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Thread: Script advice: Non-English speaking characters

  1. #1
    Inactive Member nunquam's Avatar
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    Question

    I'm working on a script that includes several sections where the characters are not speaking in English.

    Should I include the non-English text along with the English text, or is it preferable/acceptable to write the dialogue in English and simply note that they are speaking another language?

    Example:

    BOB
    (in French)
    These pretzels are making me thirsty!

  2. #2
    Inactive Member nunquam's Avatar
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    Lightbulb

    Och! Just answered my own question by finding a copy of the Godfather II screenplay online. I remembered it had whole scenes with Italian dialogue. Here's an excerpt to show how they did it:

    DON FRANCESCO
    (Sicilian)
    I'm not afraid of his words.

    WIDOW
    (Sicilian)
    He is weak.

    DON FRANCESCO
    (Sicilian)
    He will grow strong.

    WIDOW
    (Sicilian)
    The child cannot harm you.

    DON FRANCESCO
    (Sicilian)
    He will be a man, and then he will come for revenge.

  3. #3
    Inactive Member thelaughingduck2001's Avatar
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    Post

    Ihave a few scripts where some characters are not speaking in English.

    I do it the same way. Write the name, then underneath in brackets (or parentheticals as Final Draft calls it) write what language they are to speak.

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