When working on an original script, how often do you change the title through or after the writing process? I know the title is as crucial as the writing itself and I was just curious as to how many different titles other writers go through before settling on the right one.
Screenwriting : Screenplay Titles! by Tommy Nelson
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I make a poster then a title and stare at it for a while while making changes. Then I write the log line. From there I stick to the poster, log line, and title to keep me on track during the writing phase. So I can't say I have changed the screenplay title. Now the final cut of a film might be a different story. I've changed that before just because at that point it might be a different feel.
That's a good point, Justin. I just completed a draft and realized the title may cause a perception that I don't necessarily want. It's amazing how important the title of a film/screenplay is. Just changing the title made a huge difference in some feedback I received from different people.
Perhaps the title will appear on its own time
That all depends on what comes during the writing for me. I've changed the title on one spec five times and on another I stayed with the first title that came before the first act was composed. Just write the script and see what comes.
I normally have tweaked it until it felt right for the subject matter of the plot.
Sometimes I don't come up with an appropriate or fitting title until I've got a screenplay all wrapped up!
It varies. Sometimes I have the title first and it jump starts the script, other times I have the script and the title bubbles to the top afterward. And if I'm making major premise changes to the script then the title changes usually reflect that.
i get the tittle immediately after a lay down my idea , but once i start the screenplay , its too hard to change unless other wise , because i usually center my tittle from either the conflict or the triat of major role .in the story .
I live in San Diego so I get on the trolley and ask people? if you had to choose one of these films to go see . which? If you get a consistent yes thats the one.
oh sorry yes I can never make up my mind.
I write novels and screenplays and the title is always a hard one. I think you have to boil it down to a single element that tells the whole reason the story exists. Then understand that some second producer who doesnt understand it will change it and by that time its to late for you do do anything..
For me the story is the title, so I usually stick with it until Fade Out... then it might change. I have a script that began as a story about people who worked the graveyard shift, and the title reflected that. In rewrites the story came out of the darkness and the title didn't fit anymore. But usually the title is the story... and stays until the producer changes it.
I've never been able to nail a title right out of the gate. I always use a working title and hope that a more poignant title emerges as I write.
Hey Tommy, the title and Logline are critical as it is the first thing a potential Producer reads. If it doesn't appeal to him then he may not read further so I can understand your desire to get it right. The title really should relate to the story and leave you a picture in you mind regarding what the movie may be about. I generally give my screenplays an initial name then once I get further into it I find an idea for a name that gels with the story. Sometimes 2 or even 3 title may evolve until I settle with one. When I get the right title at the end I know straight away, THAT'S THE ONE.