Writing Credits: What the Hell They Mean & Why They Matter

“Screenplay by”, “Written by”, “Story by”,  “Created by” - chances are you’ve seen these different writing credits on screenplays and in movies and TV. It might all look like semantics but there are differences between these credits and, for a screenwriter trying to make it in Hollywood, writing credits matter.

The more produced writing credits you have the better your resume looks, credits can help you get into the WGA, and different credits affect how much you make on residuals. So how do you know which type of credit you should get? 

Here’s what each writing credit means and why it matters to your career…

Story By

Most people think, “Story by” refers to whoever came up with the original idea for the script. That’s almost true, but there’s a bit more to it. “Story” refers to the plot, the characters, the settings and tone. It differs from a script or screenplay only in that the action and dialog usually isn’t written out. So, a writer could be credited with the “story” for a movie, but not the “screenplay,” if they wrote a treatment but not the final script. Or a writer might get this credit if someone else is hired to do a page one rewrite of their original screenplay. That new writer would get the “Screenplay by” credit, and the original writer (despite having written a complete script) is entitled to share a “Story by” credit with the new writer.

Screenplay By 

If you wrote actual drafts or scenes that are included in the final version of a movie, then this is the credit for you. “Screenplay by” can only be shared by three writers or three teams of writers (think of when you’ve watched the closing credits of a big blockbuster movie and the over-crowded writing credits section scrolled by - those were probably the names of a writing team).

What’s the difference between a screenplay and a script?

When it comes to feature films “screenplays” and “scripts” are interchangeable,  but television scripts are always called scripts.

Screen Story by

A writer is entitled to a “Screen Story by” credit if they contributed ideas to a story and allowed other writers to use those ideas as a jumping off point for the actual screenplay. But this credit only comes from arbitration, which we’ll get to in a minute.

Written By 

Usually, if one writer is entitled to both a “Story by” and a “Screenplay by” credit, they receive the all encompassing “Written by” credit. This credit doesn’t apply when there is "source material of a story nature” (aka adaptations or any screenplay with source material); but it does apply to a script based on, or inspired by, biographies, newspapers, or articles. Also, “Written by” cannot be shared by more than two writers. 

Developed by and Created by

In TV, under a crediting structure known as ‘separated rights’, you can also get "Created by" and "Developed by" credits. A writer is entitled to a “Created by” credit if they have developed a significant part of the story, format, and teleplay. “Created by” credits are given per episode, whereas “Developed by” credits are only given to writers for the episodes they have explicitly contributed material to.

“And" vs. the ampersand (&)

If you see the word “and” between the names of two or three different screenwriters in a credit, it refers to two or three different writers who are attached to the project during separate drafts. But if you see an ampersand “&” in a credit it means that the names are a writing team.

What is Arbitration? 

Arbitration happens when screenwriters challenge the writing credits given to them on a given project. When a production is complete, the producer submits a list of final credits to the WGA. They also give a copy of the final script to all writers involved. If any writer disagrees with the proposed credits, they can file for arbitration. This is another important way the Guild helps its members.

According to the WGA, Legal Arbitration is...

"As a benefit to writers and companies alike, the Minimum Basic Agreement or “MBA” establishes an arbitration procedure for the binding resolution of disputes arising under its terms. Arbitration is similar to a civil trial. Instead of a judge or jury, a neutral arbitrator will be selected to hear and decide this dispute. Most MBA arbitrators have years of experience handling disputes under the Guild agreement.”

This process happens a lot, and here’s why…

Writing credits matter to your career

Different credits have different residual values, and hold different levels of prestige. Meaning certain credits can take a writers career much further than others. And in terms of residuals, a writer can get substantially less or more for a film or show based on credit. If something you wrote is in circulation for a long time that can really add up (imagine if one of the writers of Friends didn’t get their proper credit. How much residual money would they be missing out on by now?).

If you have any questions about writer credits or arbitration give the WGA a call, these kinds of questions are exactly what they’re here for!

Has a certain writing credit up-leveled your career? Let me know @CaroleKirsch!