Let's Make A Rom-Com, Episode 1: What’s Love Got to Do With It? (feat. Billy Mernit + Addison Duffy)
Feb 13, 2023
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Billy Mernit, author of 'Writing the Romantic Comedy', shares the rom-com formula. Addison Duffy from United Talent Agency discusses popular rom-coms. The hosts pitch rom-com concepts including Santa, spies, and superspreaders.
The team explores various rom-com concepts but ultimately settles on a fresh idea of a woman navigating her insecurities in the shadow of a famous ex.
The podcast discusses the key beats and formula of a romantic comedy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and belief in the chosen concept.
Deep dives
Summary Paragraph 1
Catalina, a likable young woman, always ends up dating loser guys. Things start to change when she meets Greg, a funny and handsome grocery store owner in Chicago. However, there's one problem: Greg's most recent ex is actress and philanthropist Selma Hayek. Catalina's insecurity about living up to Selma Hayek's comparison leads to self-sabotage, jeopardizing their relationship.
Summary Paragraph 2
In their search for the perfect rom-com idea, the team explores various concepts, including a romcom set during the pandemic, an old romance rekindled, and a clumsy woman's journey in finding love. While these ideas are amusing, they don't feel authentic or fresh. They continue to brainstorm and pitch ideas until they settle on the concept of a woman named Catalina who struggles with comparing herself to Greg's famous ex Selma Hayek.
Summary Paragraph 3
Throughout the podcast, the team discusses the key beats and formula of a romantic comedy, including the setup, the meet-cute, turning points, a midpoint hook, a swivel, a dark moment or crisis, the climax, and the resolution. They also receive advice from Hollywood agent Addison Duffy, who emphasizes the importance of writing from a place of authenticity and believing in the chosen concept. With the idea of Catalina navigating her insecurities in the shadow of Selma Hayek, the team feels they have found an idea that combines humor, relatability, and the potential for a fresh take on the genre.
Maddy, Mark, and Ryan get ready to fall in love with a whole new genre. They speak to Billy Mernit, Hollywood story analyst and author of “Writing the Romantic Comedy”, to learn the rom-com’s tried-and-true formula. They also consult United Talent Agency’s Addison Duffy to discover what kinds of rom-coms audiences and agents are loving. (Santa? Spies? Superspreaders?) With insights into both profits and passion, the writers pitch each other on rom-com concepts.
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