Reader Question: What information should I include on my script title page?

Despite what you may have read or heard about some sort of ‘rule’ regarding title page format, there are all sorts of variations. Using the over 100 scripts available on the blog, download and check out these examples:

Title and Name only: Hanna, Spring Breakers

Title, Name, Date: Night Crawler, Short Term 12

Based on: Lincoln, The Fault in Our Stars

Reps: Prisoners

While there is no single template, if you use the approach you see on the Short Term 12 title page, and include your e-mail address, you’ll be in good shape. In general, less is more in screenwriting… and that pertains to the title page as well.

By the way you often hear this: “Don’t include WGA registration number on your title page. It will tell readers you’re an amateur.” In general, I think that’s true. And remember this: For legal purposes, you are better off copyrighting your script, rather than registering it with the WGA. That said, if you check out the script for the movie Mud, right there on the front page: WGA number.

Again: There are no rules! Even when it comes to something as simple and basic as a screenplay title page.

Readers, if you have additional thoughts on the matter, let me see what you have to say in comments.

Comment Archive