Screenplay Titles: Before Or After You Write?

August 17th, 2010 | Posted by jasonmckinnon in Screenwriting

I’ve been developing a screenplay based on a story that Producer Eric came up with a while ago.

We’ve been firing emails back and forth for weeks now ironing out story details and such.

One thing was missing. Something I like NEED to have in place before I begin writing.

The screenplay needs a title!

I’ve always found that I’m more inclined to sit down and write when I have a catchy title in place. It’s almost like I’m blocked until I have something to call the script.

Sometimes, it’s a temporary title but more often than not, I like to have the title figured out.

Note: I also think it’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to change a title if it doesn’t fit once the script is complete. More on that in a moment.

I finally came up with a title the other day that I’m excited about. Ultimately, it’s up to Eric if it sticks but I’m confident enough to continue through my screenwriting routine and start writing.

However, having a title in place early on can backfire as well…

What if the title doesn’t work?

It’s a bitter/sweet moment when you realize that a title doesn’t work for a particular story. Bitter because it’s normally hard letting go of ideas you once thought worked and sweet because 9 times out of 10, the new title is vastly superior to the original. It all comes down to creativity.

Sometimes, it’s easy to become attached to a title and it’s difficult to let it go. It’s a lot like eliminating characters or scenes during the rewrite process. I think the title of a screenplay deserves the same level of merciless scrutiny.

I never want to be a stubborn writer who refuses to make the BIG changes when they’re obviously needed. There’s nothing worse than realizing something that should have been obvious when it’s too late. I consider it a welcome challenge to come up with something better and I’m confident that a better title will come to me in time.

Still, I feel it’s necessary to have a title before I start to write. Even if it’s not the best fit in the end.

In my opinion, it’s too important to get left behind.