§ PODCAST / PEOPLE
Tom Vaughn
Guest"You can’t market subtext, man."
— 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… →
"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!