Festival identity · Production guide
Design a conference lower third that works behind a long name
Use the longest guest name on the busiest and lightest expected backgrounds. Test a solid or translucent backing, leaving room for the broadcaster's own bug.
Input and decision
Set aside the speaker name, job title and affiliation as separate text objects. Ask the broadcaster which corner their logo and captions occupy before placing the name bar.
Set up the comparison
Test the shortest and longest names over a white shirt, dark jacket and changing stage background. Look for contrast loss as the footage moves.
Make the comparison
Play the long-name bar over a light shirt, then over a dark jacket. Freeze both at the busiest frame and read the last surname aloud.
Worked record
The downloadable worksheet includes the records below and a blank row for your own project.
| Name | Title | Background test | Safe-area source | Test to run |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aya Moss | Director | Dark jacket | Await broadcaster spec | Opaque test |
| María Fernanda Valdés-Kovács | Festival jury | Light shirt | Await broadcaster spec | Two-line name |
| Replacement guest | Pending approval | Busy footage | Await broadcaster spec | Rehearsal cue |
Check the result
Read it at the stream delivery size. Verify title-safe margins with the actual broadcaster and check that the name never covers a mouth or a caption line.
Hand off the revision
Return the tested name bar and an image of its least legible background to the broadcast operator.
Review question
Which names and backgrounds should I test on a lower third?
Try a short name, the longest compound surname and a replacement guest. Record the light and dark clothing, background motion and broadcaster's format used for each test.
Use the task on your own brief
Use a copy of the worksheet to keep the project’s source files, reviewed options and decisions together.