how to write title card in screenplay

2 min read 06-02-2025

The title card, a seemingly simple element, plays a crucial role in setting the tone and style of your screenplay. It's the first visual impression your audience receives, often before the opening scene even begins. This guide breaks down how to write effective title cards, ensuring they complement your story perfectly.

Understanding the Purpose of a Title Card

A title card isn't just about stating the movie's name. It serves several key functions:

Introduces the Title: Obviously, it presents the film's title, which should be memorable and reflective of the story.
Sets the Tone: The visual design and typography of the card can instantly communicate the film's genre, mood, and era. A gritty Western might use a stark, weathered font, while a whimsical animation could use a playful, colorful design.
Creates Atmosphere: The card's visual style can immediately immerse the audience in the world of your story.
Establishes Branding: A consistent design across title cards and other on-screen graphics contributes to a unified brand identity.

Formatting Your Title Card in a Screenplay

There's no single, universally mandated format for a title card in screenwriting. However, here are some common conventions and best practices:

Basic Formatting:

Centered: The title should be prominently centered on the page.
Capitalization: Use all capital letters for the title.
Font: Use a font that is easily readable. Avoid overly stylized or difficult-to-read fonts. The specific font will be determined during production design, but a clean, easily-read font in your script is important.
Page Number: Title cards typically don't have a page number.

Example:

TITLE CARD

[FADE IN]

MY AMAZING MOVIE

[FADE OUT]

Variations & Additional Elements:

Subtitle/Tagline: You can add a short, evocative subtitle or tagline below the main title. This can further clarify the film's genre or premise.

TITLE CARD

[FADE IN]

MY AMAZING MOVIE
A Thrilling Adventure

[FADE OUT]

Visual Description: While you won't specify precise visual details (that's the job of the production designer), you might hint at the desired aesthetic. This is optional and should be used sparingly.

TITLE CARD

[FADE IN]

MY AMAZING MOVIE
(A stark, black-and-white image)

[FADE OUT]

Beyond the Basics: Creative Title Cards

Some films utilize more elaborate title cards that go beyond simple text. Consider these possibilities:

Animated Title Cards: These cards can introduce key visual elements or motifs from the film, creating intrigue and anticipation.
Image-Based Cards: A striking image, relevant to the film's theme, can be far more impactful than just text.
Text Overlay: Combining text with a background image or video is a stylish approach for many genres.

Things to Avoid

Overly Long Titles: Keep the title concise and impactful.
Unclear Font: Choose a font that's easy to read.
Too Much Information: The title card should be visually striking, not cluttered.

Conclusion: Title Card Best Practices

The title card is your first opportunity to make a strong impression. By following these guidelines, you can create a title card that complements your screenplay, enhances the viewing experience, and leaves a lasting impression on your audience. Remember to keep it clean, concise, and evocative of the story to come.