What does 'working title' refer to in creative projects?

A working title refers to a temporary name for a project before a finalized title is decided upon. In creative endeavors, such as film, literature, or any media production, a working title serves as a placeholder that allows creators to communicate about the project without needing to commit to a permanent name. This flexibility is essential during the development and planning phases, as the project evolves, and creative teams work through various ideas.

While the finalized title is established at a later stage, the working title can change multiple times throughout the process as concepts and themes are refined. The working title effectively captures the essence of the project in its early stages and is often used for internal reference. This makes it distinct from promotional names or titles of drafts, which serve different purposes in the production lifecycle.