Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

1 / 8

by daniellebayardjackson

INT./EXT. — HOOK

Introduces the topic of 'unpopular friendship opinions' regarding texting habits.

Subject speaks directly to camera, using hand gestures to emphasize points.

[00:00]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

Unpopular Opinions:

[on-screen text]

[00:01]

(CAPTION)

Friendship Edition

[on-screen text]

[00:02]

(CAPTION)

I'm just doing this to offer an alternative perspective

[on-screen text]

[00:02]

TALENT

I'm just doing this to offer an alternative perspective.

INT./EXT. — PROBLEM

Defines what a 'bad texter' is and why it's a source of conflict.

[00:07]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

In this video, I'd like to address the following

[on-screen text]

[00:07]

TALENT

In this video, I'd like to address the following.

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

2 / 8

[00:09]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

What is a “bad” texter?

[on-screen text]

[00:12]

TALENT

I don't believe in bad texters or good texters. Here's why.

[00:12]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

I don't believe in bad texters or good texters. Here's why.

[on-screen text]

[00:19]

TALENT

Texting itself is still a relatively new form of communication.

[00:19]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

Texting itself is still a relatively new form of communication.

[on-screen text]

[00:23]

TALENT

There are no norms.

[00:23]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

There are no norms.

[on-screen text]

[00:27]

TALENT

Typically, when we say a bad texter, a person's referring to their response time and if you don't respond in some kind of predetermined time, you're bad at texting.

[00:27]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

Typically, when we say a bad texter, a person's referring to their response time and if you don't respond in some kind of predetermined time, you're bad at texting.

[on-screen text]

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

3 / 8

INT./EXT. — SOLUTION

Explains the nuance of communication styles and offers perspective on why people text differently.

[00:36]

TALENT

We also see an inadequate texter as a person who only gives thumbs up to messages but doesn't give a full length response that addresses a multi-pronged text.

[00:36]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

We also see an inadequate texter as a person who only gives thumbs up to messages but doesn't give a full length response that addresses a multi-pronged text.

[on-screen text]

[00:45]

TALENT

We also look at whether or not their responses are short which we perceive as being curt or if they're long which we perceive as being more attentive.

[00:45]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

We also look at whether or not their responses are short which we perceive as being curt or if they're long which we perceive as being more attentive.

[on-screen text]

[00:55]

TALENT

Also we typically refer to or consider good texters as people who respond very quickly, check in often and I'm just gonna say.

[00:55]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

Also we typically refer to or consider good texters as people who respond very quickly, check in often and I'm just gonna say.

[on-screen text]

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

4 / 8

[01:04]

TALENT

For some people who do that it's because they're anxious.

[01:04]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

For some people who do that it's because they're anxious.

[on-screen text]

[01:09]

TALENT

They need the constant reassurance they are eagerly anticipating a response, think the conversation doesn't make room.

[01:09]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

They need the constant reassurance they are eagerly anticipating a response, think the conversation doesn't make room.

[on-screen text]

[01:15]

TALENT

I think the conversation doesn't make room for people who have a lot of inbound requests, so a person who has a lot of different connections that they're maintaining, their text load looks different.

[01:15]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

I think the conversation doesn't make room for people who have a lot of inbound requests, so a person who has a lot of different connections that they're maintaining, their text load looks different.

[on-screen text]

[01:28]

TALENT

It doesn't account for people's rhythms. If you have a person with a demanding job, like a nurse or a teacher who looking at the phone is not an option.

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

5 / 8

[01:28]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

It doesn't account for people's rhythms. If you have a person with a demanding job, like a nurse or a teacher who looking at the phone is not an option.

[on-screen text]

[01:34]

TALENT

Also I think it fails to acknowledge other people's preferences. So like phone calls, you can call me impromptu, pick it up and call or voice notes.

[01:34]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

Also I think it fails to acknowledge other people's preferences. So like phone calls, you can call me impromptu, pick it up and call or voice notes.

[on-screen text]

[01:42]

TALENT

But if you don't abide to that same preference and the norms in that particular format, voice notes or impromptu calls, am I like oh you're really bad at that, you're bad at communication.

[01:42]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

But if you don't abide to that same preference and the norms in that particular format, voice notes or impromptu calls, am I like oh you're really bad at that, you're bad at communication.

[on-screen text]

[01:51]

TALENT

And I hate that our relationship with our phones is our relationship with friendship.

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

6 / 8

[01:51]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

And I hate that our relationship with our phones is our relationship with friendship.

[on-screen text]

[01:56]

TALENT

And so, I think we should be making room for well what is this person's way of maintaining the friendship. So maybe they're not a texter, but they do need to be maintaining it some way.

[01:56]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

And so, I think we should be making room for well what is this person's way of maintaining the friendship. So maybe they're not a texter, but they do need to be maintaining it some way.

[on-screen text]

[02:05]

TALENT

And could we extend more curiosity to figure out what it is, instead of making the default texting.

[02:05]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

And could we extend more curiosity to figure out what it is, instead of making the default texting.

[on-screen text]

[02:12]

TALENT

The last thing I want to say is I think the reason why some of us some people are discouraged by a person who doesn't respond quickly is because of the meaning that we assign to it, which is fair.

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

7 / 8

[02:12]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

The last thing I want to say is I think the reason why some of us some people are discouraged by a person who doesn't respond quickly is because of the meaning that we assign to it, which is fair.

[on-screen text]

[02:23]

TALENT

So if you have a friend who you're constantly texting and she's not getting back to you regularly or quickly, the meaning we typically assigned is

[02:23]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

So if you have a friend who you're constantly texting and she's not getting back to you regularly or quickly, the meaning we typically assigned is

[on-screen text]

[02:30]

TALENT

she doesn't respect my time, she's not invested, she doesn't care about this situation, she's avoiding me.

[02:30]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

she doesn't respect my time, she's not invested, she doesn't care about this situation, she's avoiding me.

[on-screen text]

[02:38]

TALENT

We assign all those things and that matters but I think in order to bridge the gap we have to have that conversation.

[02:38]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

We assign all those things and that matters but I think in order to bridge the gap we have to have that conversation.

[on-screen text]

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Screenplay

NEW SERIES: “Unpopular friendship opinions” (1/4) MAJOR caveat in the caption: If you are the friend who’s considered a “bad texter,” try to really consider the MEANING friends assign to your text habits/ style. Even though it makes sense that you’d want to lean into the communication mode that feels most comfortable and natural, it doesn’t mean that it won’t cause a real strain on your friendships– and you don’t want that! Some things “bad” texters can do: 1. Let new friends know upfront: “I’m not really quick on text but you can call me any time!” 2. Share your POV: Sometimes if friends had a picture of YOUR text experience (overwhelm, forgetfulness, lifestyle), it creates understanding and helps them to be more compassionate and flexible. Maybe they still get frustrated, but at least it helps to depersonalize it. 3. Make one small, manageable change (and explicitly state the effort so friends recognize this as a gesture of care for the relationship). Maybe you offer to give “thumbs up” when messages come through but don’t reply fully until you have the time. LISTEN: I just want to make room for people who prefer voice notes, hangouts, (emails?), or phone calls, and I want to challenge the ways our culture has adopted texting as the default. I just think it’s interesting. If you have people in your life that you know are feeling neglected or frustrated with your habits and it’s causing actual relational strain, I DO believe you owe them (close friends especially!) some kind of explanation or effort to find common ground and to manage expectations. Bottom line: Relationship maintenance is a skill and a requirement for healthy connections. BUT I want to make room for the various ways people choose to maintain (choosing NOT to maintain a relationship, however, is a whole other issue.) ——- Inspired by a convo I had in L.A. over dinner with @miriam_tinny recently. If this topic is intriguing to you, I strongly recommend reading the book “Digital Body Language” by @ericadhawan_ . It’s one of those books that I recommend about 100 times a year.

Page

8 / 8

INT./EXT. — REVEAL

Uses a black-and-white visual shift to emphasize a specific, direct question to the viewer.

Subject speaks directly to camera, black and white filter applied.

[02:44]

TALENT

Okay, girl, I see you're not much of a texter, how do you want to plan for this event next week?

[02:44]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

Okay, girl, I see you're not much of a texter, how do you want to plan for this event next week?

[on-screen text]

INT./EXT. — CTA

Summarizes the final takeaway on maintaining communication and encourages reflection.

Subject speaks directly to camera, color filter restored.

[02:48]

TALENT

So I just say we have to stay curious and acknowledge other people's communication styles but my argument is always but you should be maintaining communication in some kind of way.

[02:48]

ON-SCREEN TEXT

(CAPTION)

So I just say we have to stay curious and acknowledge other people's communication styles but my argument is always but you should be maintaining communication in some kind of way.

[on-screen text]

— THE END —

5 Beats · 3 ShotsSuperdirector.appEN

Execution Elements

Visual Style

Audio Design

The Hook

Setting

Structure Analysis

Hook

Problem

Solution

Reveal

CTA

Script

Screenplay

Transcript

Creator Anatomy

Related Analyses