| by John Finnegan
Voice-over narration (V.O.) often gets a bad rap in screenwriting, with many writers associating it with lazy exposition or clunky storytelling. This misconception stems from its misuse in some projects, where narration replaces in-scene action or dialogue instead of complementing it.
Voice-over is not inherently bad writing—it’s all about context. In some cases, it’s essential for setting the stage or explaining the rules of a fictional world. Think about the opening monologue in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, where narration immerses the audience in Middle-earth’s history. On the flip side, voice-over can feel out of place, as seen in the original cut of Blade Runner, where it detracted from the film’s atmosphere.
In this post, I’ll outline key best practices for using voice-over narration effectively. Whether you’re a beginner screenwriter or just exploring the technique, these principles will help you decide when and how to employ voice-over in your scripts.
What Is Voice-Over Narration?
Voice-over narration refers to a character or narrator speaking over the visuals of a scene, offering commentary, backstory, or insights that aren’t explicitly conveyed through the action or dialogue. It's a common device in screenwriting, used in everything from dramas (Goodfellas) to fantasies (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring).
While voice-over can be an invaluable tool, it’s important to use it strategically. Let’s dive into best practices for incorporating V.O. into your scripts.
Best Practices for Using Voice-Over Narration
1. Use Voice-Over Consistently
One common mistake beginner screenwriters make is using voice-over sporadically, such as in the opening scene or during isolated moments of exposition. This randomness can feel jarring and unnatural, making the narration stand out for the wrong reasons.
Instead, consider the function of the V.O. in your story. If it’s used as a framing device, include it at both the beginning and end of the narrative. If it’s meant to offer different perspectives on events, like in Casino, establish this mechanic early in the story so it feels deliberate when revisited later.
Pro Tip: Just like flashbacks or other storytelling devices, if you’re planning to use voice-over in Act 3, establish it in Act 1. Consistency is key to making it feel integral to the story.
2. Avoid Redundant Narration
If the information conveyed through voice-over can be shown in the scene itself, skip the narration. Audiences prefer to actively engage with a story rather than passively absorb information. When V.O. explains what’s already evident, it risks boring or disengaging viewers.
Take Goodfellas as an example. While the film relies heavily on V.O., it also delivers dynamic scenes full of character interaction and visual storytelling. Without this balance, the narration might feel excessive or unnecessary.
Ask Yourself:
Can the scene’s visuals or dialogue convey this information?
Does the narration add depth, context, or subtext that wouldn’t otherwise be clear?
3. Use Voice-Over to Add Unique Insight
In writing voice-over in a script, narration works best when it reveals something the audience wouldn’t otherwise know. A great example is the opening monologue of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, which condenses centuries of Middle-earth history into a captivating introduction. The V.O. immerses the audience in the world’s mythology, something that couldn’t be effectively communicated through action alone.
Similarly, voice-over can be used to establish tone, as seen in classic Disney films like Sleeping Beauty or Snow White. These narrations set a fairy-tale atmosphere with their “once upon a time” framing.
Tip: Use V.O. to enhance the tone, provide backstory, or offer the audience a glimpse into the narrator’s inner thoughts. Avoid using it to restate what’s already clear on screen.
How to Format the writing of voice-Over Narration in a Script
Formatting voice-over is straightforward but essential for clarity. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Write the V.O. as dialogue, attributed to the character speaking.
Indicate the voice-over by adding "(V.O.)" next to the character’s name.
Place the narration before the corresponding action or visuals it’s accompanying.
This example, from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, shows how V.O. adds subtext and character perspective while complementing the visuals.
The Difference Between (V.O.) and (O.S.)
(V.O.): Voice-over indicates dialogue recorded outside the scene, playing over the action. Examples include narrators or characters reflecting on past events.
(O.S.): Off-screen indicates a character speaking within the scene but not visible to the audience, such as from another room.
Check out this excerpt from Ex Machina:
In the above example, two characters are speaking in another room and they are being monitored by another. As they are talking 'off-screen', the (O.S.) is used.
You might also see (O.C.) or 'off-camera'. This is technically the same but, as a matter of practice, I avoid this because I don't like referring to the camera in my writing at all if avoidable. I prefer to use (O.S.).
Conclusion: When to Use Voice-Over Narration
Voice-over can be a powerful storytelling tool when used with purpose. It can:
Establish the world’s rules and context (The Lord of the Rings).
Provide unique character insight (Forrest Gump).
Add tonal layers to your story (Goodfellas).
However, overusing or misusing V.O. can disengage your audience. Always ask yourself: Does the narration add something essential or unique? If not, it’s better left out.
By following these best practices and formatting tips, you can make voice-over narration a seamless and impactful part of your storytelling.
If you’re ready to experience audio drama in a whole new way, OutWrd offers a range of unique stories designed to captivate and transport you. From dark fairy tale retellings to historical dramas, OutWrd’s cinematic approach to audio fiction is setting a new standard for what audio drama can be.
Try OutWrd for free with no sign up here.