NAME TITLES = Lazy!

Anora. Annabel. Abigail. Michael Clayton. John Wick. Marianne. Emilia Perez. What do all these titles have in common?

They’re all “name” titles.

And what do they tell us about the movie or show?

Zero, zilch, nada.

Genre? Nope.

Tone? Nein.

Theme? Non.

Subject matter? ʻIkai. (Yeah, that last one was Tongan and we had to look it up.)

So what could be wrong with “Name” titles? They’re everywhere. Can’t get away from them. If they’re good enough for Netflix, right? Well, no. There are two big problems with name titles for spec scripts.

The first is that titles are a marketing tool — your first chance to convey the tone, setting, genre, style, theme, etc., of your project. Now suppose DIE HARD was simply called “John McClane”? What do you know about the movie? Zip. Bupkis. Some guy is in it. But DIE HARD says it’s either a big action movie – or a car battery from Sears. Either way – much better. (Especially for Sears.)

The other issue is that name titles are generally considered to be lazy titles. Part of the writer’s job is coming up with a catchy, compelling title that whets people’s appetites. So don’t be surprised if your script title BOB doesn’t excite anyone.

But now if you call it BOB, DEMON HUNTER? Well, we’d read that!

Here at Coverage Ink, we strongly advise against using a name title unless your protagonist is either well-known — yeah, “Lincoln” works, if you’re doing a biopic, about, you know… Lincoln –the president, not some guy who washes windshields at the West Side Highway Exit Ramp – or if the name somehow captures the vibe and/or essence of the movie. For example, an ethnic name can convey a sense of place or era.

(We’re pretty sure the above is a movie about a guy named John.)

Now of course, if you’ve broken in and have a bit of juice, then you may have a bit more latitude. The industry will always blow smoke up the butt of the flavor of the week – so if your new pilot is titled “Pete,” then that is a brilliant title!

But for the rest of us, do yourself a favor and create a great first impression by finding a title that somehow conveys the feel, genre, or atmosphere of your project.

How do you do that? Ask yourself:

What you’re trying to say? What is your theme?

What is your movie about? What’s the tone?

Where does it take place? What era?

Let’s keep pulling from the 1980s (because people get less upset when we’re not trash-talking a current awards darling).

RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: Nobody would mistake it for a kitchen sink drama with that title. A “raider” (according to the good ol’ Oxford dictionary) is someone who attacks an enemy in the enemy’s own territory. In this one single word we’ve got hints of action, danger, attacks, and enemies. The “lost ark”  speaks of mythology, ancient times, and archeology. So, in just five words, this title tells us a lot about its genre, tone, and content.

DEAD POETS SOCIETY: Definitely not the same audience as the one above. Because it’s clear this isn’t a movie for the fun-loving action movie crowd. How do we know that? Well, not only are we dealing with poets, but dead poets. What picture is conjured up when thinking about poetry? Stodgy prep school? Yup, that’s the setting. Old-fashioned? Well, it’s a period piece. Art with no commercial purpose other than expressing yourself? That’s the theme. And what does “society” tell us? There is more than one or two. It’s an ensemble.

By now, you get the idea. And, yes, coming up with a great title takes effort… and you may not get there right away. It may also take a little brainstorming with friends, but trust us – it’s worth it!