To think I have thought of a brilliant thriller/novel/movie idea?

[Knobblybobbly]

Im not skilled artistically in any way. But today my brain did a fart and I reckon this is actually a really good idea for a book or film.

It’s called “The Password”

It’s a story about an online ‘persona’ or ‘username’ or whatever you call it who is anonymous but has a massive following, like on Twitter etc. This person has a massive cult following and can say or do anything and hugely sway public opinion. Everyone is on the edge of their seat to hear/see what they might say next. However, the person behind the username changes fairly regularly, a bit like Dr Who. The person who is currently using the username eventually gives the password into someone else who they deem worthy. That new person then has to change the password (so only they know it) and then they can take the reigns over this online persona and use it to their own devices. Could be for good or evil.

People want to be ‘chosen’ as the next person to be given the password. So they try to be as impressive as possible. Some people do this by being clever, some by being funny but most disturbingly (and I suspect this is where the book will focus on) with increasingly controversial and alarming/disturbing content.

What nobody realises is that it is a poisoned chalice. Being in control of the username is actually a curse. Although I haven’t worked out the finer details of this curse yet.

I’m happy to let whoever wants this idea to go forth and write the book/film and just give me a couple of million when the oscars start rolling in.

#yourwelcome

[Michaelbaubles]

I actually think that’s a pretty good idea! Imagine if there was someone like Piers Morgan but the didn’t actually exist...it’s a good one.

[SuperFurryDoggy]

I like it!

Sadly, I can’t write though, so your search for an author must continue.

Can I suggest a change of title though? ‘Influence’ maybe? Or ‘Viral’?

[Disquieted1]

It's been done before. It's called The Bible.

[stayingontherail]

I think you should write it. I quite enjoyed readin my your synopsis.

[stayingontherail]

*Reading your (no idea where ‘my’ came from)

[NeutralJanet]

Sounds like it could be an episode of Black Mirror.

[Knobblybobbly]

I was toying with “username” or “avatar” but obviously the second one has already been used for a film that was slightly less successful than this film will definitely be.

It occurred to me because a few dats ago I joined Twitter (for work) and have been surprised at how many anonymous people are on there. Like the Secret Barrister. The person behind that handle could change and we wouldn’t know. Could be 10 people all working together for all we know.

[SouthWestmom]

I like it! Usually the amateur writing online makes me cringe but I love this idea

[ShesGotBetteDavisEyes]

Coming up with a good idea is just the start, I have hundreds of good ideas every day.

“Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration” ever heard of that OP?

No one is going to pay millions for an idea I’m afraid. Write the first chapter and il let you know if it’s any good

[MrsEricBana]

I think get this thread taken down immediately and write it!

[Knobblybobbly]

@ShesGotBetteDavisEyes I struggle to write a shopping list let alone a chapter.

I’m only asking for a couple of million. Not much to ask for a multibillion dollar grossing film is it?

Sorry, I need to stop typing mid reply as my husband is saying someone called Martin Scorsese is on the phone......

[bringincrazyback]

I think it's a great idea OP!

[Knobblybobbly]

Thank you! It is isn’t it! Feel quite proud of myself. It’s probably the most imaginative thing I’ve thought up In about 30 years!

[soleilviolet]

I can see screenwriters at Netflix stealing this idea.

Get tour thread deleted asap

[MyOtherProfile]

Would the person playing the current keeper of the account need to wear a mask like those Anonymous ones? Could you have a little sideline on it where they unmask after handing over the password and the viewer gets to see who it really was, like the Masked Singer?

[DaydreamingDay]

You need to print this out with a solicitor stamp....i think it's £3. Get in there quick because it's your awesome idea and men can never ever be trusted.

[MintySpud]

There's the germ of a good plot in there. Why not have a go at a screenplay, in all seriousness? Writing is not some sacred art.

[Knobblybobbly]

@MyOtherProfile

I want the film to be really sinister and creepy, but not as disturbing as the masked singer.

I did think some kind of public unveiling could happen at the end of each ‘handover’ but then nobody would want to take on the role if previous password owners get lynched by the public. So maybe they just become shady characters who have to survive in the underworld of society. Like Banksy!

(I realise Banksy isn’t living in a tunnel somewhere, but you get my point)

I can’t decide what happens to previous owners of the password. I feel like it needs to be bad (if they used their influence for the purposes of evil) but kept secret somehow.

[LordsALeaping]

You can’t copyright the kernel of a plot, OP. Think it through and write it, write a good synopsis and pitch it to agents.

[Knobblybobbly]

Oh just re-read your post. Yes I see what you mean. So the new person gets to see who the previous one was.

I guess, really they don’t need an actual physical mask. But for drama it would look good.

[Knobblybobbly]

I’m happy for someone else to write and get all the glory and 98% of the millions made.

I assume they will track me down via mumsnet headquarters and my IPN?

[64sNewName]

People want to be ‘chosen’ as the next person to be given the password.

I don’t quite get how you’re envisioning this bit. From what you’ve said there, it sounds like everyone (as in, the general public) is aware that the person behind the username changes from time to time. Is that right? Otherwise they wouldn’t be attempting to impress in order to get a chance at being chosen for it.

But if it’s common knowledge that it’s not the work of one genius person, how or why is the persona/account so influential?

[WingingItSince1973]

Wow I like it and I read alot of psychological thrillers. Xx

[Knobblybobbly]

@64sNewName I’m not sure really. I thing because you have to earn the status.

I think the person who had the username originally had it for several years and was well respected but anonymous. They were dying (or or didn’t want the responsibility anymore - or something) and had been following another person for a while and felt their views reflected their own. They approached new person by email offered the opportunity to take on the username.

Username #2 enjoys the status for a while, instant respect for their ideas etc.

I think they try and keep the ‘handover’ secret but then it becomes a cult status symbol, to be selected by the currently holder of the username - who remains anonymous - they even keep their other online social media accounts running.

Something like that anyway.

I only get so many imaginative thoughts allocated to my brain per decade and I think I may have reached my quota now.

[Knobblybobbly]

I’m now sure how the public find out the person behind the username changes.... I think it would happen gradually. Firstly it’s a rumour on digital spy or something then is gradually leaked around the internet until eventually everyone knows. But most people do t mind, they like the thrill of trying to be impressive, scrambling to be liked or followed by this person, hoping they stand a chance of becoming the next person behind the username.

There are some social commenters who are Vivian about the pointlessness of it all. Ironically one of them is approached to be the username...