§ PODCAST / PEOPLE
Tom Vaughn
Guest"Subtext is a result. It’s still just a result. But I like your perspective of sometimes we give the audience subtext as filmmakers, as storytellers. We imply a subtext that may not actually be there because of the way we constructed the scene."
— Tom Vaughn | DZ-120: Subtext is Overrated!
2025
DZ-120: Subtext is Overrated!
How do character goals, tactics, and fears create subtext automatically?
Listen if you're struggling to write subtext without it feeling forced!
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Or, how focusing on good drama will result in good subtext. We often hear how subtext is important for good screenwriting. We’re here to tell you it isn’t. Good subtext is a result of good drama, and your focus should be on creating that good drama. But how… →
"Your action lines have to play the role of the musical score and that’s exactly what he does here when he says the monster that killed her family that’s the text version of the music, that the score turns up in that moment in the movie."
— Tom Vaughn | DZ-120: Subtext is Overrated!