Hey all, wanted to get folks’ take on quoting or referencing other movie characters or TV Shows in your script. I recently finished a TV Pilot script and I did both a quote from Fast Times and a reference to another show, The Newsroom, and while it feels a bit hacky I just couldn’t help myself lol. when I was 16 I told a friend I wanted to write a movie about a guy who only talks in movie quotes and my friend’s response was “so you want to write a movie about yourself?” I laughed and had to rethink the idea. Anyway, thoughts on whether it’s a hack move or endearing? Thanks in advance for the feedback.
Screenwriting : Question on using other movie/TV quotes in a script by Trip Anderson
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It's going to be tough to keep the natural flow of conversation going but it could work if you don't over do it. Maybe keep it light hearted for the most part with a sudden serious turn towards the end?
Either way good luck.
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quote the source and you're fine.
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Thanks guys, actually already did both of those things, so much appreciated affirmation.
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You don't have to cite the source if it's in dialogue. People talk in movie quotes. I mean, watch an episode of ARCHER. The characters are constantly referencing and/or quoting movie/TV lines, most of the time without citing the source material.