Directors of Attention: Stealing Cinematic Secrets for Scroll-Stopping Content

Look, we’re not saying you need to be Spielberg to make good content. But if your social media vids are flopping harder than Disney’s live-action remake of Snow White… it might be time to channel your inner director. 

Filmmakers and TV writers have been cooking up bangers for decades, with plot twists, cliffhangers and characters that live rent-free in our heads. Why aren’t we borrowing more of that juicy narrative goodness for TikToks, Reels, ads, and marketing content? 

Let’s break down how to steal (respectfully) from the world of film and TV and use those tricks to make your content scroll-stopping, binge-worthy and emotionally unskippable. 

Numero Uno: Open Stronger Than a Netflix Pilot 

TV shows don’t start with “Hi, my name is…” They throw you straight into the chaos, whether it’s someone running from the rozzers or crying in the rain. Why? Because you’d switch off otherwise. 

Don’t ease into your content like it’s a slow dance. Start with drama. A bold statement. A wild visual. A hot take. 

For example, instead of “Here’s how to get more sleep,” try “I did everything wrong with my sleep for a month and here’s how it went”. 

Numero Dos: Plot Your Content Like a Mini-Movie 

Three acts. Classic setup. Every good story (and yes, that includes your skincare routine) has a beginning (the problem), a middle (the struggle) and an end (the glow-up). 

Even a 15-second video can have a lil’ storyline. Don’t just info-dump! Build tension, show the transformation and earn the ending. 

Numero Tres: Main Character Energy (But Make It About the Viewer) 

People don’t care about brands. They care about themselves (same). So make them the star of your content. 

How? Use “you” a lot. Make them feel like they’re in a movie. POVs, direct-to-camera talk, emotional chaos… we eat that up! 

Also, if you’re the face of your brand, be real. Show your Ls, your wins, your awkward moments. Main characters aren’t perfect, they’re relatable.  

Numero 4 (I don’t know how to spell it): Set the Vibe or Die Trying 

You know that moment in a movie where the lighting, music and camera just click and you feel something? Yeah, that. 

For you, that means: 

• Use music intentionally (sad piano = feelings, funky bass = fun, you get it) 

• Pick a filter and stick to it. Consistency is gravy. 

• Think in “vibes”, not features. Not “this app tracks habits”, but “this app makes you feel like your life is finally together.” 

Numero Cinco: The Cliffhanger = The Content Hack No One Talks About 

Why do we binge 8 episodes of a show at 3am? Cliffhangers. Suspense. Curiosity gaps. You can do that with content too! 

Here’s some tried and tested examples: 

• “And then THIS happened…” 

• “Part 2 is wild” 

• “Here’s the secret I wish I knew earlier” 

These are also great for emails, captions, carousels, and getting people to actually save your stuff. 

Numero Seis: Genre-ify Your Content 

Imagine your product as a movie genre. A protein bar ad… but make it a ‘90s action trailer! A budgeting app… but in horror movie style! Funny + memorable = shareable. 

Sod it, here’s a few more examples: 

• Selling a planner? “Rom-com girl gets her life together montage.” 

• Promoting a gym? “This man trained like it was a Rocky reboot.” 

• Influencer skincare tips? “Presented like a courtroom drama, your honour.” 

People love stories they recognise. There’s no harm in giving them a genre remix they didn’t know they needed. 

And That’s a Wrap 

Listen, you don’t need a camera crew or an Oscar to make people feel something. You just need to think like a storyteller. 

So next time you’re making content, don’t start with “what’s the trend?” Start with “what’s the story?” Then channel your inner director, add a little drama and roll the camera. 

Now go forth, create chaos, and maybe win the Emmy for Best Branded Content (jk… unless?) 

Joshua Decruz, Cohort 44, Content Creator Apprentice at Social Tap