‘Headlock’ has been the title of Mark Polish’s upcoming film since it’s inception four years ago. Fans of his, and Dianna Agron’s, work have been following the film’s journey since 2014, and have been waiting with mounting excitement for it’s release. Eager for information and insight into what the film has in store for them, for the longest time, their biggest clue was the name - Headlock.
The font used for the film’s title is called Super Agent. It was chosen because the dots represented the Morse code that is used throughout the movie.
It is a memorable name. Unique. It sticks with you and invites questions. With a single word, the title beautifully hints at the film’s tone, premise, and themes; it subtly conveys the entire conflict of the film. Despite this, Gravitas, the distribution company for the film, plans to change it. This is a heartbreaking blow to the filmmakers who have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into the film, and it has left fans in a state of confusion and disbelief.
Questions were immediately raised. Why have Gravitas chosen to change the title? Their answer - to ensure the film sits at the top of an alphabetical VOD (video on demand) queue. What will the new title be? Their answer - ‘Against the clock.’ Pretty sure I wasn’t the only one who’s next question was “What the f*ck?”
In contrast to the original title, ‘Against the Clock’, is bland and generic. It could literally be applied to almost any film, and it fails to represent what the feature is about. The film now sounds like a game show, or perhaps a sports film? ‘Headlock’, is neither of these things, nor does it feature any kind of ticking clock. It is a film about brain trauma and strength and the inexplicable power of love. The cast, crew, and fans of the film are now locking heads with Gravitas over the title change.
It is understandable that a distribution company aims to ensure films reach as many people as possible. However, I have never known anyone choose to watch a film because it starts with the letter ‘A’ , or because it appeared at the top of an alphabetical list.
This battle between artists and distributors had me wondering how important titles are to audiences. So, I set up a poll to see how people think about film titles. I gave no context about the ‘Headlock’ name switch, until after people had voted. I will admit it was a small poll, with only a few hundred responses, but the results were pretty clear…
Firstly, people do make snap decisions about watching films based on titles alone. This is why film titles matter. Changing ‘Headlock’ to ‘Against the Clock’ risks alienating fans who have already fallen in love with the former. That’s before Gravitas even tries to pull in new viewers.
Secondly, short film titles are favored above longer ones. What’s more important though, is that people feel a title should be relevant to the film. They want to be drawn in and given clues about the theme/tone. ‘Against the Clock’ is too generic and frankly, misleading.
Next, and perhaps one of the most important questions: Do people choose films that appear first in an alphabetical list? Or scroll until they find an eye catching title? The answer was *almost* unanimous - SCROLL until you find something good.
Then, with no other information, I asked which film people would be most likely to watch, based on the titles alone... ‘Headlock’ proved itself to be the stronger title of the two, easily winning the majority. Finally, I gave a little context for the film with the final question (seen above.) The majority still agreed that ‘Headlock’ was the appropriate name.
It is clear that film titles are important to filmmakers and audiences alike. This is particularly true when talking about independent films, which are created out of sheer love and passion, hard work and sacrifice. When an artist is prepared to go above and beyond for their craft, you can be certain that no decision is taken lightly. Every word, every sound, every shot is filled with artistic intent. Nothing is out of place. This attention to detail extends all the way to the title choice, and that decision should be respected.
I have had the privilege of seeing ‘Headlock’, I can promise that the film is more than capable of selling itself. It is genius. It is beautiful. It will make you think. It will make you cry. It will make you scream in frustration, and you will love every second. That is art. That is what films should be.
As Gravitas claims to be “filmmaker friendly,” I still have hope that they will show a little more faith in Mark Polish, the cast and crew, and ‘Headlock’, and reverse their decision. In the meantime fans are using the hashtag #iheartheadlock to show their support and protest the title change.
If you find it troubling to see a distribution company undermine an filmmaker’s vision in this way. If you are tired of generic films with generic titles. I invite you to join, and send out messages of support via social media.
‘Headlock’, first & foremost, is a love story. Not only between the main characters, but between a filmmaker & his craft. Mark‘s love & respect for his art is evident in every second of the film, and it is a beautiful thing to behold. The hours have been long, the injuries have been many, the sacrifices have been great, and the film is extraordinary. No more sacrifices please, let the world see and fall in love with HEADLOCK.
#IHeartHeadlock