Writing in titles – those on-screen words that provide context, location, time, or character information – in a film script requires clarity, brevity, and purpose; they should seamlessly integrate into the narrative without disrupting the flow. This guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of best practices, ensuring your titles effectively enhance your story and guide your audience.
The Art of the On-Screen Title: When and How
The pivotal question isn’t can you use titles, but should you? The best on-screen titles are those that enhance the storytelling in a way that visuals or dialogue simply cannot, or do so more effectively. They are not a crutch for weak scene setting; rather, they are a tool to streamline exposition and deepen audience understanding.
When to Employ On-Screen Titles
- Introducing a New Time Period: A title card like “1985” can instantly transport your audience to a different era, especially useful in period pieces or stories with significant time jumps.
- Establishing a New Location: Especially useful for globetrotting narratives, a title like “MARRAKECH, MOROCCO” quickly orients the viewer. This is particularly crucial if the location isn’t visually distinctive enough.
- Clarifying Character Identity: For prologues or flash-forwards focusing on younger versions of main characters, a title such as “YOUNG ANNA” prevents confusion.
- Providing Essential Context: Sometimes a brief explanation, such as “THREE MONTHS LATER” or “THE YEAR THE WAR ENDED,” is the most efficient way to convey crucial information.
- Highlighting Internal Monologue or Excerpts: Though less common, titles can showcase thoughts or written words, bridging the gap between the internal and external world of your characters. This is often done with stylistic choices different from standard titles.
How to Format On-Screen Titles
The industry standard is to use ALL CAPS and center the title on a line of its own, prefaced by “SUPER:” or “TITLE:” (either is acceptable, consistency is key). Followed immediately by the title itself.
Example:
EXT. CAIRO MARKET - DAY
A bustling marketplace teeming with people.
TITLE: CAIRO, EGYPT
Some writers prefer a slightly different approach, using the phrase “ON SCREEN:” instead of “TITLE:” or “SUPER:”.
EXT. CAIRO MARKET - DAY
A bustling marketplace teeming with people.
ON SCREEN: CAIRO, EGYPT
Again, the most important factor is to remain consistent throughout your entire screenplay. Pick one formatting option and stick with it.
Important Note: Avoid using titles excessively. A constant barrage of title cards can become distracting and feel amateurish. Use them sparingly and strategically.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into On-Screen Titles
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about writing in titles, along with detailed answers to help you master this crucial aspect of screenwriting.
FAQ 1: Should I use “SUPER:” or “TITLE:” or “ON SCREEN:”?
The choice between “SUPER:”, “TITLE:”, and “ON SCREEN:” is primarily a matter of personal preference and house style. “SUPER:” is the more traditional term, referring to superimposing text over the image. “TITLE:” is equally acceptable and perhaps slightly more descriptive. “ON SCREEN:” is a viable alternative favored by some. The key is to pick one and consistently use it throughout your script.
FAQ 2: What font should I use for the title text itself?
You, as the screenwriter, do not decide the actual font that will appear on the screen. You are only responsible for properly formatting the instruction in your script. The art department and post-production team will handle the visual design of the titles.
FAQ 3: Can I use lowercase letters in my on-screen titles?
While technically possible, it’s strongly discouraged. ALL CAPS is the industry standard for on-screen titles in screenplays. Using lowercase can make your script appear less professional.
FAQ 4: How do I indicate the duration for which the title should appear on screen?
You generally don’t. The duration of a title’s appearance is typically determined by the director and editor during post-production. Focus on writing clear and concise titles; their pacing will be handled later.
FAQ 5: What if I want a title to fade in or out, or have a specific animation?
Again, this level of detail is typically reserved for the director and post-production team. Avoid specifying stylistic effects in your script unless they are absolutely crucial to the narrative. If it’s vital, you can add a brief parenthetical note, but use this sparingly. Example:
TITLE: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (FADES IN SLOWLY)
FAQ 6: How do I handle long titles that might wrap to the next line?
Keep titles as concise as possible. If a title is unavoidable long, try to break it at a logical point to improve readability. Some screenwriting software automatically handles line breaks, but always review to ensure clarity. Avoid excessively long titles at all costs.
FAQ 7: Can I use titles for character names in a scene with many new characters?
Yes, but use this sparingly. If a scene introduces several new characters at once, titles like “DETECTIVE MILLER” can help the audience keep track. However, try to convey character names through dialogue and action whenever possible.
FAQ 8: What if I want the title to appear at the bottom of the screen instead of the center?
While most titles are centered, there may be instances where you want to specify a different location. In this case, include a brief parenthetical direction:
TITLE: CONFIDENTIAL (LOWER LEFT CORNER)
But again, use this sparingly as the final decision lies with the director and post-production team.
FAQ 9: Is it okay to use titles to translate foreign dialogue?
Yes, but remember these are generally referred to as subtitles, not titles in the context we are discussing here. Subtitles are a different beast altogether and handled through a completely different post-production process.
FAQ 10: What if I want to create a title sequence with multiple titles in quick succession?
In this case, write each title on its own line, following the established format. You can include a brief note indicating that these titles are part of a sequence:
TITLE SEQUENCE:
TITLE: THE BEGINNING
TITLE: OF THE END
TITLE: IS NEAR
The specifics of the timing and visual presentation will be determined later.
FAQ 11: Are titles necessary for flashbacks?
Not always. Visual cues (sepia tones, dreamlike imagery) and dialogue can often signal a flashback effectively. Use a title only if the flashback is jarring, involves a significant time jump, or the visual cues are insufficient to orient the viewer.
FAQ 12: How do I decide if a piece of information is best conveyed through a title or through dialogue/visuals?
Prioritize showing, not telling. If you can convey the information through visuals or dialogue, that’s generally the better approach. Titles should be reserved for information that is difficult or impossible to convey otherwise, or that significantly enhances the storytelling economy. Ask yourself: Does the title add genuine value, or is it merely stating the obvious?
Conclusion: Titles as Storytelling Tools
On-screen titles are powerful tools when used judiciously. They should serve the story, not distract from it. By understanding the proper formatting conventions and carefully considering when and why to use titles, you can elevate your screenwriting and create a more engaging and informative experience for your audience. Master the art of the title, and you’ll unlock a new dimension of storytelling potential.