The Title Page

So there was a question in the comment section of the post below, that I figured I'd repost up here so that I could get some input on it.

The question is about what to put on one's title page, copywright info or WGAw or nothing. Whether it's seen as amateurish to do so -- or whether a producer won't read your script if it doesn't have it on it.

I can't speak to the latter, but I can speak to the former -- it always seemed a little amateurish to me, a sign that the newbie writer is trying to validate the script by putting these signs-that-this-is-an-actual-screenplay on the cover. Or that he/she thinks that a producer definitely won't steal their idea because look, there's the WGAw number, but if it's not on there they definitely might swipe it all and your girlfriend too.

Not a break-the-bank, sway-my-opinion-going-in thing. But a sign of an amateur, definitely, because pros don't do this -- and I think a lot of the more experienced amateurs just don't bother.

But I have no idea if a producer would require the scripts be registered before reading the script. I think registering one's script is probably a good idea in general, but I can't speak to anyone in the business requiring you to have that protection and plastering it on your title page.

Title, name, maybe an address, phone number. That's all mine ever have. Though that's just me. I can't say that has helped me or hurt me in any significant way whatsoever.

But if anyone can speak to any aspect of this, feel free to weigh in.