Hi all. I'm getting conflicting information on when to use a pseudonym, if at all. Assuming I am inclined to use one, is it appropriate to use it right from the start when I writing and querying, or after a deal is done?
Screenwriting : Pseudonyms by Jonathan Darrough
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Great question Jonathan Darrough I'm honestly not sure but I have used my pseudonym since day 1 however when a contract has been presented I let the other party know my legal name. I work for a magazine and I've never had an issue. However, I'm a very little fish in a big pond so don't take my word for it totally. Hope this helps.
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See that’s what I thought too. Obviously the money parts have to be in your legal name but if I’m trying to establish a brand (i.e., my name) I thought I should use it from the start)
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I’d say when doing a deal. That’s when to itemize what name to use in credits and publicity.
I don’t imagine pseudonyms are used much in screenwriting. Different than in publishing. However, I have no way of truly knowing.
Back in the day, there were blacklisted screenwriters who had “fronts” whose names they used. Also, women screenwriters might mask their gender with initials or a pseudonym.
The other times I’ve heard of a writer or director using an assumed name is when they’re dissatisfied with the work and wish to take their name off the movie.