Screenwriting : Social Media in Movies/TV by Christine Capone

I agree! We can write a great movie without social media. I'd only use it if the story calls for it.

Yes Jane, minimal use of it if needed.

I think if it's something that is needed for the plot to move forward, then it should be added. Like having no cell service while hiking or noticing a text that sends the character into a panic, etc... But I've never added it just for the sake of making my films seem modern. I guess I never thought to...

If social media is important to the story, then yes. If it isn't, let the story be the story. Not everyone has a phone in their face all day. Granted, a lot of plot points are killed today because everyone has a phone on them so they can be in instant contact. No more, "if only I could have warned them scenarios..."

Exactly Warren!

@Christine Agree with @Lisa I’d only use it sparingly if “lack of it” added to jeopardy when alone or stranded. To use social media/ cell phone as a norm seems banal, script should flow without intervention of co incidences where audience gains info by actor lurking on some app. If characters find answers to puzzles or get revelations off facebook or some other platform I’d turn off film.

haha Dan! Probably.

Writers can write great scripts without adding social media and a lotta cellphones in them, Christine Capone. I write a lot of Contained scripts. The characters have cellphones, tablets, social media, etc. at first, but eventually I remove those things. I have a game plan going into the script so I'll know how to remove cellphones, tablets, etc.

I don't think it'd take much rewriting to add social media, cellphones, etc. to a script if a writer wanted to add those things.

It leaves nothing to the imagination, I think. We, as an audience, want to figure it out. For instance, I have one scene in my romantic comedy where a character states "if you haven't seen him in 15 years and need to know if he's single, just check his Facebook account". Then I thought, well...that isn't fun and then the story is pretty much over. So I had her respond "He doesn't have a FB account". In a crime script I wrote, I had the detective check out a suspect's instagram account. A detective friend of mine (yes, another friend) told me that you'd be surprised how many criminals he catches because of what they post on social media. But, it can be a quick search and is useful in that instance. Otherwise, I'll just leave out the tapping of sending texts : )

That works, Christine Capone. "For instance, I have one scene in my romantic comedy where a character states "if you haven't seen him in 15 years and need to know if he's single, just check his Facebook account". Then I thought, well...that isn't fun and then the story is pretty much over. So I had her respond 'He doesn't have a FB account'." You made the script modern and figured out a way to keep from using social media.

Thanks Maurice! Not everyone is on Facebook. Smart!

It's possible that what the producer was pointing out, Christine Capone, is that without some references to modern day conveniences the story feels dated. I agree social media and cellphone usage lacks a certain visual experience. Hacker driven stories suffer the fate and require some creative ways to visually portray scenes with said content.

Also, the producer could be alluding to the expectations of the traditional movie going demographic. Younger audiences may need that in their stories to feel grounded or entertained.

Very true, Ty. The younger generation looks for that because it's what they can relate to, unlike me who's a bit older and would prefer to do without it : ). I guess I have to cater to the audience but find creative ways to do so.

Whatever happened to the line, "Anybody got a quarter?"

Cell phones are a pain - no signal, low battery, being jammed, or the phones get confiscated and/or smashed - although in one script I had one burst into flames mainly for my own amusement.

The only time I embraced social media/cell phones in a script was through necessity because it was the found footage genre.

I pretty much avoid it if I can. One of my scripts is set in the early 80s, helps if you can wangle a period where it's not relevant.

I vaguely recall an episode of 'Miami Vice' with a young Bruce Willis, his mobile phone was bigger than a brick!

The below link is old but it still makes me laugh. Someone has put together a compilation of film clips (mainly horror) where characters encounter cell problems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIZVcRccCx0

Your producer friend is just spouting off their personal opinion. Don't let that change your writing style or story.

Depends on genre and target audience, demographics, and yes industry expectations, also obviously on the time frame of the story and types of characters, so it seems like a broad generalization to think those elements should be included unless they frame out or highlight the character web and story world; however, when we recognize how antiquated it now feels to see someone in a movie use a telegraph for example or start a car engine where you have to turn the crank in the front, it’s evident that these technologies can be treated by writers and producers in service of the concept, or to its detriment, or can be left untouched, so these are interesting challenges!

You're welcome, Christine Capone. I'm not on Facebook. :)

I use it a lot. Because I am talking to you guys now, on my phone from Sydney. It is just how the world works.

What I really like doing is using that as a problem. I like having someone’s phone fall into the hands of the enemy. They now have to contact people and say don’t call me. Or the antagonist now has access to all the persons secrets. Losing a phone to the info on it can be a huge obstacle.

Using it that way can be funny. I think I meant more in terms of seeing dialogue on the screen when someone texts.

I watch a lot of subtitled films. So text on screen is second nature for me.

Cannot think of another way of doing it. A director will figure out their look and feel.

Christine Capone I’m sorry you’ve had this advice, Christine.This advice rhymes with the word horrocks. It probably says more about them as a ‘producer’ and their outlook, than about your ability as a writer.

It totally depends on your story and characters. If they are nowadays kids it would be quite normal to use digital communication for them. There are some examples where it is a nice way to open up a second line of thoughts with text on screen. But in your case the producer might not have been thrilled by the story and used it as an excuse.

Christine Capone I agree with you.

Disembodied texts back and forth prevent complex emotions from being expressed. That's why we have zombified kids from social media overuse and forced covid masking. The Japanese have started classes to teach people how to smile again after covid.