Movie Search Bot: films in chat

Friday evening, you and your friends are arguing about which film that actor starred in, and nobody remembers the title. Movie Search Bot looks up films right in the chat: you type a title and year, and the bot shows matching results. 🎬

It works as an inline search, so you can call it in any conversation without leaving it. It relies on an open film database and gives details about the picture.

Search without leaving the conversation

There are two ways to search. First: message the bot a film title and release year. Second: in any chat type the bot's name, then your query, and pick a result from the drop-down list.

The year helps a lot. Many films share a title, and the year filters out remakes and namesakes.

What the commands do

• /start. Checks that the bot is online.
• /help. Explains how to phrase a query.
• /movie. Shows the latest added films.
• /series. Shows the latest added TV and web series.
• /privacy. Opens the privacy policy and lets you work with your data.
• /terms. Shows the terms of use that you must agree to.

How to phrase a query

1. Write the original title if you know it: results are more accurate.
2. Add the year after a space.
3. Skip extra words like "watch online".
4. If there are many results, check the country and cast list.

For series you can search the same way, by title and the year of the first season. That is usually enough to find the right one. 📺

Copyright without illusions

Looking up information about a film is harmless. If a bot hands out files or viewing links, though, everything depends on the license of that particular film. A film outside copyright, for example in the public domain, can be watched freely. Most other films are protected.

The project has a procedure for rights holders to request removal of material. It signals that user-generated data appears in the base, so the responsibility for your choices stays with you.

How to avoid trouble

• Use legal sources. For new releases, pick licensed services.
• Do not download unknown files. An executable disguised as a video is almost always a virus.
• Do not pay on request. If "bonus access" asks for a transfer, it is a scam.
• Read the terms. The /terms command shows the rules you agree to.

An idea for tonight: the movie argument

If your group argues about films, bring a quick search into the discussion. One person calls the bot, the others see the card and check the year, country and cast at once.

The argument ends in a minute, and the time is left for the film itself. For a themed group or a film club it is also a way to build lists: everyone brings a title and a year, and the bot helps avoid mixing up films with similar names.

Who the bot is for

It suits people who often choose what to watch and want to quickly recall a title, year or cast. With a group of friends it is handy to call right in the discussion.

The bot's audience is around twenty thousand people. If all you need is a film reference, this tool is enough. For actual viewing, choose what the law allows you to watch. 🍿