Finding and choosing the perfect soundtrack for a film isn't just about filling the silence; it is the emotional energy that bridges the gap between the screen and the audience's expectations. For my two-minute romantic comedy film opening, the music functions as the essential introduction to Asher and Sophia, changing what would otherwise be an awkward, empty split-screen of their morning routines into a vibrant, rhythmic peek into their lives. Since the story is set in the present day, I prioritized a contemporary sound that anchors the characters in a modern world while setting the cheerful, playful tone necessary for a rom-com. While the music is the main focus during the introduction, it subtly transitions into the second scene—changing to a lower volume to allow for the "real-world" diegetic sounds to shine—ensuring the score supports the story without overshadowing the personal, lived-in atmosphere of their environment.
I relied heavily on Epidemic Sound to find the perfect soundtrack. I had never used Epidemic Sound before, but after doing some digging, I realized that it was the best place to find high-quality, copyright-free tracks. In order to find the perfect music for this film, I searched up "romantic-comedy" and "modern-day" in hopes of coming across something that matched my vision, and the results definitely were worth it. While I found a few great options, two particular songs stood out as the perfect fit for Asher's and Sophia's world as well as their meet-cute. Here are the tracks that I found during my search:
Better Than I've Ever Been (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber
When I first heard this song, I thought that it would be a perfect fit for the split screen scene. It has a bright, organic energy that perfectly nails the classic, feel-good rom-com vibe. Since Asher and Sophia are in a split-screen doing their morning routines, the track's steady, walking-pace rhythm acts like a heartbeat for the scene, turning boring tasks like brushing teeth or picking out an outfit into something that feels cinematic and choreographed. Without any dialogue to depend on, this song would do all of the heavy lifting by introducing their world as modern and vibrant, saving the audience from a "dry" or awkward silence. Its lighthearted beat generates a playful connection between the two characters before they even meet, keeping the energy high while still saving enough space for the real-life diegetic sounds to pop through.
Link to Audio File:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/bc74a494-df2d-4085-b1a8-17862575f6ae/
Boy Tears (Instrumental Version) - Zorro
This song has a characterful, playful energy that fits the romantic comedy genre and could make my film opening feel more stylish, modern, and a little different from a more typical upbeat song. The steady pace also helps support my editing, particularly during the split-screen morning routine, because it can keep the scene feeling engaging and lively. However, a possible disadvantage is that the song feels a little more offbeat and whimsical than romantic or soft, so it might not generate that sweet "meet-cute" feeling I want if I am trying to highlight romance as much as comedy. All in all, I think it is a strong choice if I want my film opening to feel silly, youthful, and partially unconventional, but it might not be the best option if I want the tone to automatically feel more warm and romantic from the beginning.
Link to Audio File:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/27904096-2a91-4219-8685-881a199bffb8/
How 'bout Forever (Instrumental Version) - Vicki Vox
Utilizing this song in my film could be a good choice because it would help generate a polished and emotionally resonant atmosphere, making the opening feel more film-like and intentional instead of just a sequence of clips put together. I think a positive attribute of this song is that it could help connect the different shots smoothly, especially if I want the audience to focus on the overall vibe of the opening and the possible connection between the two characters. It could also make my film seem more developed and aesthetically pleasing. On the other hand, a negative is that if the music is too soft or mellow, it might lessen the contrast and humor' in my characters' different morning routines, which is a crucial part of my opening. I also have to consider whether it matches the pacing of my editing, because if my cuts are faster and more energetic, a gentle song might make the scene feel less appealing.
Link to Audio File:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/0de1a28a-aaff-455f-baf2-49c2fe77e0a7/
Give A Little (Instrumental Version) - Loving Caliber
After hearing this song, I thought that it would be a great fit for the scene where my two characters first meet at Target because it could help shape the moment as inviting, light, and enjoyable for the audience, making their unintentional interaction feel like the start of a new chapter. I think this song would support the scene well by giving it a sense of momentum and helping the characters' encounter feel more natural and visually connected, especially since I am cutting between close-ups, reaction shots, and the shared moment over the Lego set. Because there are no lyrics, the audience's focus would stay on the expressions and subtle details between the characters, which is vital in a first interaction scene. I also think it would help the scene feel more intentional and polished, which is important for establishing the opening as part of a romantic comedy.
Link to Audio File:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/73889cb6-89e2-3e5e-a93d-664b3debbde9/
If This Is What Love Is (Instrumental Version) - Particle House
Using this song for the Target scene could be a strong option because it could help make the unexpected meeting between my two characters feel meaningful, natural, and memorable without making it seem too forced or obvious. Since the two characters do not know each other and interact by chance, I think a song like this could support that feeling by making the moment seem genuine and subtle, as if something important is starting without either character realizing it yet. A positive is that this song could add warmth and emotional depth to the scene, helping the audience understand that this accidental encounter matters. However, a negative is that if the song feels too sentimental too early, it might suggest a stronger romantic significance than the characters themselves would realistically feel in that situation.
Link to Audio File:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/music/tracks/36d76cb8-0702-4028-a0f4-154b9879798e/
Reflection:
After listening to countless soundtracks to find the perfect song for my film, I have finally narrowed it down to the two songs that will establish my opening: I've chosen the instrumental version of "Better Than I've Ever Been" by Loving Caliber for the split-screen morning routines of my characters as well as the instrumental version of "Give A Little" (also by Loving Caliber) for the crucial Target meet-cute. I ultimately selected these songs because they achieve the perfect balance between romantic warmth and modern energy; "Better Than I've Ever Been" provides a steady, rhythmic "heartbeat" that is needed to merge the two morning routines, while "Give A Little" offers a softer, more natural feel that makes the accidental encounter at Target feel authentic rather than forced. Both songs elevate the film from a simple sequence of clips into a cohesive, cinematic experience that captures the "light and airy" essence of a present-day rom-com. My next step is to utilize Premiere Pro so that I can edit my clips together as well as add in my music and diegetic sounds. All in all, I am so excited to see how the music enhances the final vision!
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