write-a-lower-third

name	write-a-lower-third
category	media
description	Write and verify a lower-third name and role caption for accuracy, consent, readability, timing, and safe display. Use when identifying a speaker or source on screen.

write-a-lower-third

Identify only what the audience needs and the person can verify.

When to use

• Use for interviews, panels, news, documentary, training, livestreams, and event video.
• Do not expose protected identity, precise location, employer, affiliation, or legal name without a justified editorial purpose and permission.

Procedure

1. Confirm the participant's preferred displayed name, spelling, diacritics, pronunciation, pronouns if relevant, title, organization, and time context.
2. Verify role and affiliation from the participant or an authoritative source.
3. Choose the shortest accurate first line and context line; avoid promotional or disputed claims.
4. Check capitalization, translation, abbreviations, line breaks, and consistency with captions and credits.
5. Fit safe area, contrast, size, display time, background, and target aspect ratios.
6. Share sensitive or consequential identification for participant or editorial approval.
7. Test on the actual export and record the approved text and version.

Done

• An approved lower-third list records exact text, source, consent or editorial authority, language, timing, and version
• Export checks verify spelling, readability, safe area, contrast, duration, captions, crops, and correct speaker association