Question, I have a script posted on BL (6 average). It seems one reviewer had a problem with it. Called it a non-sequiter title, not 100% sure what it means, but thinking about changing it. Has anyone changed a title of their script while it was hosted on BL? Any experience changing your title? Thanks.
Black List Title
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Re: Black List Title
Originally posted by pangolin View PostQuestion, I have a script posted on BL (6 average). It seems one reviewer had a problem with it. Called it a non-sequiter title, not 100% sure what it means, but thinking about changing it. Has anyone changed a title of their script while it was hosted on BL? Any experience changing your title? Thanks.
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Re: Black List Title
Without reading your script, it's impossible to know if that comment is valid--but ask yourself if your title is strongly connected to your story, characters or thematic. If not, that might be why they felt it was a non sequitur. Great titles are very closely connected to the overall story, theme or character.Last edited by celticbeauty; 03-31-2014, 10:34 PM.
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Re: Black List Title
Since one purpose of this board is education, let me point out that the correct spelling of the term is: non sequitur (two words, no hyphen).
What the reviewer probably meant is that the title of the script bears no logical relation to the content of the story.
"The fact that you have seen professionals write poorly is no reason for you to imitate them." - ComicBent.
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Re: Black List Title
Collateral was a non sequitur. If Mann can do it, so can you!
A cab driver finds himself the hostage of an engaging contract killer as he makes his rounds from hit to hit during one night in Los Angeles.
(Unrelated side note: I am puzzled that my Firefox browser, or the VBulletin Board, is flagging 'Los Angeles' as a misspelling. Gee, I never cease to be amazed.)
"The fact that you have seen professionals write poorly is no reason for you to imitate them." - ComicBent.
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Re: Black List Title
OP -
Do you think your title makes sense for your film? Even if it isn't obvious, say it's abstract, or ironic, or comes from one little line that the reader missed - does it make sense to you? Do you like it? Why did you pick it?
We can't know from what you've told us so far. Has anyone else that has read your script, besides this reader, mentioned it? If it's just a bad title for a film, say generic, or boring, that's one thing, and maybe should be changed.
But if it makes sense to you, and you like it, and no one else has mentioned it, don't just change it because one reader didn't get it.
But now I want to know what it is?!
By the way, Collateral did make sense as a title for that film."The Hollywood film business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There's also a negative side." Hunter S Thompson
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Re: Black List Title
I think "collateral" specifically comes up in the script when Vincent (Cruise) kills a couple guys who "didn't have to die" and writes it off as "collateral" damage. Then Max asks Vincent if he's collateral too and Vincent says something like, "We'll see."
Not to say it was a key part of the movie, but it's not like they totally pulled it out of nowhere.
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Re: Black List Title
Just checked to make sure:
Vincent in the back seat. (Juxtapose to a different continuity. *
Through the side window, we see Crenshaw Boulevard barbershops, *
music shops. We're stopped for a light.) Max is shell-shocked.
VINCENT
Another collateral.
MAX
What's that?
VINCENT
Collateral damage. People in the
wrong place at the wrong time.
(meets Max's gaze)
And you? You attract attention? You
are gonna get people killed who didn't
need to be. Understand?
MAX
I'm low on gas...
VINCENT
Pull in there.
33A EXT. GAS STATION, IN STREET - TAXI - NIGHT 33A
pulls by.
TIME-LAPSE - MACRO-CU: NUMBERS
race by. WIDEN. SEE Max filling up the taxi. Vincent is
positioned off the right rear corner from where he is line-ofsight
to everything. His affect is flat, distant. Max has
witnessed violent death and the full, lethal capabilities of
Vincent. Neither say a word...until softly...
MAX
Vincent?
VINCENT
Yes, Max?
MAX
Am I collateral?
Pause. A long one.
VINCENT
I haven't decided.
Not very relevant to the OP, so sorry for the digression.
I agree that the idea of non sequitur title probably implies that it has no obvious connection to the contents of the script.
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Re: Black List Title
To answer your question, yes it's easy. You may have to upload a revised version of your script if you have the title on the PDF. I don't remember which section it's under but with a little bit of hunting you'll find it. (It's pretty logical.)
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Re: Black List Title
Originally posted by Aros View PostYou guys want a freakin' non sequitur title, try A CLOCKWORK ORANGE.
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