: If a character like Alonzo (Denzel Washington) is shouting from another room, use italics or a label like ALONZO [O.S.]: to indicate the speaker is off-screen. Key Scenes and Their Subtitling Needs Scene Element Subtitling Strategy Alonzo's Monologues
For deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, the sounds are as important as the words: subtitle Training Day
Only subtitle background noise if it is relevant to the plot (e.g., a distant siren or a specific shout). : If a character like Alonzo (Denzel Washington)
: For background tracks, identify the song name and artist in all caps: [SONG NAME by ARTIST] . Ensure the text stays on screen long enough
Ensure the text stays on screen long enough to be read comfortably but matches the rapid-fire pacing of Denzel Washington’s delivery.
: Subtitles should replicate exactly what is being said. In a film known for its sharp, rhythmic dialogue and slang, cutting "fluff" can disrupt the conversational flow.
: The script heavily features street slang and police jargon. Ensure these are spelled correctly; if a word is unintelligible, it is better to label it as such than to guess. Visual Clarity and Timing : Limit subtitles to two lines at a time. Keep each line under 30 characters to avoid clutter.