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So, I've been working on several projects... in most cases the titles just kind of come to me and work. In other cases, I have to wrack my brain to figure out what will work without sounding either lame or giving too much away. In the case of mini-series and such, a title can pretty much tell you what the story is about. Anaconda... about a big snake... Snakes on a Plane... well, you get the idea... So, any tips from anyone on the "best" way to pick a title?

thanks,
Erik
Oceanside, CA
http://thelastbardsblog.blogspot.com
http://lastbard.deviantart.com

Generally I think the best way is to have a working title just to keep your mind on the task in hand eg That Snake Film. The problem comes when you start focusing on titles too much (the equivalent of covers for artists- attract a lot of attention, but not where the bulk of the work is!)
After you've finished, the title should present itself either in the work you're doing (What type of snake is it? Where would the snake be?) or you'll have some idea having done the work.

Thanks... the one I thought I was "stuck" on is now unstuck... I had a working title and it actually works well, brilliant in its simplicity...

Just as Will said...I tend to keep in mind what I am working on and what the story is about. More often than not, the title is already there by the time I have started to write the script. But I also love to pick titles that really have no meaning to the story...just to throw people off the track and make them curious. I've seen this done many times before....like CLAMP's XXXHolic series....the title just doesn't go with the story line.

I usally can't start writing if I don't have a title...or at least a working title. There's no method to picking out titles for me, I just think about the major elements of the story and the title will just come to me.

I usually have a working title, but I'm not always sold on them. Based on the one I was stuck on, though, I'm actually ok after all... Just had to think a little more.

Thanks,
Erik
thelastbard@yahoo.com
http://thelastbardsblog.blogspot.com
http://lastbard.deviantart.com

Whenever I'm stuck I just describe my concept to Rob Davis and he instantly responds with a perfect title. It's like magic.

I'll have to see if I can find my own magic eight ball next time I'm stuck.