Tips for Lower Third Titles (page 2)

Lower Thirds Outside the Box

Your titles don't always have to be so predictable. Think outside the box from time to time. One very creative approach to titles is to fit them in naturally. A crime movie could start out with a few short clips of the main characters (perhaps bank robbers who are planning a heist) getting their mug shot taken. On the typical board that the criminal holds for the mug shot, replace the processing number with real titles for the movie. Now you have a fun and creative opening to a movie with titles that communicate the exact same information. With these types of approaches, make sure to plan for both titling options. Sometimes when you're shooting with titles, they are not as readable as you thought they'd be. Have a back-up plan just in case the risky title option doesn't work out as well as you'd hoped.

As you become more familiar with these common graphical elements, remember that they're all part of the bigger production. Make sure they don't take center stage or distract the viewer for the wrong reasons. These elements are just playing a supportive role, but that doesn't mean you can't make them look the best you can.

Contributing columnist Mark Montgomery is a web content specialist and produces instructional videos for a leading web application developer.