Okay, how do I write subtitle formats? Let's say I'm trying to write that the date and time show up on the bottom of the screen -- how do I write that? Also, more importantly, how do I write movie titles that show up three times in the course of the movie a la Pulp Fiction? I have a screenplay that has three stories in one, and has their own titles. How would I write their titles that show up on the screen over black? I need the proper format, 'cause I don't know it. Any help would be cool...  :)

I wouldn't quote me on this as it's just the way I do it and have seen it done but...

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Subtitle: Somewhere outside Russia

Something like that, that's how I've been doing them for years, that goes right under the scene heading.

I'm not sure if you need to write that the subtitle is at the bottom because most just assume they are, sometimes I write centered subtitle as a way to show it's in the middle of the screen and not to the left as it usually is.

George will probably look at his bible and tell you what is what, if the way I have been doing it is wrong I eagerly await the right way to be explained.

Jedi,

What you're looking to do seems like a super since there's no dialogue.

Just do it like this.

SUPER: Whatever you want here.


But since I just got a copy of the bible myself, I'll put it to good use,and show what it says in terms of subtitles relating to dialogue.

If you write a long scene in which French (or any other language) is spoken, and if you want English sybtitles to appear on the movie screen while the character speaks in French, then include a special note in the narrator description, as follows:

NOTE: THE DIALOGUE IN THIS SCENE IS SPOKEN IN FRENCH AND SUBTITLED IN ENGLISH.

Another option for using subtitles is to use a wryly

MICHELLE
(in French, with subtitles)
I spit on your name.  I spit on
your mother's grave.  I spit on
your book.


Hope this helps.

Mike

It sounds like he was talking about title subtitles and not language subtitles but maybe I read his post wrong.

As for the Pulp Fiction style captions. I'd write it something like this:

BLACK SCREEN

TITLE CARD: THE GOLD WATCH

Damn, Michelle has some issues....

If you just want to say a location or a time, write:  

SUPER:  Bobby's kitchen.  4:00pm.




Phil