Production: Argument Scene

 This scene develops after the ball is kicked to Audrey and Mathias, acting as a natural trigger that brings them into the same space and sets up their interaction. At first, the moment feels calm and almost cooperative, as both characters pause and seem to reach the same understanding at the same time. This brief sense of agreement is important because it momentarily lowers the tension and suggests that they might handle the situation in a more controlled way. However, that calm quickly breaks. The arrival of the ball does not just bring them together physically, but also reintroduces their competitive and stubborn personalities.

Aggression Development:

As the scene progresses, the argument intensifies from a verbal disagreement into a physical confrontation. At first, it begins with simple dialogue, where both characters insist, “I got it.” This repeated line creates a back-and-forth rhythm that emphasizes their stubbornness. Neither character is willing give the other control.

As the argument continues, the physicality of the scene increases. The characters begin grabbing at the ball, and their interaction becomes more aggressive. This is important because it shows that the conflict is no longer just emotional or verbal, but also physical. The audience can see the frustration in their body language, which makes the scene more intense and engaging.

This shift from words to actions reflects how emotions can escalate in real life. When people argue, it often starts with words, but when those words are not enough to resolve the conflict, physical actions or stronger gestures can take over.

2-Shot Use:

Throughout the entire argument, the use of a two shot plays a major role in how the scene is presented. By keeping both Audrey and Mathias within the same frame, the audience is constantly aware of their proximity to each other. This is especially important during the physical part of the argument, where their bodies interact directly.

The two shot reinforces the idea that they are locked in this conflict together. Neither character can escape the other visually, which mirrors how neither of them is willing to back down. Their shared space in the frame reflects their shared conflict, making the scene feel more intense and grounded.

Additionally, the two shot allows the audience to see both sides of the argument at the same time. This creates a balanced perspective, where neither character is isolated as the “main” aggressor.

Physical Contact:

One of the most important aspects of this scene is the physical interaction between the characters. The argument goes beyond words, as they begin to touch, grab, and push each other while fighting over the ball. This physical contact adds another layer to their relationship, showing that their emotions are strong enough to manifest physically.

A key moment in this scene is when Mattias holds Audrey’s hand and questions her, asking what the situation even matters to her. This moment is significant because it creates a pause in the physical conflict, drawing attention to their connection. Instead of continuing to fight over the ball, the focus shifts to their direct interaction with each other.

Audrey’s response, where she pushes him off and nearly falls into his chest, adds another layer to the scene. This moment is important because it blurs the line between conflict and closeness. Even though they are arguing, their physical proximity shows how close they are in space, which can suggest both tension and connection at the same time.

Character Connection:

The ball represents control, competition, and the underlying tension between the two characters. Their fight over the ball is not just about the object itself, but about dominance, pride, and control within the interaction.

By constantly fighting over something so simple, the scene highlights how small disagreements can escalate into larger conflicts. The ball becomes a symbol of their inability to compromise, showing that neither character is willing to step back or give up control easily. Their constant arguing and physical interaction suggest that there is still a strong connection between them. The fact that they continue engaging with each other, rather than walking away, shows that they are both invested in the interaction.

Production: Ball Clips

 The ball plays an important narrative role because it acts as the physical object that initiates the conflict between Audrey and Mathias. The idea behind having the ball hit both characters was to create a moment that feels sudden and slightly chaotic, which then naturally leads into another argument between them. Instead of forcing the conflict through dialogue alone, the ball serves as an external force that brings them together in a way that feels more organic and believable.

This type of moment is important because it uses action to drive the story forward. Rather than relying only on spoken words, the physical interaction with the ball creates a shared incident that both characters react to, giving the audience a clear reason for the conflict to begin. It also adds a layer of realism, since unexpected interruptions like this can happen in real life and often lead to tension between people.

Soccer Skills Issue:

One of the biggest challenges we faced during this scene was actually getting the ball to move in the way we wanted. To achieve the effect of the ball hitting both characters properly, we needed someone to kick it accurately in a controlled direction. This required timing, coordination, and a certain level of skill.

Luckily, Nadia’s cousin happened to visit during the filming, along with some of his friends, and we thought they would be a good fit for this part. Since they were boys and familiar with soccer, we assumed they would be able to pass or kick the ball in a way that would work well for filming.

However, this assumption turned out to be incorrect. None of them were particularly skilled at controlling the ball in a precise way. This led to multiple attempts where the ball would go too far to the left or too far to the right, completely missing. These repeated failures made the process longer and more challenging than expected.

Even though the ball itself wasn’t being kicked perfectly, we were able to solve this issue through careful camera positioning. One of the most effective decisions we made was to film from a low angle, where I was actually laying on the ground while recording.

This angle created a very cinematic perspective, almost as if the audience was seeing the action from the point of view of the ball or from the level of the players’ feet. This perspective adds intensity and makes the moment feel more immersive, since it places the viewer closer to the action.

What made this especially useful was that, even when the ball technically missed its target, the framing and timing of the shot made it appear as though it successfully connected with Audrey and Mathias. In one specific instance, the boy’s leg blocked the view of the ball at the exact moment it passed through the frame. Because of this, the audience cannot clearly see that the ball missed, and instead it looks like a clean pass. This is an example of how cinematography can solve performance issues. Even when the physical action isn’t perfect, careful framing and timing can create the illusion of success!

Ending Scene Issue:

Originally, our plan was for the ball to come to a complete stop right in front of the camera so that we could place the title card directly in that moment. This would have created a clean and controlled ending.

However, achieving that exact stopping point proved to be very difficult. The ball either kept rolling too far toward the camera or didn’t stop at the right distance. Because of this, we realized that trying to force a perfect stop wasn’t practical and would likely require many more takes without guaranteed success.

Instead, we decided to embrace the natural movement of the ball and let it roll freely toward the camera. This decision actually ended up improving the scene, because it allowed the ending to feel more organic and less staged. Rather than trying to control every detail, we allowed the action to unfold naturally.

To enhance the final effect of the scene, we used Premiere Pro to slow down the footage as the ball approached the camera. This allowed us to control the pacing in post-production, even though the physical action itself was not perfectly timed.

As the ball rolls closer, we transition into the title card and then fade to black. This use of a fade is a common convention in romantic comedies, where scenes often end with a smooth visual transition that signals a shift in tone or the end of a moment.

The fade to black also works well thematically in this context because it reflects the unpredictability and slight imperfections of the scene itself. Instead of ending with a perfectly controlled shot, the scene ends in a way that mirrors the chaos and spontaneity of the earlier moments. This makes the ending feel more connected to the rest of the film, while also giving it a stylistic, polished finish.

Production: Dialogue Clips at Park

 One of the biggest challenges we faced while filming the dialogue at the park was the weather conditions. It was an extremely windy day, which directly impacted the clarity of our audio. Wind noise can easily overpower dialogue, especially in outdoor environments, making it difficult for the audience to focus on what the characters are saying. Unfortunately, the park was the only available location we could use at the time. On other days, it had been raining, which meant we didn’t have the flexibility to choose a better day. Because of this, we had to adapt and work with the conditions we were given.

This situation forced us to rely more heavily on post-production to fix the audio issues. Using Premiere Pro, we applied noise reduction tools such as the “Hand Speech” feature to help clean up the dialogue. While this didn’t completely eliminate the wind, it significantly improved the clarity of the speech. This step was essential because dialogue is the core of this scene, and without clear audio, the tension and meaning of the interaction between Audrey and Mathias would not come across effectively.

2 Shots:

One of the key shot types we used in this scene was the two shot, which shows both Audrey and Mathias within the same frame. This shot is especially important because it allows the audience to see their relationship in real time. By placing both characters in the same space, we can visually communicate their tension and proximity without relying solely on dialogue.

In our case, the two shot was used to emphasize the contrast between the characters. Their body language, positioning, and spacing within the frame help show how they feel about each other. For example, if one character invades the other’s space, it can suggest dominance or confrontation, while distance can suggest discomfort or emotional separation. This makes the two shot a powerful tool for showing their dynamic rather than just telling it.

Additionally, the two shot helps the scene feel more natural and continuous. Instead of constantly cutting between characters, the audience is able to see both reactions at the same time, which keeps the interaction feeling fluid and realistic. This was especially important for maintaining the tension between Audrey and Mathias throughout the conversation.

Close ups:

Close-up shots were primarily used to focus on Audrey’s emotional responses during the conversation. These shots are extremely effective because they isolate her face and allow the audience to focus on subtle expressions, such as changes in her eyes, mouth, or overall facial tension.

Through these close-ups, we are able to highlight Audrey’s discomfort and vulnerability. Even though she may normally present herself as confident or composed, the close-up reveals moments where she is clearly affected by the interaction. This contrast is important because it adds depth to her character. Instead of being one-dimensional, she becomes more realistic, as the audience can see that she has emotional reactions that she tries to control or hide.

Close-ups also help the audience build a stronger connection with the character. By getting closer to her face, the viewer is placed in a more intimate perspective, almost as if they are experiencing the moment alongside her. This makes her reactions more impactful and helps guide the emotional tone of the scene.

Over-the-Shoulder Shots:

Over the shoulder shots were used to emphasize the conversation and highlight the perspective of each character. These shots place the camera behind one character, looking over their shoulder toward the other, which helps create a sense of spatial relationship and continuity in dialogue.

In our scene, these shots were especially effective in establishing Mathias as a more dominant presence. In some cases, we combined over the shoulder framing with a boom-style angle to make him appear taller and more imposing. This visual choice reinforces the power dynamic between the two characters, subtly suggesting that Mathias carries more physical or emotional authority in the interaction.

At the same time, over the shoulder shots help maintain the connection between the characters. By keeping both characters within the same visual space, the audience can clearly follow the back and forth nature of the dialogue. This ensures that the conversation feels natural while still highlighting the tension between them.

Arc Shots:

Arc shots were used to introduce movement into the scene and prevent it from feeling too static. By moving the camera in a curved path around the characters, we were able to reflect the dynamic and shifting nature of the conversation.

This type of movement is especially effective in dialogue scenes because it mirrors how conversations naturally evolve. Instead of staying in one fixed position, the camera subtly changes perspective, which keeps the audience visually engaged. It also helps emphasize key moments in the dialogue by drawing attention to different angles and expressions.

However, the arc shots also needed to be used carefully. If the movement is too noticeable or distracting, it can take attention away from the dialogue itself. For this reason, we made sure the camera movement felt smooth, rather than overly dramatic or artificial.

Goal:

One of our main goals was to avoid making the dialogue feel repetitive or boring. Since this scene represents the first interaction between Audrey and Mathias, it was important to keep the audience engaged while still allowing the tension to build naturally.

By combining different shot types, including two shots, close-ups, over the shoulder shots, and arc shots, we were able to create a visually dynamic scene. Each shot serves a specific purpose, whether it is showing emotional reactions, emphasizing power dynamics, or maintaining spatial awareness between the characters.

This variation also reflects the tone of the conversation itself. The changing camera angles mirror the unpredictability of the dialogue, helping reinforce the idea that this interaction is tense, slightly uncomfortable, and full of underlying conflict.

Production: Crash Scene

 As we move into the moment where Audrey and Mathias collide, we wanted this part of the sequence to feel as chaotic and unexpected as possible. The goal was for the audience to feel like the crash comes out of nowhere, almost like it’s something that wasn’t planned or anticipated at all. This moment is important because it acts as the first real interaction between the two characters, so the impact of the scene needed to feel strong.

Performance:

However, during filming, we ran into an issue with the actors’ performances. Since they knew the crash was coming, their reactions unintentionally felt a bit too prepared. Instead of feeling natural and spontaneous, it sometimes looked like they were anticipating the moment, which took away from the authenticity of the scene. To fix this, we gave them more specific direction, asking them to try to act as if they didn’t expect the collision at all. We emphasized that they should appear more clueless and unaware leading up to the moment, even though they knew it was going to happen. This helped make their reactions feel more realistic, even if it was a bit difficult to perform. 

Setting:

At the same time, we also started thinking about the environment of the scene and how it contributed to the overall feeling. Originally, we were filming in a park, but the park itself wasn’t very visible in the background of some shots. We realized that this limited the sense of setting and made the scene feel a bit more generic than we wanted. To improve this, we made the decision to adjust the camera angle so that the park would be clearly visible in the background. This change helped ground the scene in a specific location and added more character to the environment, making the moment feel more connected to the world of the story.

Camera Movement:

We also experimented with different camera techniques to try and enhance the feeling of chaos during the collision. At first, we tested ideas like push ins, push outs, and more controlled camera movements during the moment of impact. The idea was that adding cinematic motion could make the crash feel more dramatic. However, when we reviewed the footage, these techniques actually made the scene feel a bit awkward and staged rather than chaotic. The added movement drew attention to the camera instead of the action itself, which worked against the effect we were trying to create.

Because of that, we ultimately decided to keep the camera movement more natural and less controlled during the crash. By allowing the moment to feel a bit more raw and unpolished, it better captured the unpredictability we were aiming for. The slight randomness in movement actually helped enhance the feeling that this collision was unexpected and not overly choreographed.

Production: Running Clips

 As we transition into the park, the film shifts into a more open and dynamic setting, where Audrey begins her jog. This sequence is especially important because it not only continues to develop Audrey’s character, but also introduces Mathias for the first time. Because of this, we wanted to approach this scene carefully, making sure it felt visually engaging while still staying cinematic and intentional.

Floor Angle Issue:

One of the main visual ideas we explored was how to introduce Audrey through movement. We experimented with a ground-level shot that focuses on her feet as she runs, with her shoes gradually coming into focus as the camera tracks her. The idea behind this shot was to create a strong, cinematic opening that immediately puts the audience into the motion of the scene. It was also meant to feel immersive, almost like the audience is being pulled into her routine as she moves forward.

However, during filming, we ran into a technical issue where the focus wasn’t working properly when trying to capture her shoes. After testing and adjusting, we realized that the curve of the sidewalk was affecting the camera’s ability to maintain focus. The slight change in angle and distance made it difficult for the camera to lock in. To solve this, we repositioned the shot and had her run along a straight path instead. This small adjustment made a big difference, allowing the shot to achieve the clean focus we originally intended and making the moment feel much more polished and intentional.

Audrey Behavior Issue:

We also had to reconsider Audrey’s behavior during the run. Initially, we had her running with a serious and determined expression, fully focused on her surroundings and her jog. While this version made her seem disciplined and focused, we realized it created a problem in terms of the upcoming interaction with Mathias. If she was that aware and in control of her surroundings, it wouldn’t make sense for her to accidentally run into him.

Because of that, we adjusted her behavior to make her slightly more distracted. By having her use her phone while jogging, such as listening to music, we were able to make her feel more realistic and grounded. This decision is important because it reminds the audience that she is still a teenager, and not a perfectly controlled or idealized character. It also helps make the upcoming interaction feel more natural and believable, rather than something that feels staged or forced.

Technological Aspects:

We focused on how to present both Audrey and Mathias in a way that establishes their relationship visually. For Audrey, we used a shot where the camera remains stationary as she enters the frame, and then tracks her movement as she continues running. For Mathias, we used a slightly different approach, where the camera follows him as he runs and then allows him to exit the frame. These choices were intentional, as they help visually communicate that the two characters are approaching from different directions.

At the same time, even though their movements are opposite, the way the shots are constructed creates a sense of connection between them. This contrast highlights both their differences and their similarities, suggesting that while they are separate individuals, they are still on a similar path. It also helps build anticipation for their eventual interaction, subtly setting up their dynamic before they even meet.

Production: Scene 3 (Walking + Salad + Shoes)

 As we begin to reach the end of our home sequence, which serves as an introduction to Audrey’s character and the environment she exists in, we can start to see how each moment builds toward a clearer understanding of who she is. Throughout this section of the film, we focused on establishing her personality, her routines, and the way she moves through her daily life.

Walking Down the Stairs:

In the development of the walking sequence, one of the main creative decisions we had to make involved how the camera would interact with Audrey as she moved through the space. Specifically, we debated whether to keep the camera stationary or to follow her movement. This decision was important because it directly impacted how the audience would perceive her presence and how the scene would feel overall.

Before settling on a final approach, we conducted multiple trials to compare both options. We recorded several test clips in which we experimented with keeping the camera still while Audrey walked through the frame, as well as versions where the camera followed her movement. These tests allowed us to carefully evaluate which technique best supported the tone and visual style we were aiming for. I can include these video examples to show the differences between the two approaches and how they influenced our decision making process.

In addition to testing different camera movements, we also took the opportunity to evaluate the setting itself. Before filming, I acted as a stand in for Audrey, and we recorded footage of me walking down the stairs to determine whether we even wanted to include stair movement in the final sequence. This step was important because it allowed us to assess how the environment would look and feel on camera before committing to it with our actress, Nadia. By testing the scene in this way, we were able to make more informed decisions about framing, pacing, and overall composition.

Ultimately, after reviewing all of our test footage, we decided to go with the option where the camera follows Audrey as she walks. This choice felt more aligned with the conventions of a romantic comedy, where following the main character helps establish a sense of connection and familiarity with the audience. By tracking her movement, we are able to guide the viewer’s attention and reinforce the idea that she is the central focus of the story.

At the same time, this decision also helped maintain the visual idea that Audrey remains faceless during this part of the sequence. By carefully controlling the framing and camera angle, we were able to follow her movement without revealing her identity too early. This was important for preserving the structure of the narrative, as her face is meant to be revealed later in the opening.

Kitchen:

As we move into the kitchen segment, the focus of the sequence shifts toward showing Audrey in a more active and purposeful environment. This part of the scene is especially important because it visually reinforces the ideas that have been established throughout the home sequence. In the kitchen, we captured a series of close up shots from multiple angles as Audrey prepares her salad, cutting ingredients such as lettuce, tomato, and cucumber. These shots were intentionally framed to highlight the precision and care she puts into even the smallest actions.

The use of close ups allows the audience to focus on the details of the process, rather than just the outcome. Each cut, slice, and movement contributes to the overall idea that Audrey is attentive and disciplined. This directly reflects her character, as it shows that she is someone who takes responsibility for her health and well being. The act of preparing a salad is not random, but instead a deliberate choice that demonstrates her commitment to maintaining balance and structure in her life. Through these visual choices, the audience can understand that she is someone who values herself and actively makes decisions that support her growth and development.

Another important aspect of this segment is the variety of camera angles that we used. We intentionally avoided keeping the visuals repetitive or static, as that could make the scene feel less engaging for the audience. Instead, we incorporated different perspectives, including shifts from left to right, over the shoulder angles, and a range of close up compositions. These choices helped create visual interest while still maintaining a sense of continuity throughout the scene. By changing the angles, we were able to keep the sequence dynamic and engaging, while still focusing on the same core action.

One of the most significant creative decisions in this segment was the use of a boom shot to introduce Audrey’s face. Throughout the earlier parts of the home sequence, she remains a faceless character, which builds a sense of mystery and allows the audience to focus more on her actions rather than her identity. By the time we reach the kitchen, this choice becomes especially meaningful.

The reveal of her face comes at the moment when she completes the act of preparing her salad. This timing is intentional, as it visually connects her identity with the qualities that have been established throughout the sequence. After completing her salad, the sequence transitions into a quieter moment that continues to reveal Audrey’s personality in a more subtle way. In this moment, she takes out her phone and begins to read articles while she eats. This detail may seem small, but it adds an important layer to her character by showing that she is not solely defined by discipline and structure.

While Audrey is clearly someone who prioritizes her health and maintains a high level of self control, this moment shows that she also has a relaxed and more casual side to her routine. By incorporating her phone use into the scene, we are able to reflect a more realistic portrayal of a teenage girl. 

Shoes:

As we move into the final segment before Audrey leaves her house for her jog, the focus shifts to one of the last key moments in establishing her routine, which is her putting on her athletic shoes. This moment may seem simple on the surface, but it plays an important role in showing how she transitions from being inside her home to stepping into an active, goal oriented mindset.

For this scene, we experimented with two different approaches to how Audrey would put on her shoes. In one version, the action was more rough and abrupt, with quicker and less controlled movements. In the other version, the motion was more careful and deliberate, with a smoother and more natural feel. After comparing both options, we ultimately decided to use the version where she puts her shoes on in a more controlled and gentle way.

This choice was important because it reflects an additional layer of her personality. While she is clearly disciplined and committed to her goals, this moment shows that she also carries a sense of delicacy and composure in how she carries herself. The way she handles something as simple as putting on her shoes suggests that she is mindful and intentional in her actions, rather than rushed or careless.

Production: Script Changes

 From the previous blog post, critiques, and feedback we received, we decided to revisit and refine Audrey’s voiceover. One of the main concerns we identified was that the original narration contained too much dialogue. While it was detailed, it had the potential to make Audrey come across as slightly overwhelming or even annoying to the audience, which was not the effect we intended. Our goal for her character is for her to feel relatable, likable, and memorable in a way that could make her a fan favorite, rather than someone who feels like she is constantly explaining herself.

Because of this, we made the decision to significantly shorten and simplify her voiceover. The new version still communicates the essential aspects of her character, but it does so in a much more concise and natural way. Rather than having long, detailed explanations, the updated voiceover focuses on key points that define her personality and daily routine. For example, it still highlights how she prioritizes important parts of her life, such as taking naps to stay rested, attending school, and going on runs to maintain her discipline and health. It also briefly acknowledges the pressure she feels from senior year, which helps ground her character in a realistic and relatable experience.

Even though the voiceover is now shorter, it still captures the core idea of who Audrey is. The goal was never to remove depth, but instead to present that depth in a more subtle and effective way. By reducing the amount of dialogue, we allow the visuals to carry more of the storytelling, which creates a better balance between what the audience hears and what they see on screen.

This change also helps reinforce that Audrey is a teenage girl with a relatively normal life, rather than someone whose life feels overly dramatized or exaggerated. Keeping her voiceover simple makes her feel more authentic and approachable. Instead of sounding overly scripted or overly polished, her narration feels more natural, as if she is simply sharing her thoughts rather than delivering a formal explanation.

Overall, this revision was an important step in improving how Audrey is presented to the audience. By shortening the voiceover and focusing on the most meaningful details, we were able to maintain the core elements of her character while also making her more engaging and easier to connect with. This adjustment reflects our broader goal of creating a character who feels real, balanced, and genuinely likable throughout the film.