I'm working on a script where the leading lady's name is Aricka Badu. She is called Ari by her family and friends throughout the script. Since her name is close to Erica Badu (the singer) should it be used
Screenwriting : Question about names.... by Lori Darlette Dunklin
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If the name is important, yes.
If you think it will cause confusion, remove confusion.
I had never heard of the singer.
Her stage name is spelled “Erykah”
Dan. Thank you. I honestly couldn't remember how she spelled it. I keep thinking I should change her name. I'm looking for some advice.
Some names just feel right for a character and that is just something you can't help. That said, I would take in consideration those reading your script when choosing a familiar name like that, mainly because it might create a false sense of expectations for what your story is actually about or possibly present a vision of a character in their head that is totally different from the one you are portraying in your work. Either way, I wish you the best. It is an interesting character name.
I think your safe, not a big enough General following of hers. Beyoncé might be a different story
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I would change the last name. I doubt anyone in the world has that name besides the original Badu. Also 4 million ppl just watched her and Jill Scott during quarantine. Enough ppl know who she is!
Lori, stick with your guns. Aricka sounds fine to me. (All the VERY BEST to you!)