Rom-Com Script Writing Research

 Hi, so I thought that the best way to continue my research is by researching scripts, and the most important parts of them. I started off by looking through a website that described the 5 step recipe for writing a rom-com. 

One aspect the website mentioned from the get-go was chemistry. I agree that this is something I have to strive to recreate within my film opening, because if the audience can not tell that the two characters are love interests, then it won't be a rom-com. I wanted to take my research further by seeing an example of the chemistry captured on camera. So, I have decided to look back at the film, The Wedding Planner. When Steve saves Mary from the trashcan, he is shown falling on top of her. The shot of them on the floor together establishes intimacy as well as chemistry. The close-up shots of their faces staring at one another also show the audience that there is a spark between the characters. The audience can clearly tell that they find each other attractive. This unspoken chemistry is something I would like to incorporate in the scene where my two stars meet. However, my goal is to make it subtle, so to not make it seem too cliche or corny. I want the film opening to be realistic in a way, so avoiding the over-the-top love at first sight is something I want to do.

This is a clip of when Steve saved Mary and they met for the first time. I found this clip on YouTube.

In addition, my group members and I are looking to establish a sort of opposites attract within our film opening. We were thinking of using mise-en-scene elements such as clothing to establish the female lead as up-tight and reclusive, while the male lead would be established as reckless and unapproachable. We hope these contrasting elements will make it obvious to the audience that the trope for our specific film is enemies to lovers in a way. On the chemistry matter, we would still like to have their first interaction to establish that they find each other attractive, but not necessarily like each other yet. One prime example of our take on the initial chemistry is the film The Ugly Truth. When the two characters meet, the male lead, Mike, makes it apparent from the start that he finds Abby attractive. This was done through his blatant facial expressions of interest. However, the dialogue between the characters makes it obvious to the audience that the two do not get along. This is similar to the approach we would like to make within our script. Establishing interest through eye contact and small glances, but using dialogue to create a conflict between them. I believe this is the best approach given that our actors are not professionals and so, pretending to be in love at first glance might be too difficult for them.

This is a clip of the two characters arguing, but it is clear that Mike is interested in Abby. I found it on YouTube.