Second-Pass Filecutting

Filecutting isn't just about track labeling but also serves as quality control for Skywind's voice acting. Filecutters will often be the only ones to listen to every line of a VA's dialogue before it goes in-game. So, we need our filecutters to be top-notch! The idea of second-pass filecutting is to have a team reviewing each others' work. It is the "measure twice, cut once" principle, so to speak.

Second passes follow this general process:

1. Pick a card in the "CHECKED SUBMISSIONS" or "CHECKED RETAKES" columns on ClickUp. You will serve as a second set of eyes (and ears) to ensure we get the best possible voice acting.

   • Add yourself to the card along with the "Filecutter Assigned" label, like usual.

   • Don't pick a card for which you did the first check. If you're a voice actor, don't pick a card that you voiced. ;)

2. Download the audio for the submission, as well as the "Ready_For_Checking" zip file from the first-pass filecutter. Extract the Ready_For_Checking label track(s) and script. Import the label tracks into the matching audio file by opening the WAV file and going to Import --> Labels..., and open the script. Listen and follow along with the recorded audio and the original filecutter’s annotated script, and confirm that the filecutter's label and assessment are good.

   • Check the filename for each label to make sure it matches the line in the script. Did the original filecutter apply the correct label? If not, fix it.

     • A common issues is that a filecutter will forget to copy the filename when moving on to a new line, and so will accidentally place the same label twice in a row.

     • Or, they may forget to place a label entirely.

     • Don't worry about things like an extra space at the end of the label.

   • Was there any error (mispronunciation, etc...) that the original cutter didn't catch? If so, remove the label (Right click --> Delete Label) and give the line in the script the appropriate colors and comments on the error report.

   • Did the filecutter mark the original line as having an error, but really, the line is good? Mark it perfect on the script and add a label in Audacity.

     • Remember: If you and the first-pass filecutter disagree on something, feel free to get more opinions by asking on Discord!

   • Was the original filecutter's feedback clear and helpful? Try to ensure there are friendly and helpful comments for our actors to help give them a better direction for their next recording attempt.

     • For example, if the original filecutter's feedback was "Mispronunciation: Said "Cosades" wrong", you could change this to "Mispronunciation: "Cosades" should be "koh-SAHD-ess."

     • Remember that the retake note must be understandable even without the mistaken word being colored red.

   • Quickly look if the label track looks like it has the right amount of silence before/after each line. You don't have to measure these precisely; just eyeball it. A common issue is too-long labels, usually from working zoomed-out too far.

   • If you and the first-pass filecutter disagree about something, feel free to bring it up in the #filecutting channel.

3. When you're finished, save the checked work script and export the revised label track in Audacity (File --> Export --> Export labels...). The overwritten label track will appear as a .bak file - you can delete that one. Then, pack up the checked script and revised label track and upload it to the card.

   • Name the packed file Checked_Work_Main_<VA Name>_<VA Race>.zip for main submissions and Checked_Work_V#_<VA Name>_<VA Race>.zip for retake submissions (replacing # with the current retake number).

4. Move the card to the "Pre-Retakes Update" column. km816 will handle making the new retakes script.

As a final note: Keep in mind that this is a review, not completely redoing the first pass!

• The intent is not to nitpick the decisions made by the first-pass cutter. Instead, you should focus on identifying major things that the first-pass cutter might have missed or misunderstood.

• You don't have to, for example, make your own decision of which take is best if the VA gives multiple. Just make sure the one picked by the first-pass cutter is alright.

• The two most important part of this are:

  1. Confirming pronunciations, especially for words and names related to major quests (e.g. we want every instance of "Nerevarine" to be perfect).

  2. Ensuring the retake notes are descriptive, constructive, and clear.

That’s it! If you are interested,  All filecutters are eligible for this position and there is no testing required, just dedication and teamwork.