There’s no need for me to ramble on any further about using the 555- phone prefix on-screen. A quick internet search brought me to more than a few articles that can fill you in on recent standards and practices in the industry. There are some work-arounds evolving to avoid “taking the audience out of the movie” with that 555- prefix, as you’ll see in your reading.
“Hold the phone — that fake number works: ‘Adjustment Bureau’ joins ranks of movies and shows that dial real phone numbers. But movies and shows dial real phone numbers at their own peril”
From the Chicago Tribune (March 2011)
articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-03-29/entertainment/sc-mov-0330-movie-phone-numbers-20110329_1_number-customer-service-representative-dial/2
“Why Do Fake Phone Numbers Start With 555?”
From the website Mental Floss
mentalfloss.com/article/27545/why-do-fake-phone-numbers-start-555
“The End of the 555 Phone Number: What began as a creation of Ma Bell and then became a Hollywood staple is now quickly disappearing—as it should.”
From Pacific*Standard‘s website
www.psmag.com/books-and-culture/end-555-phone-number-75539
“Jonah Hill offers up his phone number for ‘The Sitter'”
From Entertainment Weekly (September 2011)
www.ew.com/article/2011/09/08/jonah-hill-the-sitter-call
First published June, 2015