Why on TV when they're negotiating money do they write the number on a piece of paper and pass it across the table instead of just saying what it is?

Question

it's completely stupid and it doesn't make the scene more dramatic, we've seen it overused a million times

Paul_in_Indy · Accepted Answer

it allows the viewer to imagine what the number must be. That way, the writers don’t have to figure out a number that will fit the expectations of all the different viewing groups; not to mention a number that will stand the test of time when you re-watch it later. You’d be taken out of the moment if your reaction was, “ that isn’t very much money!” However, with a note that you can’t see, you are in treat and can supply the number yourself.

BCA6010 · Accepted Answer

Realistically, because you don't want anyone else including your own cell phone to hear whatever is written on that paper, for whatever reason. It could also just be a more formal way of making an offer without writing out an actual check (yet).

I don't really watch TV anymore so I don't know if this would make sense in that context.

exitseven · Answer

I bought a new car. I argued with the sales guy about how much I wanted to pay. He told me the BS that his manager would not agree to my price. I wrote the number on a piece of paper and my phone number and said if he changed his mind he could call me and I would come over with a check I wasn't home ten minutes before my phone randmg and it was the sales guy. He told me that his manager changed his mind.

Mansearching · Answer

So you'll do this. As in asking and talking about this question. It keeps the show interesting and it makes people wonder and watch. Usually it gets told later in show. Maybe not that episode. But in later shows because the person getting money does something wrong and police or FBI or other types of agency reveals it.

Red_Arrow · Answer

"X" amount would be a lot in some viewing areas, and very little in others. So writing it on paper that gets passed allows the viewers to all imagine it is a lot regardless of where they are from.

molonski2 · Answer

Its a silent tender basically , only works if more than one , never declare your hand , never just say a figure , anything in writing means a lot more.

Anonymous · Answer

I always just figured it's two things. One: they don't want others to know the offer if there's more than one group negotiating a price for something. And the most obvious is that they're making it an official written offer. It's one thing to say, hmm... I'll give ya 3.5 million dollars for your wife/your yacht/to take care of this guy who's bothering me, but it's another thing to make an actual written offer to do it.

Coden7 · Answer

If there are more than one person in the conversation and you don’t want to announce how much money you’re willing to put up for something. May be useful if they need to make another deal involving someone else in the room

artgorgeous · Answer

They do this for the scenes where it wouldn't be appropriate to say it, so others wouldn't hear.

bowenw · Answer

Probably so the program doesn't get dated too quickly.

LiamJHayden · Answer

What constitutes a lot of money has changed drastically over the years. If they mention the amount, someone watching the movie / program in a few decades might laugh at the amount.

Yannae · Answer

Sometimes what is said in the room is being recorded or people are just listening in. It's more discrete.

GoodGuyBreakingBad · Answer

Yes, it sounds kind of stupid, I see this happen on so many shows.

Staximus · Answer

Because they don't want somebody to overhear it

msc545 · Answer

The reason is so nobody can overhear it. I've bought new cars and had the car salesman do this with me.

Alex8736 · Answer

It's like in real life where you always have those nosey colleagues that mind everyone else's business but their own and love gossip & drama

scooogy · Answer

The reaction would be too quick for the camera to switch to I guess, and this is no action movie in that sense.

Grond21 · Answer

...🤣😂🤣😂🤣 You nailed it

Kelly6 · Answer

it's not only tv thing

Sparkie460 · Answer

Shhhhhhhh it's a secret. Lmao

Pterodon · Answer

I’ve wondered this myself

Why on TV when they're negotiating money do they write the number on a piece of paper and pass it across the table instead of just saying what it is?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Yes, it sounds kind of stupid, I see this happen on so many shows.

If you meet someone and exchange numbers, what does it mean?

Why on TV when they're negotiating money do they write the number on a piece of paper and pass it across the table instead of just saying what it is?

Most Helpful Opinions

What Girls & Guys Said

Yes, it sounds kind of stupid, I see this happen on so many shows.

If you meet someone and exchange numbers, what does it mean?

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