ASK & DISCUSS
INDEXWhen writing under a pseudonym, do you use the pseudonym in script pitches on here, or your real name?
8 years, 7 months ago - Steven Hunt
I joined under my real name, obviously, but I have a few different pen names I use for different genres. Horror, Comedy and Drama, so far. So as to avoid confusion and disappointment from potential fans. I may well be successful in only one genre, if I ever make it. I also write narratively, and have some ideas for children's books. Obviously I don't want kids wanting to see horror films, looking for cute, fluffy animal stories, etc. So far I have three Comedy scripts finished (two shorts). I have yet to pitch anything on here, as I have no idea whether to use my real name, or the name I wrote it under?
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8 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin
As you please, TBH. I don't think it makes a real difference and when it comes to deal time you can always specify how you wish to be credited at that time.
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Paddy Robinson-Griffin SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich
Film writing is a different beast than novels. Most don't even know who wrote a movie, and even fewer go to see a film because of who wrote it. From a studio perspective, multiple genres from the same writer is a good thing. If you have a hit, then you might worry about being pigeon-holed. You'll be more employable if you use the same name on all genres. But, as Paddy says, once you sign the contract, you can be credited any way you like.
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Dan Selakovich SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Andrew X. Fleming
I'd wait til this is a problem before really worrying about it. It will serve you much better now to build your own "brand" than to worry about a kid accidentally watching a horror film you've written. Good luck!
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Andrew X. Fleming SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Paul Campion
I'd agree with Andrew Fleming, don't worry about it until it becomes an issue. Being able to write in different genres is a good thing, but if you use different names it'll make it harder for people to know exactly who the writer actually is and how to contact them.
It' unlikely that kids reading books (which you say are just ideas at this point) will search out what films the author has written scripts for. As Dan says, very few people go to see films because of who wrote the script, and very few scriptwriters have a fanbase, and if they do it tends to be other writers or people in the industry.
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Paul Campion SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Steven Hunt
Cheers, guys. That's cool. I do know I probably won't get work writing anyway, but didn't know what to do. Was worried about confusion and all that. Most of the writers I can name are writer/ directors, but I do watch films for some writers. Joss Whedon mainly... The others all direct their own stuff all of the time. Neil Marshall, Kevin Smith, Rian Johnson and Richard Kelly to name a few. Plus Kevin Smith has let me down a couple of times. Yoga Hosers... What the Hell was he thinking there?
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Steven Hunt SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Paul Campion
It tends to be only very incredibly successful writers who use a pseudonym. E.g. JK Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith because she wanted her novel The Cuckoo's Calling to be judged on it's own merit, rather than as something written by the author of Harry Potter.
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Paul Campion SHOW
8 years, 6 months ago - Alève Mine
Be consistent with the names from the start. You can't undo the past.
Response from 8 years, 6 months ago - Alève Mine SHOW