Emily settled back on the couch, holding her glass of wine, her eyes shining as she talked about the new project. "So, the idea behind this movie is a romantic comedy. Something light, you know? But full of funny and romantic moments. It's going to be fun."
Matthew, who had been relaxed until then, stood up intrigued, which made her raise her eyebrows in surprise. He stared at her for a moment, serious, as if processing something important.
"What's wrong?" Emily asked, smiling and clearly amused by his unexpected reaction.
He crossed his arms and tilted his head, narrowing his eyes with an almost challenging expression. "This movie... is it going to have kissing and... bed scenes?"
Emily couldn't help but laugh, the light and relaxed sound filling the room. "Oh, so that's it?" She laughed more, touching his arm to reassure him. "Matthew, I'm going to use a stunt double for the intimate scenes. I've never done this kind of scene before, and to be honest, I don't want to, especially with a jealous boyfriend." She looked at him with a mischievous smile, waiting for him to relax.
He arched an eyebrow and gave a slight smile. "Jealous boyfriend, huh? I guess that's a compliment to me," he joked, leaning in to kiss her quickly.
"Of course it is," Emily replied, an amused glint in her eyes. "And of course you know I respect our relationship a lot. This movie is a romantic comedy, not an intense drama. It's about showing love in a light and sweet way. But the more... 'steamy' scenes? That's between us."
Matthew smiled, satisfied with her answer, and sat down next to her again, more relaxed. "Well, I feel more at ease knowing that. And besides, you're going to be amazing in the role. I'm sure the audience will love seeing this funnier side of you."
Emily put down her glass and snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Thank you for being so supportive, Matthew. I feel like, with you by my side, I can explore new possibilities without fear."
He wrapped his arm around her and kissed the top of her head. "Always, Emily. I'll be by your side in whatever you want to do. After all, I'm with the most talented and incredible woman I've ever met."
And there, in the comfort of the apartment and the lightness of the conversation, they both realized how much that mutual support strengthened them, giving them the security and confidence to be themselves, together.
Emily arrived at the director's office with a mix of excitement and curiosity. She knew that a script revision could redefine important details about her character and the dynamics of the film, especially in a romantic comedy, where timing and chemistry between the characters were crucial. Upon entering, the director, Roberto, greeted her with a warm smile, inviting her to sit down while he flipped through a few pages of the script, already marked with notes.
"Well, Emily, the script has had some updates," he began, handing her a revised copy. "I'm trying to improve the relationship between the leads to something more authentic, that is fun, but at the same time allows the audience to feel the genuine connection between them."
Emily began reading the first few pages, analyzing the new draft.
Title: Between Laughs and Sighs
Main characters:
Ana (played by Emily) - a young and determined architect with a sarcastic and authentic humor, someone who doesn't mince words and has a slight aversion to romantic clichés.
Leo - a charismatic and somewhat disorganized photographer who has a natural talent for seeing the bright and beautiful side of life, even in difficult times.
The opening scene is a disastrous meeting between Ana and Leo at an art gallery. Ana is there to accompany a friend, while Leo has been hired to photograph the event. They bump into each other, resulting in a glass of wine spilled on Leo's shirt. He tries to joke about the situation, but Ana responds sarcastically, insinuating that he should learn to pay more attention. This first exchange establishes the dynamic between the two, with Ana being more rational and skeptical, while Leo is laid-back and optimistic.
As the story progresses, Ana and Leo are eventually forced to collaborate on a project, the renovation of a historic square in the city, after a series of funny coincidences that bring them together again and again.
Ana and Léo have an intense discussion about the project. He advocates a more creative and spontaneous approach to the square, while she insists on maintaining the planning and structure, creating a scene full of irony and quick exchanges of arguments that ends with both of them laughing at their own stubbornness.
There is a scene in which, while discussing the project, a mutual friend jokes with them, insinuating that the two look like a couple in a romantic movie. This leads to an awkward situation, in which they end up rehearsing a kiss just to see what it would be like, but end up laughing before the kiss happens, creating a light and comical tension.
Later, the script features a moment in which Ana and Léo share personal stories during a night in a park, sitting on a swing. It is a calm scene, in which both reveal vulnerable aspects of their lives: Ana, about her frustrations with work and her fear of taking risks in love; Léo, about how photography is the way he found to escape his own fears and express emotions.
The climax of the film occurs when the square project is about to be completed. Ana and Léo have an intense fight after a misunderstanding about Léo's future plans, which include a possible long trip to an exhibition abroad. Ana feels that he is running away from her, while he tries to argue that, even with the distance, his feelings for her would not change. The fight ends with Léo leaving in frustration, leaving Ana alone, reflecting on her own feelings.
In the end, Ana, after a conversation with her friend, realizes that she is afraid to give up control and risk the feelings that Léo awakens in her. She decides to go after him, interrupting his exhibition at the last minute to make a comical but sincere statement, saying that he cannot run away from her like that. They exchange a genuine kiss in the middle of the crowd, with everyone applauding and laughing, while the final scene shows them both holding hands, planning new adventures together.
Emily closed the script, smiling as she imagined the scenes. She knew Ana would be a challenging character, especially with the subtle humor and the scenes where she would have to show a more vulnerable side. The director watched her closely, trying to capture her reaction.
"So, what did you think?" Roberto asked, with a hopeful look.
Emily smiled. "I loved it! Ana is complex, funny, but has a genuine heart. I think the audience will identify with her, especially with this reluctance to open herself up to love." She paused and laughed. "And I loved the kiss rehearsal. I think the tension will be incredible!"
Roberto nodded, satisfied. "Great! I want you and the actor who will play Leo to have rehearsals together to build that chemistry. And of course, don't worry – any more romantic scenes will be very respectful and fun."
With that, Emily said goodbye, excited about the challenge.