Captioning Key - Speaker Identification

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Establishing the identity of both onscreen and offscreen speakers is vital for clarity.

When possible, use caption placement to identify an onscreen speaker by placing the caption under the speaker.
Do not identify the speaker by name until the speaker is introduced in the audio or by an onscreen text/graphic.
When a speaker cannot be identified by placement and his/her name is known, the speaker's name should be in parentheses.

The speaker's name needs to be on a line of its own, separate from the captions.

Correct Example

(Jack)
I don't see how blasting
would work on this building.
When a speaker cannot be identified by placement and their name is unknown, identify the speaker using the same information a hearing viewer has. (Please use inclusive language and avoid the use of gendered language.)

Correct Examples

(speaker #1)
I'm happy.

(narrator)
That is wonderful!
If a speaker is offscreen and their offscreen position is known, place the captions to the far right or left, as close as possible onscreen to the offscreen speaker's assumed position.
When an actor is portraying another person or character, identify the actor as the person being portrayed.

Correct Example

(as George Washington)
If the freedom of speech
is taken away,

then dumb and silent
we may be led,

like sheep
to the slaughter.

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