the agency

Logline

Rachel's latest date takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with an agency, devoted to rescuing fellow women from bad dates.

Synopsis & Details 

Rachel's latest disastrous date becomes the catalyst for her unexpected plunge into the covert world of "The Agency," a clandestine group led by women rescuing women from bad dates. As Rachel is confronted with evidence of her dating missteps, she considers a journey of self-discovery and relationship and life reassessment.

Semi-inspired by real-life experiences (truly, who has not been on a weird date), this story holds perpetual relevance. Currently in soft pre-production with a weekend shoot planned for April 2024, casting is underway as well as location scouting for the perfect bar. We are beyond excited to bring this story to life and to screens across the world (✨manifesting✨).

This short relies on community support to materialize, THAT’S YOU! The small budget is stretched to its limits thanks to the team's connections within the New Mexico film industry. The logistical challenge of shooting in a single day (and a single shot) adds a layer of complexity, but the teams approach, involving online rehearsals and a full day of pre-filming rehearsals, promises a unique and uniquely uncomfortable cinematic experience.

The goal: a festival run, followed by a Vimeo release, making the story accessible to all.

Director Creative Statement by Ariel Lopez

As the creative mind behind 'The Agency,' I found inspiration in a terrible screenplay short that I wrote in college (inspired by the terrible tv series ‘Cheaters’). This version is more Are We Dating the Same Guy? Eventually the story shifted from less to catching someone cheating into the occasional desire to simply escape dates that were not going well (that Olive Garden window was too high and I should not have gone on that date, truly a lesson learned). As I navigated (navigate?) the maze of modern dating, the script became a bit of a canvas for my own adventures and… misadventures too. Those around me made me aware of how amusing and entertaining the stories were. There may or may not be at least three real-life incidents that found their way into the script. In this story, both Rachel and the agents are infused with the reality of me and my friends during that part of our lives, offering a heartfelt exploration of dating absurdities. It is not my story to tell, but I will never not laugh the lore of “Door Guy”. When we are fully funded, I promise I'll tell the story of "Door Guy". My hope is that ‘The Agency' doesn't dwell on bad dates; it peels back the layers of discomfort women often endure, contrasting these experiences in a world where, for too long, our role was to make others comfortable at our own expense (that bad date didn't make the cut, but I still cringe). Beyond the comedic misadventures, the heart of the story lies in celebrating the transformative power of female friendships and having each others' backs. I will never not be absolutely amazed and stunned beyond words that I have the ability to take a random idea in my head, write it down, somehow bring it to life, then share it with the world. I can't imagine doing anything else with my life, from the first moment I stepped behind the monitor on 'Solstice' I knew I had found my purpose in life.

Characters

Rachel, a smart professional in her thirties, easily navigates her work but dating... not so much. Despite outward confidence, she battles a love obsession, transforming from seeking external validation to prioritizing self-love and herself. Her journey is mirrored in a stylish appearance, culminating in newfound self-awareness and elevated standards in love and life.

Her Date, a charismatic entrepreneur, possesses an enduring charm from his prior life as a former boy-bander. His suave exterior conceals subtle insecurities, surfacing during attempts to impress and occasional awkwardness on the date with Rachel.

The women of 'The Agency', form a diverse and dynamic team dedicated to rescuing women from disastrous dates. United by their commitment to female camaraderie and empowerment, each agent brings a unique skill set to the operation. They help Rachel navigate the complexities of dating with humor and solidarity, while embodying the strength of friendship and resilience, creating a tight-knit sisterhood that propels the narrative forward.

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