Hello Everyone,
I've asked this question on a few platforms and the responses so far have been so varied I feel the need to widen the search for a blog I plan doing on the subject. This question is more for Producers and script readers to answer, but anyone can weigh in.
When reading a script with characters speaking in a language other than English, would you rather have the dialogue be written in English or the language the character is speaking? And then use either an action line to state what the language is, or parentheses in the dialogue stating the language?
The minority consensus so far is to use parenthesis stating the language and the dialogue written in English (or the main language of the writer's audience).
Cheers,
Scott
I would say that it all depends on your endgame - if the project is designed to sell or be produced in another country then the script can be written in that language and be the most authentic it can be. If the goal is to sell in the US marketplace I have found that writing in English with the dialogue italicized to indicate that it will be spoken on screen in another language to be most effective. Just food for thought based on experience.
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Thank you, Sam.
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very timlely for me! I have script with just that scenario and didnt know how to do write it! thank you.
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Oh Sam! I just accidentally sent you a request. I will let it stand if you're up for replying. :)