actually useful? How can we incorporate them into our mundane daily filmmaking tasks? And which AI-powered workflows can simplify our lives by supporting our creativity rather than replacing it? These are the questions we strive to answer with our new MZed course series “The Efficient Filmmaker.” I am proud to announce that the educator is I, myself! The first part, “Subtitle Mastery,” is already online, covering subtitle generation, caption translation, and text editing.

We’re aware that the abbreviation “AI” has already acquired a negative connotation within the filmmaking community. The reason for the backlash is largely connected to so-called “generative” AI tools that can generate texts, images, and videos based on users’ prompts. These have raised a number of ethical questions, particularly around the lack of regulation and the fact that many AI developers don’t hold rights to the material used to train their models. (Read here about the recent Disney and NBCUniversal lawsuit against Midjourney.)

That’s not what our new course series is about. Instead, we want to place the focus on AI-enhanced workflows that assist your creative process without taking it out of your hands.

The Efficient Filmmaker and what is it about

We believe it’s important to stay curious and engaged with new technology to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. With this in mind, we developed a course series that introduces state-of-the-art tools to handle repetitive tasks, freeing you up to focus on the creative side of your work. These tools are brought together in easy-to-implement workflows designed to simplify your process and give you more space for storytelling and other creative pursuits.

Each part of “The Efficient Filmmaker” focuses on one narrow area of the video production process and consists of short, simple tutorials. We start with something every filmmaker comes across regularly: Transcribing dialogue, working with large speech parts, creating captions, and translating them.   

Someone told me once, ‘Yes, but this was my job, and now AI has taken it over.’ Personally, I also used to create subs and translate them into different languages as small gigs now and then. Here’s the thing, though. First, AI-generated captions still require your human touch to be properly finalized, but new tools can significantly accelerate this process. Second, let’s be honest. Was it your dream job? If you had the possibility to concentrate on creative editing and finding new angles to the story instead of mere transcribing, wouldn’t you do that?

Subtitles Mastery: transcribe, translate & text-to-edit

In the first part of “The Efficient Filmmaker” series, we take a look at AI-powered transcription tools across all the major NLE applications (and also offer some third-party applications for smaller projects). We demonstrate step-by-step how to transcribe all the spoken parts of your video within minutes, and what to watch out for. Then, we generate subtitles and guide you around the interface of working with them.

In one of the later modules, course participants also learn how to apply text-based editing (an analog to the classic paper cut, but in digital form), which can make, for example, documentary post-production much more efficient and enjoyable.

The course also includes tips and workflows on:

• Effortless translation for subtitles in other languages;
• Formatting principles and how to work with reusable style presets;
• Common subtitles and caption formats, and where to use each one.

The Efficient Filmmaker: first course’s price and availability

“The Efficient Filmmaker: Subtitles Mastery” is available as part of the MZed Pro subscription. If you are already an MZed Pro member, you can head over to the course and start watching it right now. If not, this might be a good time to consider joining. Our monthly membership gives you full access to an extensive library of filmmaking education, and with more courses planned for this series, it’s become even easier to stay up to date. Next up – quick AI masking solutions for the rest of us for simple color and visual effects.

As an MZed Pro member, you can access hundreds of hours of filmmaking education. Plus, we’re constantly adding more courses (several are in production right now).

Starting at just $29/month (billed at $349 in the first year, $199 from the second year, or billed monthly at $49), here’s what you’ll get:

• 60+ courses, over 800+ high-quality lessons.
• Highly produced courses from educators with decades of experience and awards, including a Pulitzer Prize and an Academy Award.
• Unlimited access to stream all content during the 12 months.
• Offline download and viewing with the MZed iOS app.
• Discounts to ARRI Academy online courses, exclusively on MZed.
• Most of our courses provide an industry-recognized certificate upon completion.
• Purchasing the courses outright would cost over $9,500.
• Course topics include cinematography, directing, lighting, cameras and lenses, producing, indie filmmaking, writing, editing, color grading, audio, time-lapse, pitch decks, and more.
• 7-day money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you (on annual billing only).

Full disclosure: MZed is owned by CineD.
Join MZed Pro now and start watching today!

What do you think about practical AI tools? Are you already implementing them in your filmmaking workflow? In what area do you feel lost right now and need more guidance? Please let us know in the comments below.