Planning: Production Timeline

 For our rom-com project, we decided to create a production timeline spanning three weeks. We wanted to make sure that each phase of production had enough time to get done properly, while also keeping in mind everyone’s schedules and possible conflicts. Breaking it down this way helps us stay organized and ensures we can focus on quality for every part of the project.

Week One: Recording

Week one is fully dedicated to recording. This is when we will capture the performances, interactions, and visual comedy that sets the tone for our rom-com. We are planning carefully because both Zunairah and I are part of the drama program, which takes up three weekdays: Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Drama rehearsals usually end around 7 PM, which is too late for us to set up, record, or focus properly. Additionally, all other cast members are also in drama rehearsals on those days, so weekdays are mostly unavailable for recording.

On top of that, I am part of the color guard team, which takes up my Tuesdays with rehearsals that also finish late, so Tuesdays are not available for recording either. That means our only reliable days for recording are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Fridays are the most reliable because we are not committed to other extracurriculars late in the day, making it easier to dedicate time to set up, rehearse, and film. Saturdays are trickier because I have color guard competitions most Saturdays, which could take up the entire day. Luckily, for the first week, I do not have a color guard competition on Saturday, so we might use that day to record as well. Additionally, Sundays are always avaliable.

Another factor is Ramadan. Zunairah participates in Ramadan, which means she will need to break her fast at sunset. This affects our planning because we cannot record that late then. We are planning to schedule recording sessions at a timeframe where Zunairah is comfortable.

During recording, our priorities will be capturing the scenes efficiently while still getting multiple takes. We will focus on blocking, camera placement, and making sure each shot clearly communicates the story. Props and costumes will be checked before filming each scene. Lighting setups will also be tested in advance to make sure everything looks consistent, even if filming happens at different times of day.

Week Two: Editing

Week two is fully dedicated to editing, using Adobe Premiere Pro as our main software. Zunairah has Premiere Pro on her laptop, which allows us to work at home or at school depending on availability. I am planning to install Premiere Pro on my home computer as well, but we will also have access to school computers if needed. This flexibility helps us maximize our editing time and ensures that we can work on scenes even if one location is not available.

Editing will focus on multiple technical aspects. First, continuity is key, we will make sure that scenes flow smoothly, that costumes and props match between shots, and that movements line up correctly. Pacing will also be adjusted to make sure the comedy and tension hit at the right moments. Sound will be monitored carefully, balancing dialogue, ambient noise, and any music or sound effects. Any small mistakes captured during filming will be noted so we can determine whether reshoots or adjustments are necessary.

We will also start organizing the footage for final touches. Scenes will be labeled clearly, rough cuts will be made for each scene, and notes will be kept on which shots require further color correction, lighting adjustments, or timing tweaks. Editing is where the story begins to really come together visually, and we want to give ourselves enough time to address every detail.

Week Three: Touch-Ups and Polishing

Week three is focused on touch-ups and final polishing. By this stage, the rough cut will be complete, and we can refine the visuals and audio. This includes color grading each scene to make sure the lighting is consistent and visually appealing. We will also check every angle to ensure it communicates the intended mood and highlights the actors’ performances effectively.

Audio will be refined by adjusting levels for dialogue, sound effects, and background music. We will make sure that no lines are too quiet or too loud, and any distracting ambient noise will be minimized. Props and costumes will be double-checked in case any adjustments or reshoots are needed for continuity.

Other touch-ups include creating the title card, adding any on-screen text, and finalizing small visual details. This week is all about making the project feel complete and polished. Attention to detail here ensures the final product looks professional, cohesive, and engaging.

Planning Around Conflicts

Overall, this three-week timeline is ambitious but realistic if we carefully account for scheduling conflicts. The main challenges are drama rehearsals, color guard commitments, and Ramadan. By prioritizing Fridays and Sundays for recording, using both home and school computers for editing, and dedicating a full week to touch-ups, we are confident the project can be completed efficiently without compromising quality.

This detailed timeline ensures that every phase gets the attention it needs while balancing real-life schedules. Planning this carefully now helps us avoid last-minute problems and gives the project the best chance to turn out exactly how we envisioned.

Staying Organized with a Timeline

To remain organized and make sure we have a steady plan, I created a full production timeline on Canva. This helps us see all three weeks in advance, track which days are available for recording, editing, and touch-ups, and make sure we stay on track with our schedule. Having a visual timeline makes it easier to plan around conflicts and keep the project moving smoothly.

Completed Production Timeline:

Planning: Costumes + Props

 As Zunairah and I enter the final phases of planning our romcom, we’ve realized how crucial it is to finalize our costumes and props. These elements are a major part of the film’s mise-en-scène. Before a character even speaks, what they are wearing and the objects around them already communicate important information about their personality, motivations, and role in the story. Because of this, we had to be intentional about every visual detail. By carefully planning these elements, we ensure that our mise-en-scène supports the narrative and strengthens the overall impact of our film.

Costumes:

AUDREY:

We stated in our cast sheets that our actress, Nadia, was able to provide her own costume. After discussing Audrey’s character and the tone of the opening moment, we communicated about what would visually represent her best. We wanted something athletic, realistic, and true to who Audrey is at this point in the story. Together, we decided on an outfit that felt natural but still meaningful.

When we were planning Audrey’s costume in our heads, we really wanted her to look athletic because she is out on a run and actively working toward her birthday goal. But we also wanted a little hint of chic in her outfit, because Audrey is not just about being fit or focused. She is feisty, competitive, and determined. Her outfit needed to show that she is goal-driven and subtle yet confident. The white top with its slightly flowy babydoll shape and the fitted leggings were perfect for that balance.

Audrey’s look starts with a white spaghetti-strap athletic top. It has a slightly babydoll shape,  which makes it feel cute without being overly styled. It’s practical and something you would genuinely wear on a serious run, not just for appearance. 

We paired it with fitted blue leggings designed for actual workouts. The blue is a subtle detail to make her stand out compared to the other basic legging colors. Additionally, she would wear white athletic running shoes and her hair is pulled back with a blue scrunchie, keeping it secure and out of her face. This would hint to the audience that she is athletic instead of wearing comfortable clothing. 

This outfit matters because Audrey isn’t just going for a jog. Her birthday is coming up, and she made a personal goal to get fit. That detail shapes her introduction completely. Audrey is competitive and disciplined. The athletic outfit visually communicates that she is determined. She’s not dressed up to impress anyone because she’s training and pushing herself. Even though Audrey’s outfit is athletic and all about her running goals, it still lets a bit of her personality peek through. She can still cute and herself at the same time.

MATTHIAS:

For Matthias, we wanted his costume to reflect his personality in a different way. He does not need to be chic or stylish in the same way Audrey is, but we wanted him to look effortlessly cool. The oversized shirt and loose black shorts give him that relaxed vibe. He is athletic, capable, and playful, and his outfit was meant to show that without needing any flashy accessories. Even in a simple running outfit.

On our cast sheets, we noted that the actors could provide their own costumes, so we talked with Matthias’ actor about what he would wear for the scene. He was able to provide his outfit, and together we picked an oversized white shirt, loose black shorts, and white athletic shoes. The look was simple, practical, and perfectly in line with his character.

The oversized white shirt gives him a relaxed, easygoing vibe. It’s loose and comfortable, showing that Matthias doesn’t worry too much about looking perfect . He’s a confident, casual guy. The black shorts match that relaxed feel. It’s the kind of look that shows he’s focused on being active, yet still completely himself. Similar to Audrey. Matthias would subtly match with Audrey with his white athletic shoes. The whole outfit together communicates that Matthias is chill, sporty, confident. 

Even though it’s a basic training outfit, it perfectly shows his personality. He’s laid-back, athletic, and playful, the kind of guy who’s comfortable in his own skin.

INTENTIONS:

The costume and color choices for Audrey and Matthias were completely intentional, designed not only to reflect their individual personalities but also to subtly hint at their connection. Both characters wear white athletic shoes, which may seem like a small detail, but it creates a visual link between them. Even before they speak or interact, the audience can notice a subtle connections in their appearances.

Audrey’s athletic white top and fitted blue leggings highlight her determination and goal-oriented personality, while still keeping her cute and approachable. Matthias’ oversized white shirt and black shorts show his relaxed, easygoing vibe, but the inclusion of white shoes mirrors Audrey’s outfit in a subtle way. 

The use of similar tones also reinforces the theme of contrast and compatibility. Audrey’s look is more structured and goal-focused, while Matthias’ outfit is loose and casual. Yet the shared color elements create a visual connection, hinting at how their personalities might complement each other despite their differences. Even small costume details like these help tell the story, preparing the audience for their playful, slightly chaotic meet-cute.

The costumes communicate character, mood, and subtle storytelling cues. The deliberate choices in clothing and color coordination help set up the tension, chemistry, and potential romance between Audrey and Matthias, all before a single word of dialogue is spoken.

Props:

AUDREY"S PHONE:

For Audrey’s phone we planned to use Nadia’s own phone. It is pink with a lily design on the case, which gives it a personal and cute touch that really fits her character. It feels like something a teenage girl like Audrey would actually have. 

We decided the phone would be used to show a notification on the screen. We are not completely sure what the number will be, but we are thinking three. Three days until her birthday seems like a good number. It is short, easy to read, and immediately tells the audience why Audrey is running and why this moment matters to her.

Even though it is just a small prop, the phone communicates a lot about Audrey. The color and design show her personality while the notification helps explain her motivation. It is a simple way to visually show who she is and what her goal is, even before the scene really starts.

RANDOM SOCCER BALL:

For the soccer ball, we decided to use one from my own collection. I used to play soccer when I was younger, so I have a few soccer balls around the house. The one we are planning to use is yellow with blue and red designs because it would stand out.

At first, we thought about using a hockey ball because Matthias is a hockey player and he would naturally be training with one. But while planning, we realized that would cause a few problems. First, it would look really strange for him to practice hockey on grass instead of a rink. Second, the hockey ball is so small that it would be awkward for the physical interaction with Audrey. It would be hard to film them bumping into each other over such a tiny ball, and it would not create the playful chaos we wanted for the scene.

Using a soccer ball solved both of those issues. It is bigger, easy to see, and more natural for the kind of physical interaction we need. In the scene, a random kid will kick the ball toward Matthias and Audrey, and they will start arguing about who gets to kick it back. The size and bounce of the soccer ball make the encounter dynamic and fun, and it gives the actors room to react physically in a way that feels believable.

Planning: Setting

 Zunairah and I have decided that the opening of Competitive Much? will take place in a park, but we know that not just any park will do. The location needs to capture the right atmosphere for Audrey’s birthday run, with good lighting, open space for the hockey ball scene, and visually appealing areas that fit the romantic-comedy vibe. We’re planning to visit a few different parks nearby to see which one has the best scenery, paths, and natural lighting. Finding the perfect park is important because it will set the tone for the first moments of the film. 

Parks:

Weston Regional Park

Weston Regional Park is a large, well-known park located in Weston with a lot of versatility for different types of shots. It has wide open fields, shaded walking paths, and a variety of landscapes that could allow us to film multiple angles without moving too far. The park includes playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas, which could give extra background detail for wide or establishing shots. Its spacious environment would make filming Audrey’s running scenes easy, as there is plenty of room for tracking shots. The natural lighting throughout the park, especially in the late afternoon or golden hour, could create the warm, cinematic look we want for our romcom. The main downside is that it is the farthest park from me, which could make multiple visits for scouting or rehearsing tricky and time-consuming.

Peace Mound Park

Peace Mound Park is a smaller, more intimate neighborhood park with a calm and scenic environment. It features walking paths, picnic areas, benches, and a small waterfront area, which could create visually appealing backdrops for our film. Because it is the closest park for me, visiting it multiple times would be convenient, allowing us to test shots at different times of day and get a sense of how the lighting changes during golden hour. Its quiet, low-traffic environment is ideal for filming, as there would be fewer interruptions from other park visitors or vehicles. 

Rose G. Price Park

Rose G. Price Park is a community-focused park located in Pembroke Pines. It has walking trails, open green spaces, playgrounds, and sports courts. Its friendly, everyday vibe makes it feel like a believable place for a casual meet-up or run, fitting perfectly with the natural, playful tone of Competitive Much?. The trails and open areas provide flexibility for different camera angles and movements, allowing for both mid-shots of dialogue and wider shots to establish the scene. Its mid-range distance makes it accessible, though not as convenient as Peace Mound Park. The combination of shaded spots and sunny fields could allow us to experiment with lighting and framing in multiple ways to enhance the comedic and romantic elements of the scene.

Comparing the Parks

Zunairah was especially helpful in narrowing down our options because she had already visited all three parks. Her firsthand experience gave us insight into factors that photos and descriptions alone couldn’t capture, such as which areas had the best natural lighting at different times of day, which spots were quieter for filming, and how the spaces could work for tracking shots of Audrey running. By combining her personal knowledge with our own observations during scouting, we were able to make a more informed decision about which park would best suit the tone, action, and romantic-comedy elements of our opening scene.

Each of the parks we are considering has unique features that could make it a strong choice for filming the opening scene of Competitive Much?. Weston Regional Park offers wide open fields, walking paths, shaded areas, and multiple landscapes that give a lot of flexibility for different camera angles. Its large, versatile space would allow for smooth tracking shots of Audrey running as well as the hockey ball scene, and the natural light during golden hour could create a warm, cinematic look. On the other hand, its distance is a challenge, as it is the farthest park from us, which could make rehearsing difficult.

Peace Mound Park is much closer and provides a calm, scenic setting with walking paths, picnic areas, and a small waterfront. Its intimate, quiet environment would allow us to film without many interruptions, which is helpful for focusing on the comedic timing and interactions between Audrey and Mattias. The greenery, gentle hills, and calm atmosphere could create visually appealing shots, but the smaller space may require more careful planning to get a variety of angles and to ensure the running sequence feels dynamic.

Rose G. Price Park has a friendly, community vibe with open green spaces, trails, and playgrounds. Its trails and versatile areas could work well for mid-shots, wide shots, and tracking sequences. Its location is more moderate in distance, making it accessible for multiple visits, but depending on the time of day, it may be busier than Peace Mound Park, which could affect shooting.

Overall, while online research gives us a good sense of what each park offers, the true test will come when Zunairah and I personally visit them. We need to see the actual lighting, available space, background elements, and overall vibe in person before deciding which park will best support the tone, action, and comedic elements of our opening scene. Visiting each park will allow us to make a choice based on what works best for the characters and story rather than relying solely on photos and descriptions.

Sources:

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g34733-d8514272-Reviews-Peace_Mound_Park-Weston_Broward_County_Florida.html 

https://www.westonfl.org/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/8/239 

https://price-park.com-place.com/

Planning: Characters

 As my partner Zunairah and I began planning Competitive Much?, we realized that casting the right actors for Audrey and Mattias is essential to bringing our story to life. The success of our project depends on performers who can capture the comedic timing, emotional tension, and chemistry that the rivalry-turned-romance requires. Since Zunairah and I are both involved in theater, we decided to ask friends who we already know and trust to fill these roles. We are confident in their acting ability, which makes the process smoother and ensures that the characters will feel authentic on screen. Choosing actors from our own theater circle also allows us to communicate ideas effectively, experiment with scenes during rehearsals, and rely on their skills to bring Audrey and Mattias’ personalities and rivalry to life. 

I found this really nice blank cast sheet on Canva and I was so excited because it’s going to make organizing our actors super easy. The friends we decided to pick for our project were Nadia Nicolas and Evan Ventura since we know them from theater. I can fill in their names and notes about their acting experience, strengths, and features that make them a good fit for the roles. Having this cast sheet will help me keep all the information in one place and make it easier to visualize who fits each part.

Blank Template from Canva:

Cast Sheets:

    Audrey

• Determined and goal-oriented

• Feisty and competitive

• Intelligent and focused

• Stubborn at times but quick-thinking

• Witty with humorous reactions during conflicts

• Emotionally expressive

Originally, we considered making Audrey a track athlete, which would have tied her competitiveness to sports. However, we decided to scrap that idea because we didn’t want the movie to feel too sporty, especially since Mattias already plays hockey. Instead, Audrey is now a nerdy girl who focuses on her academics and is fiercely competitive over the Achievement Award. This change allows her rivalry with Mattias to center on personality rather than physical sports.

Nadia is a perfect choice for Audrey because of her acting experience and strong performance skills. She is sixteen years old, 5 feet 1 inch tall, and has two years of acting experience in musical theatre. Nadia is very nice and outgoing, which makes her easy to work with, and she can pull off a highly expressive character like Audrey. She is focused, skilled at interpreting scripts, and uses her face and body effectively to portray emotion. Nadia can provide her own costume, which makes preparation easier. Audrey is a determined and feisty teenager, and Nadia’s energy and expressiveness make her ideal to bring Audrey’s competitive, witty, and emotionally dynamic personality to life.

Mattias

• Confident and playful

• Slightly mischievous

• Competitive but charming

• Thoughtful beneath his confident exterior

• Emotionally expressive

• Teasing with subtle hints of romantic interest

Evan is an excellent choice for Mattias thanks to his two and a half years of acting experience and background in band and theatre. He is fifteen years old, 5 feet 9 inches tall, with short, wavy black hair and white skin. Evan is naturally shy, but he can really get into character and has experience in a variety of roles, which allows him to portray Mattias’ playful, confident, and slightly mischievous personality convincingly. He has great line memorization, a strong work ethic, and uses facial expressions and emotions effectively to maintain the mood of a scene. His acting skills and emotional range make him perfect to show Mattias’ competitiveness while hinting at the romantic tension with Audrey.

On Screen:

The dynamic between Nadia as Audrey and Evan as Mattias is exciting because their differences and personalities create natural chemistry. The height difference, with Audrey being smaller at 5 feet 1 inch and Mattias taller at 5 feet 9 inches, adds visual contrast that emphasizes the playful rivalry and eventual romantic tension between them. Audrey’s determination and intensity paired with Mattias’ confidence and teasing energy will create a fun and believable enemies-to-lovers. 

Sources:

https://www.canva.com/design/DAHBcLR4dV0/alr2EFej6Y91LyUsd9KdKQ/view?utm_content=DAHBcLR4dV0&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h0b0eca4563 

Planning: Script Writing

 In one of my previous blog post I researched a bit on what scripting writing for a romcom should look like; But I didn't go in depth. I didn't go in depth before because Zunairah and I haven't discussed on the basics of our story. But now that we have made our story board, we have a general idea of our plot. Scripting writing determines an entire story and I am excited to evolve our brainstorming into a  words. 

An important part of developing the script for Competitive Much? was having Zunairah involved in the creative writing process. Because she had taken our school’s creative writing class, she brought a lot of helpful experience in structuring dialogue, developing characters, and creating engaging scenes. Her insights were especially useful in turning our storyboard into a full script, making the humor and emotional moments feel more natural. Working with her showed me how valuable collaboration can be, and it really helped me feel more confident in writing and refining our story.

Previous blog:

 1.

Meet‑Cute: The moment the leads first encounter each other in a way that’s memorable, funny, or awkward.

2.

Midpoint Shift: A turning point where the relationship deepens or faces a major setback.

3.

Climax: A moment of crisis (often a breakup or emotional turning point.)

4.

Resolution: A satisfying ending where conflicts are resolved and the characters grow together.

In my previous blog, I outlined the key structural components of a romantic comedy, including the meet cute, the midpoint shift, the climax, and the resolution. I explained how these moments function to create tension, humor, and emotional growth for the characters. Now, the next step is to take those ideas and actually implement them into my own story, Competitive Much?. This means applying the principles of a memorable meet cute, a turning point that deepens the characters’ connection, a dramatic climax, and a satisfying resolution directly to Audrey and Mattias’ rivalry and romance. 

Implementing Ideas:

1. Meet Cute

The meet cute happens during Audrey’s birthday run in the park. She is focused, determined, and full of irritation when a hockey ball nearly hits her and Mattias jogs into frame. Audrey immediately recognizes him as her long-time rival. They struggle over the ball, shouting and pushing each other. The physical comedy, their bickering, and the accidental hand touch create a funny and memorable first encounter. This moment also plants the first hint of romantic tension.

2. Midpoint Shift

The midpoint occurs as both Audrey and Mattias compete more intensely for the Achievement Award. Their rivalry escalates as each attempts to outdo the other in front of teachers, classmates, and judges. Subtle moments, such as Mattias secretly sabotaging his own work or Audrey noticing his thoughtfulness, hint at deeper feelings beneath the competition. This turning point shows that their relationship is no longer just rivalry but also includes tension, curiosity, and the beginnings of attraction.

3. Climax

The climax happens when Audrey discovers that Mattias has deliberately sabotaged his own work to let her win. Shocked and frustrated, she confronts him, believing he is being manipulative. Mattias then admits his true motivation. He reveals that he never cared about the award itself and only competed to ensure he would be in the same classes and activities as her. This moment forces Audrey to confront her obsession with winning and her feelings toward Mattias, creating a powerful emotional turning point.

4. Resolution

The resolution comes after Audrey withdraws from the Achievement Award, rejecting the competitive culture. Neither of them wins, but they realize that the rivalry no longer matters. Mattias shows up at Audrey’s birthday party with a thoughtful gift, and they share their first kiss. Their relationship transforms from rivalry into partnership. Conflicts are resolved, both characters grow emotionally, and the story ends with a satisfying romantic conclusion and a sense of closure.

Rough Draft of "Competitive Much?":

Self-Reflection:
Working on this blog and connecting my previous research to our storyboard and script has helped me see how theory translates into practice. By implementing the meet cute, midpoint shift, climax, and resolution into Competitive Much?, I was able to shape Audrey and Mattias’ rivalry into a believable and engaging narrative. This process also made me realize how important small details, like physical comedy and subtle gestures, are in establishing character dynamics and hinting at romance. Understanding these elements will help me as I continue to develop my project, allowing me to write my script more effectively, plan shots with intention, and ensure that every scene serves the story and characters. Overall, reflecting on the structure and seeing it come to life in my script has given me more confidence in my storytelling, planning, and execution for the final production.

Sources:

https://industrialscripts.com/romantic-comedy/

https://www.goldenscript.net/post/tips-on-writing-a-rom-com-script 

Planning: Project Proposal

 My name is Nicole, and I am working with Zunairah on this project. Together, we are creating a short film opening for our rom-com brief, focusing on two high school students, Audrey and Mattias, who start as rivals but gradually discover a deeper connection.

Film/Magazine Genre and Sub-Genre

We chose the romantic comedy genre, specifically a teen enemies-to-lovers sub-genre, because it’s a genre that both my partner and I genuinely enjoy and feel connected to. From watching and analyzing modern rom-coms, we realized that this genre consistently combines humor, tension, and emotion in a way that feels entertaining but still meaningful. We were especially drawn to enemies-to-lovers stories because they create immediate conflict, which makes the opening more engaging and gives the audience a clear sense of the characters’ dynamic right away.

Both Zunairah and I like romantic comedies because they don’t take themselves too seriously, but still leave room for character growth. Based on my research, modern rom-coms often focus on rivalry, banter, and power dynamics before romance, which feels more realistic and relatable for younger audiences. We liked that this structure allows characters to start off flawed or competitive instead of instantly likable, making their relationship feel more earned over time.

This genre also stood out to us because it works really well visually. From our research, we noticed that rom-coms often use fast pacing, lighting, and playful camera work to establish tone quickly. That appealed to both of us because it gives us room to experiment creatively while still following clear genre conventions. Techniques like slow motion, 2-shots, and bold title placement feel natural in a rom-com and help communicate mood without heavy dialogue.

Overall, we chose it because it’s a genre we both genuinely enjoy and feel confident working in. Combining our personal interest with what we learned from analyzing modern rom-com helped us feel sure that this was the right direction for our project.

The Fall Guy(2024)

Target Audience:

• Age Range: 13–18 years old

• Gender: All genders

• Location:  School settings, Parks

• Shared Interests/Hobbies: Enjoy watching rom-coms, involved in sports or school activities, interested in lighthearted teen drama

Based off this poll, the age that enjoys romcoms the most is 65+. This means that we don't have to worry that much about worrying the older demographic. We have to worry about appealing to the younger audience. To appeal to the younger audience, that is why Zunairah and I made our characters younger in a school environment. This will make it more relatable for younger audiences. 


Both genders like watching romcoms; However, women like watching them a bit more. So, to appeal to the men more that is why we made the main characters athletes. This will lure in the male demographic better. But we will still have the normal conventions of a romcom that women like. Such as heightened emotion scenes and chemistry. 


Zunairah and I want to make a romcom that would appeal to everyone. This will make us have a successful brief and more of an intriguing story.

 

Social Issues & Representation:

Representation is an important part of our opening because we wanted it to reflect values and themes that feel relevant to us and to a modern teen audience. Based on my research and our own discussions, we focused on three main ideas: gender equality, not judging people based on first impressions, and competition versus connection.

One of the forms of representation we want to address is gender equality, especially in competitive spaces. In many teen films, athletic or competitive environments are still often male-dominated, or female characters are written as less serious, less skilled, or only present to support male leads. Through our project, we want to challenge that expectation. From the opening, we show that competitiveness and ambition aren’t gendered traits. This reflects our belief that strength, drive, and confidence should be portrayed equally, regardless of gender.

Another major theme we are exploring is “don’t judge a book by its cover.” Romantic comedies often rely on stereotypes at first, but then slowly break them down as the story progresses. We were drawn to this idea because it showcases real-life experiences, especially in school environments where people are quickly labeled based on appearance, reputation, or first impressions. In our opening, the rivalry and tension are intentionally exaggerated to show how surface-level judgments can block genuine connection. 

We also wanted to explore the idea of competition versus connection, which became one of the strongest themes in our planning process. Both my partner and I were interested in how modern teen culture often emphasizes winning at the expense of personal relationships. Through our research, we noticed that many successful rom-coms use competition as a starting point for conflict, then slowly shift toward a more emotional plot. This balance between rivalry and vulnerability is something we wanted to reflect in our opening.

Importantly, we didn’t want the competition in our story to feel toxic or one-sided. Instead, we wanted it to feel equal and mutual, showing that both characters are driven and capable. This allows the rivalry to feel playful rather than aggressive, which fits the tone of a romantic comedy while still addressing a real social issue. 

 

Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro

We plan to use Adobe Premiere Pro as our main editing software. I already have experience with Premiere Pro from previous class projects, so I’m comfortable with the basics of cutting, layering clips, and adding text. Also, it’s provided by the school, which makes it practical and cost-effective.

Premiere Pro will be especially important for:

• Editing and pacing the opening to follow rom-com conventions

• Creating and animating the title card (fade-in, fade-out, placement)

• Color grading using the Lumetri Color panel to achieve warm, romantic tones

• Syncing dialogue, ambient sound, and music

While I understand the basics, I still want to improve my skills in advanced color grading, especially using LUTs and creating a consistent color palette across multiple shots. I also want to get better at keyframing, which will help make our title animation feel smooth and professional rather than abrupt. I have a bit of experience with keyframing because I have tried other editing apps before but it is still difficult achieving that smooth transition.

Camera Equipment

We plan to use school-provided cameras, most likely DSLRs or mirrorless cameras capable of shooting in high quality. To achieve the cinematic rom-com look we researched, I need to understand a few concepts:

• Aperture: to create shallow depth of field and soft backgrounds

• Shutter speed: to control motion blur during running and physical comedy scenes

• ISO: to maintain image quality during golden hour and changing light conditions

Learning how to balance these settings will help us create a softer, more romantic visual style while still keeping action clear and readable.

Lighting Equipment

Lighting will rely primarily on natural light, especially shooting during golden hour to achieve warm, flattering tones that are common in rom-coms. This choice connects directly to my research, which showed that many romantic comedies use soft, natural lighting to create a welcoming and emotionally warm atmosphere. Shooting in the late afternoon or early evening will allow us to capture that glow naturally, without needing heavy artificial lighting

To improve consistency and reduce harsh shadows, we may use reflectors to bounce light onto the actors’ faces.  This will help keep their expressions visible while maintaining a natural look. I still want to learn more about how to read outdoor lighting conditions and position reflectors effectively. If any scenes require less natural light, we may need to experiment with simple lighting setups to maintain the same warm tone throughout the opening.

Audio Equipment

Clear dialogue is crucial, especially in a rom-com where character interactions drive the story. We plan to use external microphones, likely Bluetooth or clip-on mics, instead of relying on the camera’s built-in audio.

I want to improve my skills in:

• Proper microphone placement

• Monitoring audio levels while recording

• Syncing audio in post-production

• Balancing dialogue with background music and ambient sound

Basic Plan for the Film Opening

Our project is a two-minute romcom opening designed to introduce the main characters, establish the tone, and set up the central conflict of the story. The opening takes place in a park during golden hour, a setting we chose because it visually supports the warm, lighthearted feel of a rom-com while also being realistic and accessible for filming.

The audience is first introduced to Audrey during her daily run, which immediately establishes her as disciplined, competitive, and goal-oriented. Her upcoming birthday adds an emotional layer to her routine, hinting that this moment is part of a larger personal journey rather than just a random day. The meet-cute occurs when she unexpectedly collides with Mattias, a rival she recognizes but has never truly interacted with. Their encounter quickly turns chaotic, revealing their competitive dynamic.

The argument escalates to a physical interaction as they struggle over the object that caused the collision. This moment visually represents their rivalry while keeping the tone playful rather than aggressive. The chaos shifts when they lose balance and fall into each other’s arms. This change in pacing and mood signals the romance of the story. The title appears at this moment, reinforcing the theme of competition and hinting that their rivalry may evolve into something deeper.

Cinematography:
The opening begins with an establishing shot of the park to set the scene and tone. A smooth tracking shot follows Audrey as she runs. Close-ups are used sparingly to highlight important details, such as her checking her phone and noticing her upcoming birthday.

When the collision occurs, the camera movement becomes faster and more reactive, matching the suddenness. During the argument, shot-reverse-shot framing will capture their dialogue clearly, before transitioning into unsteady random movement shots during the physical struggle to heighten the sense of chaos. The final slow-motion shot stabilizes again, creating contrast and allowing the romantic moment to stand out. This shot will be carefully framed using the rule of thirds and shallow depth of field to create space for the title card.

Color Grading:
Warm color grading will be maintained throughout the opening to reinforce the romantic comedy genre. Even during moments of conflict, the warm tones will signal that the tension is playful. In post-production, we’ll use Premiere Pro’s Lumetri Color tools to enhance golden hour lighting and ensure consistency across all shots.

Sound Design:
Dialogue will remain the focus of the scene, supported by subtle ambient park sounds to create realism. Background music will gradually build during the argument and peak during the slow-motion fall, then soften as the title appears. 

Editing and Pacing:
The editing will follow rom-com conventions by gradually increasing pace during the argument and then slowing down for the final romantic moment. The timing of the title card is intentional, leaving the audience with a clear understanding of the story’s tone

Practice Exercises:

Location & Lighting Tests

Visit the park at different times to find the best golden hour lighting and clean backgrounds.

Camera & Framing Practice

Test tracking shots, handheld movement, and rule-of-thirds framing.

Focus & Depth Testing

Experiment with shallow depth of field to balance foreground focus and blurred backgrounds.

Color Grading Practice

Apply warm color grading to test clips using Premiere Pro

Title & Editing Tests

Test title placement, font size, and fade-in timing using placeholder footage

Sources:

https://avcstore.com/products/godox-rft14-7-1-reflector?variant=39575739433059&country=US&currency=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&srsltid=AfmBOopdfpYx4pyTVvqmtB0fdUmYqcM4U5EjuKKh9FflMUuEEcd8GBQqyWE

https://borisfx.com/blog/davinci-resolve-vs-premiere-pro-head-to-head/
https://www.simonsaysai.com/blog/davinci-resolve-vs-adobe-premiere-pro
https://www.makeuseof.com/adobe-premiere-pro-vs-davinci-resolve/

Planning: Title

  Zunairah and I have our story planned out but we are missing something important: Our title! From my title card research, I noticed that modern romantic comedies often use bold sans serif fonts or handwritten-style fonts to convey a playful, youthful tone. Bold fonts give a clean, modern look that is easy to read over live-action footage, while handwritten fonts can add a fun, personal, or romantic touch depending on the scene. It'll be difficult to choose between them. In terms of color, romcoms frequently use bright, saturated tones like pinks, reds, or pastels, which help the title stand out and signal romance or humor. Placement is also important: titles are often introduced after the audience is invested in the characters or during a visually significant moment, rather than at the very beginning, so that the title feels integrated with the story rather than separate from it.

Title:

 We decided that the title for our opening will be “Competitive Much?”. This title directly reflects the central conflict and theme of the story, the rivalry between Audrey and Mattias. From the very first scene, the audience sees them competing against each other, both in athletics, so the title immediately signals that competition is a key part of the story. At the same time, the phrasing is playful and conversational, giving the audience a sense of humor and lightheartedness that fits a modern romcom.

 The title also gives the audience a subtle preview of the story’s tone. The question format suggests playful tension, hinting that the characters’ rivalry might evolve into something more romantic. It’s informative without being literal and perfectly aligned with the youthful, high-energy vibe of the opening.

Experimenting:

To see which font and color to use for our title I wanted to draw it in my sketch book to have a better vision and imagination. 

FONTS:

Bold Sans Serif Font

Examples: Helvetica Bold, Montserrat Bold, Futura Bold

Pros:

Extremely readable over live-action footage, even when the background is moving or contains multiple elements.

Modern and confident, which aligns with the energetic, competitive vibe of Audrey and Mattias’ rivalry.

Creates a clean, professional look while still feeling playful if paired with a bright color.

Cons:

Can feel less personal or romantic compared to script fonts if not paired with color or animation.

Potential Uses: Works well for the final scene where the characters are out of focus and the title needs to stand out without distracting from the emotional moment.

Handwritten or Script Fonts

Examples: Pacifico, Great Vibes, Sacramento

Pros:

Feels intimate, fun, and romantic, which could emphasize the romantic comedy tone.

Can add personality and a whimsical touch, reflecting the playful nature of the story.

Cons:

Legibility becomes an issue over blurred or moving backgrounds, particularly in the slow-motion scene.

Could appear too casual or “soft,” which might not match the bold energy and physical comedy of the opening.

Potential Uses: Would be suitable in scenes with simple backgrounds or still frames, but less effective for our fast-paced, dynamic opening.

Mixed or Decorative Fonts

Examples: Lobster, Pacifico Bold, Amatic SC

Pros:

Adds a unique visual style and could differentiate the title from other romcoms.

Could highlight playful or quirky aspects of the story.

Cons:

Risk of looking busy or dated.

Might clash with the clean visual aesthetic of the final slow-motion shot.

Potential Uses: Would be effective for a fun, energetic scene with simple backgrounds.

COLORS:

Hot Pink/Red

Pros:

Immediately signals romance, youth, and playfulness, perfectly aligning with a high-school romcom.

Bold and eye-catching, ensuring the title is readable even over complex, blurred backgrounds.

Conveys confidence and energy, matching both Audrey’s competitive personality and the chaotic physical comedy.

Cons:

Could feel overpowering if paired with other strong visual elements, so careful placement is needed.

Pastel Pink or Lavender

Pros:

Soft and romantic, creating a gentle, whimsical mood.

Works well with more subtle, delicate scenes or with script fonts.

Cons:

Less attention-grabbing over live-action footage.

Might feel too “safe” and not match the energetic, competitive tone of our story.

White or Black

Pros:

Highly versatile and easy to read against most backgrounds.

Minimalist, modern, and professional.

Cons:

Can feel bland or generic in a romcom context.

Doesn’t convey the playful, romantic energy we want for the story

TOP COMBOS:

• Bold sans serif in white: Clear and readable, especially over the blurred background in our final scene. However, white felt too neutral and didn’t fully communicate the playful, youthful energy of the story.

  
  
  

• Mixed script in pastel lavender: Captured the romantic, whimsical side of the romcom, but readability was an issue over moving elements in the scene. It also didn’t feel bold enough to match the story’s energy and the physical comedy in the opening.

  
  
  

• Bold sans serif in hot pink: This option felt the strongest overall. The bold font ensures the title is readable over the blurred slow-motion background, while the hot pink color signals romance, fun, and confidence. It also aligns with the youthful, energetic tone of our story and complements the chaotic, romantic final moment of Audrey and Mattias falling into each other’s arms.

  
  
  

After testing these options, I decided that bold sans serif in hot pink is the most effective choice. It balances readability, emotional tone, and visual impact while fitting the conventions of modern romcoms.

Background and Contrast Considerations:

To ensure our bold hot pink (#FF69B4) title is readable and stands out, the background needs to be slightly muted or visually separated from the text. This could include:

-Ensuring that the portion of the frame behind the title has less intense warm tones, like a slightly shaded area of grass or sky.

-Using negative space by placing the title in an empty area so it doesn’t compete with the background.

-Adding a subtle white outline or glow around the text. This creates a soft boundary between the hot pink letters and the warm golden tones, ensuring readability while maintaining a playful, romantic aesthetic.

These components will allow the title to pop visually without overpowering the scene!

Title Placement + Entrance/Exit:

 My research showed that in modern romcoms, titles often appear after the audience has connected with the characters or during a visually striking moment. In our storyboard, the final shot has Audrey and Mattias stumbling and falling into each other’s arms in slow motion. At this moment, we want the characters to be intentionally out of focus. This gives negative space for the title. We want to put it in the top right while the characters fight on the bottom left.

For animation, I want the title to move subtly and smoothly, rather than using flashy or dramatic effects. Based on my research, modern romcom title cards often use gentle fade-ins. So, I want to follow that convention and have the title appear with a fade. My partner and I are unsure if we want to end the opening there or have the title leave. If we were to have the title exit I feel a fade out would be best. But I feel ending the brief there would have a better impact. 

Typography Size and Weight:

For a romcom title, size and weight are critical because the title only appears briefly and must immediately grab the audience’s attention. In our opening, the title will appear over a dynamic scene with Audrey and Mattias in the background, so it needs to stand out without overwhelming the frame.

We plan to use a heavy font weight, bold, to give the title a strong visual presence. This ensures that the text is readable even when the characters and environment are slightly blurred or in motion. A larger size paired with the bold weight will make the title impossible to miss, reinforcing its importance and giving it authority within the frame.

Self-Reflection:

I enjoyed experimenting with multiple fonts and colors because it forced me to think critically about readability, emotional tone, and the playful energy of a romcom. Testing different combinations also helped me understand why bold sans serif paired with hot pink worked best: it’s readable, modern, playful, and perfectly aligned with the story’s themes of rivalry and romance.

Planning the title placement and animation also made me think about timing and audience focus. By putting the title in the top right over the blurred slow-motion shot, it feels integrated with the scene and enhances the story rather than distracting from it. 

Sources:

https://www.videomaker.com/article/c10/17890-the-basics-of-titles-and-graphics/ 

https://fonts.google.com/