Screenwriting Basics
Mastering the Art of Subtitles in a Screenplay
Jul 25, 2023
By
Avinash Prabhakaran
Screenplays are more than just dialogue and action descriptions; they are blueprints for the entire cinematic experience. One crucial element often overlooked by novice screenwriters is the art of writing subtitles.
Subtitles are essential for conveying information, setting the scene, and guiding the audience through the story. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of writing subtitles in a screenplay.
Understand the Purpose of Subtitles
Subtitles serve multiple functions in a screenplay:
Setting the Scene: Subtitles can establish the time and place of a scene. For example, "INT. COFFEE SHOP - MORNING" informs the reader that the scene occurs inside a coffee shop in the morning.
Providing Context: Subtitles can offer additional information, such as "FLASHBACK" or "DREAM SEQUENCE," to indicate non-linear storytelling or the character's subjective experiences.
Character Introductions: When a new character is introduced, their name appears in uppercase, followed by a brief description, e.g., "JOHN (early 30s, rugged) enters the room."
Formatting Rules for Subtitles
Proper formatting is essential for clarity and consistency in your screenplay:
Uppercase: Subtitles should be written in uppercase letters to distinguish them from action descriptions and dialogue.
Hyphen Separation: Use hyphens to separate the elements within a subtitle, such as location, time, and any additional information.
Alignment: Subtitles are typically centered on the page for easy visibility.
Transition Indicators: Subtitles like "CUT TO," "DISSOLVE TO," or "FADE IN" are used to indicate scene transitions and should be centered in uppercase.
Character Names: Introduce characters' names in uppercase, followed by their age (if relevant) and a brief description in parentheses.
Clarity and Conciseness
Subtitles should be clear and concise. Avoid overloading them with unnecessary details or descriptions. Keep them focused on essential information that advances the story or provides context. For instance:
Wrong: "INT. COFFEE SHOP - MORNING - A quaint little café with vintage décor, situated on a bustling street, filled with people chatting, sipping coffee, and enjoying pastries."
Right: "INT. COFFEE SHOP - MORNING"
Proper Usage of Subtitles
INT./EXT. and Location: Use "INT." (interior) for indoor scenes and "EXT." (exterior) for outdoor scenes. Followed by the specific location, e.g., "INT. LIVING ROOM" or "EXT. PARK."
Time of Day: Indicate the time of day if it's relevant to the scene, e.g., "INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT."
Special Circumstances: Use subtitles like "CLOSE-UP," "INSERT," or "MONTAGE" when the scene requires specific camera directions or visual techniques.
Transitions: Employ transition indicators like "CUT TO" or "FADE OUT" to guide the reader through scene changes.
Consistency Is Key
Maintaining consistency in subtitle formatting is crucial. Use the same format throughout your screenplay to avoid confusion.
If you introduce a character with age and description once, do it the same way for all characters. This consistency helps the reader understand your screenplay more easily.
Conclusion
Writing subtitles in a screenplay is an essential skill for any aspiring screenwriter.
By understanding their purpose, adhering to formatting rules, prioritizing clarity and conciseness, and maintaining consistency, you can effectively use subtitles to enhance your storytelling and guide the reader through your cinematic world.
Mastery of this art will elevate the quality of your screenplays and improve your chances of success in the highly competitive world of film and television.
