Draft:The Truth in Advertising

The Truth in Advertising is a 2023 romantic comedy film.

Plot
In New York City, actor Jason Lin is caught in a creative rut, struggling with writer's block while yearning to break away from stereotypical roles. He has an upcoming audition for a dating app ad, but is without a partner as he’s recently split with his on-again, off-again influencer girlfriend Chloe Wang. As fate would have it, Jason bumps into Nora Dawson, an aspiring architect, and coffee is spilled all over his cherished Jeremy Lin jersey. Feeling responsible, Nora offers to partner with him for the audition.

At the audition, Nora and Jason pretend to be a real couple and recount their recent “meet cute”. Their natural chemistry causes the director to cast them in the campaign. Nora, in a relationship with “finance bro” Kip Lagat, conceals the nature of the ad from him. On set, Nora and Jason’s connection deepens and their on-screen chemistry is undeniable. After the shoot, Jason assures Nora that the ads will likely have little impact. They exchange numbers before parting ways.

The ads unexpectedly go viral, straining Nora and Jason's respective relationships. Jason, who has reconciled with Chloe, agrees to attend couples therapy, but the session backfires. Meanwhile, Jason's agent, Deanna, informs him that the director wants them for two additional spots. Jason shares this with Nora, who suggests they first address the situation with their partners. An awkward double date with Kip and Chloe ensues, filled with tension. Despite initial reluctance, Kip and Chloe eventually acquiesce to Nora and Jason’s participation in more commercials.

Nora takes Jason to Grand Central Terminal and they share a romantic moment on the top of the staircase but Nora feels conflicted and quickly departs. Nora and Jason grow closer, which leads to Jason’s breakup with Chloe. They shoot the next ad campaign, full of homages to classic rom-coms like Sleepless in Seattle, Singin’ in the Rain, Say Anything..., and Roman Holiday. Nora struggles with her feelings, attempting to set Jason up with a friend, which only amplifies her jealousy.

Tensions escalate when they’re offered an exclusive two-year contract, leading to a confrontation about their feelings and future together. Jason confesses his love to Nora during a shoot that recreates the cards at the doorstep scene from Love Actually, which results in Nora’s breakup with Kip. She starts a new job at an architecture firm, while Jason moves in with his parents and starts to write a script inspired by his experiences. Nora and Jason have a chance encounter at Grand Central and finally kiss.

In a meta framing device throughout the film, Jason pitches his rom-com script, “The Truth in Advertising”, to executives George and Allison at their production company, Anna Morphic Pictures. During the pitch, George's feelings about his recent divorce surface and he fires an employee. Allison's input improves the script, helping it pass the Bechdel test. Ultimately, Jason's charm wins George over.

Months later, Jason films the Grand Central kiss with an actress playing Nora. It’s revealed that Anna Morphic is producing “The Truth in Advertising” on the same LED stage where the ads were filmed. George and Allison, now together, implore Jason to change the title of the film and Nora tells Jason she’s proud of him before leaving to go to work. Jason is left alone on set, getting ready for his closeup.