With your screenplay title page being your reader’s “first impression,” it’s easy to get intimidated by how to properly format it. Get too fancy and you could seem like you’re overcompensating for what’s inside, get too simple and you could create confusion by omitting basic information. Over the course of this article we’re going to go over some tips for putting your best foot forward and making sure your cover page is as professional and polished as the script behind it.
SCRIPT COVER PAGE 101
First, let’s define a screenplay title page:
Whether it’s called a “script cover page,” “a script front page,” or simply, “the first page of a screenplay”, it’s all the same.
SCREENPLAY TITLE PAGE DEFINITION
What is a title page for a screenplay?
The screenplay title page is a script’s front page and most commonly includes four basic bits of information: the title of the script, the name of the writer, the contact details of all parties involved, and the date of the script. In feature screenplays, you may also indicate whether the script is based on a pre-existing intellectual property or a true story. In television scripts, it’s common to include the title of the episode underneath the title of the show.
Key Facts About Script Title Page Format:
- Written in Courier font 12-point.
- Should not exceed 1 printed page.
- Should not include a logline or synopsis of the script.
- Most screenwriting softwares have a built-in template.
SCREENPLAY TITLE PAGE FORMAT
What else can be included on a screenplay title page?
Perhaps you’ve read the screenplay for Encanto and was struck by how little information was on the script front page, or maybe you’ve just breezed through the screenplay for Top Gun: Maverick and noticed just how much was packed into that cover page template. Within this section, we’re going to go over what’s legally required to be on your screenplay title page and what’s not.
“How to Format a Screenplay” by YouTuber Tyler Mowrey
“Story By”
Within feature writing, “Story by” credits does not necessarily mean the writer who initially “crafted the story”. Instead, it’s usually regarding writers who worked on any part of the feature treatment or story outline while the film was in development.
Within a script title page template, you would play “Story By” below the title of the script, but above the “Written by” credit.
“Screenplay By”
This credit goes to writers who literally composed the screenplay, or wrote key scenes that were included in the final draft. Legally, this credit can not be shared by more than 3 writers, or 3 writing teams. On your title page, this would go after “Story by”.
“Written by”
When a screenplay’s “Screenplay by” and “Story by” credits can be given to the same writer, the screenplay title page will simply read, “Written by” after the title of the script.
“Based On”
If your screenplay is based on pre-existing IP or based on a true story, you would include this on your script front page. This would be written after all credits for writer(s) have been laid out, but before acknowledgement of any revisions.
“Revisions by”
If you have either commissioned another writer to revise your script or are working with a producer who has brought in additional writers to “do a pass”, you would need to include their credits to mark their part of the process. In the screenplay title page format, you would include this information after all previous writer credits, after the “Based On” credit, but before all essential contact information.
DO’S AND DON’TS
What shouldn’t be included on a screenplay title page?
It’s easy to get carried away once you’ve started adding more elements than you ever thought possible. One rule of thumb for creating a strong screenplay cover page is: less is more. Most writers only include information on their title pages that are absolutely necessary, so that the reader’s experience is focused more on the script itself. It’s generally not a good practice to include a full paragraph synopsis of your script on the title page, or insert multiple images. Another rule of thumb is to not include your personal address as part of the “contact info,” but rather your email address and phone number.
Remember that at the end of the day, your script is the star of the show. Your screenplay title page is simply your first impression. The two should work together in creating a cohesive, professional and polished first look at your next great film idea.
“Screenplay Title Page Do’s and Don’ts” by YouTuber Big Red Stripe
Up Next
How to write music into a screenplay
Now that you’ve mastered the art of writing your screenplay title page, it’s time to dig deeper. How do you best convey a Tarantino-esque soundtrack element into your script? Or perhaps you’re writing a scene where your protagonist listens to a key song that allows them to see themselves, seemingly for the first time? Click on the article below to learn the tips and tricks for formatting music into your screenplay so that your audience never skips a beat.
