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!

FAQs

What is a “name title” in screenwriting?

A name title is a screenplay title made up only of a character’s name, such as John Wick or Michael Clayton. It focuses on the protagonist’s identity rather than hinting at the story. For new scripts, this often provides little information about the film’s genre, tone, or premise.

Why are name titles considered ineffective for spec scripts?

Name titles are often weak for spec scripts because they reveal almost nothing about the story. Industry readers can’t easily tell the genre, tone, or concept from just a name. For emerging writers, this can be a missed chance to make the script more intriguing and marketable.

What key elements should a strong script title communicate?

A strong screenplay title should hint at elements like genre, tone, theme, setting, or central conflict. Even a few words can create curiosity and expectations for the story. Titles such as Raiders of the Lost Ark or Dead Poets Society immediately suggest the film’s world and tone.

Why is a title considered an important marketing tool?

A title is often the first thing people see about a screenplay. A compelling title can grab attention, convey the story’s mood, and make the project memorable. In a competitive industry, this first impression can encourage readers to keep reading.

What are the risks of using a generic name as your script title?

Using a generic name as a title can make a script feel uninspired or unfinished. It usually communicates little about the story’s genre, tone, or stakes. A more descriptive and creative title can create a stronger first impression.