THAT LOVE IN MY HEAD

THAT LOVE IN MY HEAD
A Feature Film
Produced by: Anchor Media Studios
Directed by: Adam Okwudiafor Johnson
Producers: Jude Okwudiafor Johnson, Garfield Bryant, Angel Omoruan, Dee Johnson
Union: SAG Ultra Low Budget (ULB)
Location: San Jose, California
Shoot Window: Late Summer 2026
Shoot Length: 18–20 Days
Film Overview: A Story About Self-Discovery
Genre
Teen Romantic Drama
Coming-of-Age Romance
Light Psychological Fantasy / Magical Realism
Tone
Emotional, intimate, humorous, bittersweet, hopeful
Rating Target
PG / soft PG-13
No explicit language
No sexual content
Emotional themes appropriate for teens and families
Thematic Statement
"You gotta love yourself before anyone else can love you." — Aunty G
This line is the core thesis of the film, anchoring Serena's emotional journey and framing the story's exploration of identity, self-worth, and authentic love.
The Story: Where Inner Voice Meets Reality
Logline
A high-school girl's inner voice manifests as a boy who helps her navigate love—until she must let him go to discover that real love begins with herself.
Serena is a thoughtful but insecure high-school student struggling with self-worth, visibility, and the fear of rejection. After a strange spiritual ritual performed by her best friend Tanya's eccentric Aunt, Serena begins seeing Jalen—a charming, insightful boy who only she can see.
Jalen becomes Serena's emotional guide, helping her navigate school life, friendships, and her crush on Wynton, the school's star basketball player. But as Serena grows closer to Wynton, Jalen begins to fade—his presence tied directly to Serena's emotional dependence on him.
Meanwhile, Serena's world grows more complicated. Videos circulate of her talking to herself. Erica openly competes for Wynton's attention. Her parents quietly worry about her behavior. And Serena begins questioning whether what she feels is love—or fear of being alone.
When Serena finally realizes that Jalen represents her own inner voice—the part of herself she hasn't learned to trust—she must let him go. In losing him, she finds herself.
Meet the Characters: Hearts & Voices
SERENA (Lead)
Intelligent, introspective, emotionally guarded. Present in nearly every scene with an emotional arc from insecurity to self-acceptance.
Shoot Days: 17–18
JALEN (Lead)
Serena's inner voice personified. Charming, witty, protective, emotionally intuitive. Exists only as long as Serena avoids real vulnerability.
Shoot Days: 14–15
WYNTON (Supporting)
Talented basketball player. Genuine but emotionally unaware. Represents real-world love and connection.
Shoot Days: 8–9
TANYA (Supporting)
Outspoken, loyal, practical. Balances humor with concern for Serena.
Shoot Days: 6–7
AUNTY G (Supporting)
Spiritual, intuitive, morally ambiguous. Catalyst for the story. Delivers film's central message.
Shoot Days: 4–5
ERICA (Supporting)
Confident, competitive, socially dominant. Competes for Wynton's attention.
Shoot Days: 4–5
SERENA'S MOTHER (MARGO)
Concerned, emotionally reserved. Worries Serena is "not okay."
Shoot Days: 4
SERENA'S FATHER (CHUKA)
Warm, humorous, observant. Foreshadows Serena's journey through family lore.
Shoot Days: 3–4
Why This Film Works: Smart Production, Big Heart
Performance-Driven
The story lives in the emotional authenticity of its actors. No gimmicks, no expensive effects—just powerful, honest performances that resonate with audiences.
Limited Locations
Efficient shooting schedule utilizing San Jose area high schools, homes, and community spaces. Strategic location planning maximizes production value while minimizing costs.
Youth + Family Audience
Appeals to teens seeking authentic representation, parents looking for values-driven content, and educators exploring emotional wellness themes.
Festival-Friendly Theme
Mental health, self-worth, and coming-of-age narratives perform exceptionally well at youth film festivals and on streaming platforms.
Strong Female Lead
Serena's journey centers a complex, introspective young woman learning to trust herself—a perspective that resonates deeply with modern audiences.
Minimal VFX
Jalen appears as a real person, not a special effect. The "magic" is in the storytelling, not the CGI budget, keeping production lean and focused.
SAG ULB Advantage
Efficient SAG Ultra Low Budget production model allows access to professional talent while maintaining cost control through smart scheduling and streamlined operations.
Director's Vision: Emotional Honesty Over Spectacle
Adam Okwudiafor Johnson
Director
That Love in My Head is a deeply personal coming-of-age story about identity, self-worth, and emotional maturity. At its core, this film explores what happens when we look to others—or imagined versions of ourselves—for validation instead of learning to stand confidently in who we are.
The story uses a grounded, realistic high-school environment paired with a subtle, almost invisible fantasy element. Jalen is not meant to feel supernatural or "special effects–driven." He is meant to feel human—present, real, and emotionally intimate—so that when he disappears, the loss feels genuine.
Visual Approach
Natural light
Close, intimate framing
Handheld realism during emotional moments
Clean, youthful color palettes
The goal is emotional honesty, not spectacle.
Director's Statement
As a filmmaker, I'm drawn to stories that reflect the quiet inner battles young people face but rarely articulate. That Love in My Head speaks to the universal experience of hearing a voice inside—one that comforts us, challenges us, and sometimes protects us from facing hard truths.
Serena's journey mirrors the emotional crossroads many teenagers encounter: the desire to be loved, the fear of rejection, and the temptation to hide behind fantasy rather than face vulnerability. Jalen represents that inner voice we all have—the one that can either guide us toward growth or keep us trapped in emotional safety.
This film is about learning that the most important love story is the one we have with ourselves. Only after Serena learns to trust her own worth can she step into real connection. That message feels especially urgent in a generation shaped by social pressure, comparison, and identity confusion.
The Hook: A Story That Connects
A relatable, heartfelt story about self-love, identity, and first romance—told through a unique emotional lens.
"You gotta love yourself before anyone else can love you."
This isn't just a tagline—it's the beating heart of our story. In a world where teenagers face constant pressure to be seen, valued, and loved by others, That Love in My Head offers a powerful counter-narrative: the journey to self-acceptance is the most important love story of all.
Our film speaks to the universal teenage experience while offering something refreshingly different: a protagonist who must learn to let go of an idealized companion in order to discover her own strength. It's intimate, it's honest, and it's exactly what youth audiences are craving.
Story Overview: Where Fantasy Meets Growth
The Premise
A high-school girl's inner voice manifests as a boy who helps her navigate love—until she must let him go to discover that real love begins with herself.
Serena is stuck—not just in high school, but in her own mind. She's smart, observant, and funny, but she can't shake the feeling that she's invisible. When her best friend's eccentric aunt performs a spiritual ritual, something shifts. Suddenly, Jalen appears—a boy who understands her completely, who sees her when no one else does, who says all the right things at exactly the right time.
The Comfort Zone
With Jalen by her side, Serena gains confidence. She talks to Wynton, the boy she's had a crush on forever. She navigates social drama. She feels less alone. But there's a catch: Jalen is fading. The closer Serena gets to real connection, the more transparent he becomes.
The Breaking Point
Videos of Serena talking to "herself" go viral. Her parents worry. Wynton is confused. Erica, her rival, capitalizes on the chaos. And Serena must face an impossible truth: Jalen isn't real. He's her—the part of herself she's been too afraid to trust.
The Resolution: Serena says goodbye to Jalen—not because she doesn't need him, but because she's finally ready to become the person he always saw in her. In letting him go, she steps into her own power. And in that moment, she discovers what real love actually feels like: loving yourself enough to be vulnerable with others.
Why This Film Matters: Impact & Audience
Targets teen + young adult audiences
The 13-30 demographic is hungry for authentic coming-of-age stories that reflect their emotional reality. This film speaks directly to their experiences with identity, social pressure, and self-discovery.
Addresses mental health, self-worth, and emotional growth
Mental health representation in media has never been more important. Our film handles these themes with care, nuance, and hope—showing that struggling is part of growing, not something to hide.
Family-friendly (PG / soft PG-13)
No explicit content, no gratuitous language—just emotionally rich storytelling that parents can feel good about and teenagers can genuinely connect with. It's content that bridges generations.
Strong female lead
Serena is complex, flawed, and deeply relatable. She's not waiting to be rescued—she's learning to rescue herself. Her journey models empowerment through self-acceptance.
Festival-friendly themes
Youth film festivals, mental health advocacy events, and coming-of-age showcases actively seek stories like ours. The film's themes position it perfectly for festival circuit success.
Faith-adjacent values without preaching
The spiritual ritual element and core message about self-love resonate with faith-based audiences while remaining accessible to secular viewers. It's values-driven without being dogmatic.
Target Audience & Market Comparisons
Who Will Watch?
Teens (13–18)
Primary audience seeking authentic representation
Young Adults (18–30)
Nostalgic viewers who appreciate emotional depth
Families
Parents looking for meaningful content to share with their teens
Faith-Based Audiences
Values-driven viewers seeking uplifting stories
Streaming Subscribers
Platforms seeking youth-focused original content
Comparable Films
The market has proven that youth-focused romantic dramas with emotional authenticity perform exceptionally well on streaming platforms. Our film sits comfortably alongside:
The Half of It (Netflix)
Coming-of-age romance with unconventional narrative structure and deep emotional themes
Everything, Everything
Teen romance blending realism with fantastical elements, strong female protagonist
Love, Simon
Identity-focused teen romance emphasizing self-acceptance and authentic connection
Words on Bathroom Walls
Mental health representation in teen romance, blending internal struggle with external relationships
Market Proof
Youth romance + emotional authenticity performs strongly on streaming platforms. These comps demonstrate consistent audience engagement, critical acclaim, and commercial viability in our target market.
Production Plan & Distribution Strategy
Production Overview
01
18–20 Shooting Days
Efficient schedule maximizing actor availability and location access
02
San Jose, California
Local production hub with diverse locations and experienced crews
03
Limited Locations
Strategic use of high schools, homes, and community spaces
04
SAG ULB
Professional union talent within controlled budget parameters
05
Small Principal Cast
Focus on quality performances over quantity of roles
06
Performance-Driven
Story-first approach emphasizing character depth and emotional authenticity
The Team
Director
Adam Okwudiafor Johnson
Producers
Jude Okwudiafor Johnson
Garfield Bryant
Angel Omoruan
Dee Johnson
Production Company
Anchor Media Studios
Distribution Strategy: Multiple Pathways to Audience
Film Festivals
Youth & faith-adjacent festivals for critical recognition and audience building
Streaming Platforms
Netflix, Amazon Prime, Peacock, Tubi targeting youth demographics
Community Screenings
Educational institutions and church groups for grassroots engagement
International Markets
Universal themes ensure global appeal and distribution potential
"You gotta love yourself before anyone else can love you."
This is more than a film—it's a message that will resonate with audiences around the world. Join us in bringing Serena's journey to life.