Questions about using Pen Names

[ScriptGirl]

I was wondering how I should go about using a pen name. It seems a bit complicated, like when you're filling out forms (pertaining to screen writing) I never know if I should just put my real name down on my pen name.

The problem is, there is already a British write/direct/actor by my name! And I never liked my name anyway! I would like a name of my own, you know? :p

So should I just sign all my scripts with my pen name and once people start catching on to it, use it on official documents?

What are the rules and etiquette to using pen names?

**please feel free to use this thread to ask you own questions about using pen names. **

[dpaterso]

Whether you like your name or not, it's your legal name, which you must sign on legal documents.

Looking ahead to that big sale, what happens when you present a check that has someone else's name on it to your bank?

Why confuse people and make things difficult for them and yourself?

Actors with a middle initial in their name probably had to adopt this because another actor already had the same name and registered it with the actors' guilds first. You may not have to use your middle initial, but you might wish to if you think there could be confusion between you and the British guy further down the line. Script E. Girl sounds more distinguished than plain ol' ScriptGirl anyway. I'm just sayin'. :)

If you want another name besides your own to appear in the film credits then your agent can talk to the prodco and figure something out. But, who in their right mind doesn't want a screenwriting credit?

-Derek

[Mac H.]

The American writer Winston Churchill didn't use a pen name, just because some slightly known Brit happened to have the same name.

So why should you?

Mac
(PS: There are WGA rules on pseudonyms - you can check on their website what they are)

[NikeeGoddess]

What are the rules and etiquette to using pen names?there are no rules but i think there are reasons why. ie - many people who use pen names when they're doing something or writing something that may tarnish their reputation: porn stars and strippers or a well known and best selling novelist may enjoy writing erotica. or actors who have names that are too hard to pronounce, or too feminine for a man.

you can just go by first and middle name initials. this way you can cash that check with no questions asked ;)

[clockwork]

When you sign an option or contract, there's very specific language about the screen credit you will receive including (and it sounds obvious) but the exact spelling of your name so at some point, assuming success, it'll come up.

It doesn't really matter so much from a paycheck point of view because the studio/production company will actually send a check to your agent. Your agent will deduct his 10% and then write you a new one so you could conceivably operate under two names in that respect though I'd stick to one to keep things simple.

Why not use your real name for now and decide about a pen name when there's something to sign?

[ScriptGirl]

clock_work, that makes the most sense to me
I guess for now I will use my regular legal name but if I ever make it, I may change it

I still don't like my legal birth name (theres a story behind why I don't like it. It's caused a lot of trouble in my life.)