OFF BOOK | Omeleto Romance

A small-town girl goes on a date with a big city guy.
OFF BOOK is used with permission from Mindy Fay Parks. Learn more at / mindyfayparks .
Natalie is a bright, smart small-town girl who just moved to the city, waiting in a hip coffee shop for a first date. When Steve enters, it's clear he's an in-the-know man of the city, as well as a cool and handsome actor, and Natalie quite can't believe her luck.
But Steve has brought to this first date a strange neurosis that seems at first silly and eccentric -- a literal script of how he thinks the date should go. At first Natalie tries to humor Steve, but his insistence on them following the script derails the date, exposing Steve as a bit of a lunatic and leaving Natalie in a bind as she tries to extract herself from the situation.
Written and produced by Mindy Fay Parks and Eric Feltes, and directed by Robert Bruce Carter, OFF BOOK is a nimble, quick-witted romantic comedy that casts a smart, ironic and knowing eye at the rituals of modern dating, as well as the insecurities and neuroses that underlie it.
Narratively compact, the story is essentially a long scene -- a first date that becomes anything but a "meet cute." The writing has an ear for the bright, cheerful yet slightly "presentational" dialogue that accompanies first dates, all fueled by the desire to make a great first impression. Natalie's hopeful optimism is echoed as well by the sunny, warm cinematography, which gives a lovely sheen to the setting and proceedings. When Steve enters the coffeehouse, our potential romance seems off to a promising start.
But just as the date gets underway -- and Steve presents not just Natalie but the servers with a script to follow -- Natalie realizes what was first a strange quirk is legitimately weird and not a little delusional.
What works is that Steve's behavior is outlandish and ridiculous, but actor Eric Felte plays it straight, as if insisting on following a script on a first date is absolutely normal. Actor Mindy Fay Parks also plays Natalie with a sense of emotional groundedness and sweetness, which function as a kind of stand-in for the audience.
The script that Steve presents is also slyly funny, poking fun at the various ways he hopes Natalie will massage his ego, and how the date offers him a chance to "show off." Nowhere in the script is an actual effort to get to know Natalie on her own terms, and the story and humor escalates as Steve increasingly leans on his script, doubling down on his rigidity when things don't seem to be going his way.
When Steve insists on Natalie playing a role that she doesn't fall into, she realizes there's no hope for Steve and must find a way to extract herself as gracefully as possible out of this very bad, no-good, terrible first date -- though she also finds a note of hope at its end.
OFF BOOK is an elaborate and unique take on the bad first date. But with its central riff on "following the script" and being forced to "play a role," it's actually based on the emotional truth that too often we're following a script in our minds of what love, romance or relationships should look like, instead of focusing on figuring out if there's a chance for authentic chemistry and connection.
It may be easier to follow societal ritual and unspoken rules when it comes to romance and love -- and it certainly can allay the anxiety of dating -- in the end we all have to be ourselves. For the right person, your authentic self should be enough... though clearly it takes a few wrong dates to find them.

[@carmensaify]

This was clever- I do feel like people say a lot of things based on their own script not genuine concern or interaction- this def called that out.

[@ReggieTime]

To carmensaify: ive experienced what you describe. In 2001, l decided ld date as much as possible for 1 year. From the internet. In 2001, it was alot less freaky, but elders still warned us. I met dozens of dates, & oftentimes we would be 2 or 3 sentences each into a great topic . . When suddenly the date would either blurt out an unrelated comment or question.....which meant the previous mini-connection was faked.......hated it. Id let it slide, once....then sometimes it grew to a pattern.....& that would end it for me....l was sad......l met all nice men that year, none were dangerous or nuts.....just didnt end up in a love thing!

[@ReggieTime]

Maybe we all have out pointed re-runs?

[@d.celestio1574]

ur script is who u r; unless someone else has written it for u

[@Timely7]

def see that

[@farihazultana]

Same!

[@marvelfan2396]

The waiter was initially reading from a script, too. And later the mother did the same. I think this illustrates that everyone in life is just playing the role. Your life, in general, is a movie, and people in it play their part but as soon as you meet that person who has the potential to understand you, like really feel what you want, they throw their script into the trashcan and start interacting with you unconventionally, giving those butterflies in your tummy.

[@diz7113]

🤣🤣😂🤣 no

[@srgkzy1294]

Oh no !! It was all planned to make the barista look good! Its the meta-script

[@Gigatless]

It was meant to mock all those bad script writers that lack originality and social awareness.

[@Borvo1]

@Adalberto Rojas Well, the barista did look good!

[@happyllama4529]

I was waiting the same thing for the ending

[@devchahal4917]

@@happyllama4529 me too i thought at end when he said how was it the barista would be sitting next to him

[@weepingwillow-ud6xl]

@@Gigatless The mockery without originality that makes sense, I think the girl would have been far better off with the token blackman, he was a far more pleasant first date. 'Mr. Catitude' was acting with disdain, but then proved he was little more than an idiot.

[@v.4033]

I think what it's trying to show is that good things often come to us unexpectedly or "off-script", so we should be open to opportunity

[@PantheraAlbus]

I am pretty sure the script is about what society dictates. Expectations on women, masculinity, motherhood, etc.

[@v.4033]

@@PantheraAlbus Yes, actually, I think it might have had a two-sided message that way

[@19inkorrect91]

I appreciate that.

[@billurooh1949]

Off course

[@sunnythakur-ed8he]

Its trying to say people usually aren't natural they do it as scripts

[@ironox5885]

I think the script thing is suppose to show how some people "act" as a character when they start relationships, that they are afraid to show their true selves. And if they continue with that mindset, the relationships they made will break apart. It's better to be true to yourself to form a genuine relationship.

[@aprilpenname5494]

I get what you're saying but, then, I dont see why the mother at the end was reading off a script

[@mq8858]

@@aprilpenname5494 she was saying all the things a mother "should" say

[@barbarat5729]

It's supposed, not suppose.

[@Nitephall]

No because then I just get rejected.

[@Esoterre]

@@aprilpenname5494 The mother is not being true to herself either, she is acting as are so many.

[@megofiachra3247]

When she finally rips the script from him, you see his fear and insecurity. Very well acted!

[@beepboopbeep1571]

I think the script is what the society has embedded onto us. To say or behave in a particular way 🤔

[@taimartinez722]

Thank u, someone who gets if finally 🍀

[@aasthakapoor7552]

This reminds me of Truman Show. Everyone around her is acting, while she's the one that's oblivious. The waiter chooses not to act because of his interest in her, breaking the chain.

[@AbdulBasittrading]

Call Me sometimes

[@rainboow567]

Even the mother was holding papers in the last scene, makes me confused!

[@davidowens5898]

Yes. We should spend more of our time staring at our fones.........

[@user-xt4pj4ve2y]

I also couldn't help thinking about Truman Show. And I also have a fear, that the waiter wasn't sencere with her too, he was just playing a good guy in that situation. And his final gesture with throwing away his script just meant that now when she left, he doesn't have to pretend until the next time with her.

[@haleemasherkhan7612]

So sad. Even the Mother was reading a script.

[@YouTubeallowedmynametobestolen]

I read the comments partly because others often have insights into the story that I miss. I think you nailed one right there, Haleema.

[@hm-rl6xz]

exactly. ironic how often the point of it is missed!

[@izzaduck8896]

It may seem sad, but it's just life. Everyone interacts with others using their 'internal script' and according to an understanding of their role. In this case, the mother was using the script for her role as 'mother of an adult single woman'. How many times have you heard or seen mothers of single offspring trying to encourage their adult child to seek a partner? Or, consoling a son/daughter with "next time it might be better" or words to that effect? All playing the same 'supportive' role of 'mother' and expressing similar sentiments - it doesn't mean that the mother was insincere! Everyone in this movie (except the girl) was using a script. It's a way of delivering the message... we are 'programmed' to act out an internal 'script' according to the role which we play. There's no other way to 'show' how much we are programmed by social expectations. We're ALL reading scripts! The daughter in this also had her script - we just didn't see her use it openly.

[@Analysis_Paralysis]

Everyone else had a script, too. 05:48 Izza Duck, you're spot on! Thanks. This just goes to show that some people's 'internal script' is written "better" so that they can adapt much better to situations, others follow their 'script' too rigidly, leaving no room for spontaneity. It's the ability or inability to adapt to life. The guy she was dating also lacked empathy. Empathy played no part in his 'script' and in his personality, i.e. who he was. It's sad that some people's personality make them act out things that sabotage their life and relationships to others. Some people stick too much to the idea of who they are and miss the opportunity for growth.

[@ms.suzanna2511]

Because no one speaks from the heart anymore - genuine feelings have gone by the wayside. Instead of living life most of us are lost in a life of someone else's design.

[@victorhettema9313]

I'm amazed at the amount of confusion this film has created.

[@idarisha7125]

True 😂

[@fametiara7217]

So I was not the only one haha

[@MrEfeltes]

Even I’m amazed and I wrote it 😅

[@Raiya_ru17]

Hahhaah I am so lost after watching this,too.😅

[@masterpiece6227]

@@MrEfeltes were you that city guy in this film.

[@randomlyhumanqn]

This is so real we all imagine how a conversation or meeting will go before it happens, and sometimes loose a connection because it doesn't go how we saw or heard it in our heads. We are forgetting how to communicate person to person.

[@MichelleSPodcast]

Yes- exactly!!!! Thank you! People are all taking it literally like, why didn’t she just get up?! Because it was a movie.. LOL

[@faridehnaghsh]

This was a mind blowing one. Oh my God, show the poor society and the poor culture we're in, where everyone follows the same routine. Great great job. Absolutely loved it.

[@proxi250]

Make sure you hang around to see 7:16! The plot thickens!

[@sessionfiddler]

Dez was the only one to go off script?

[@baganatube]

@@sessionfiddler The barista threw away his, too.

[@funkay1]

Thanks for that, I was about to miss it and go onto the next movie

[@YouTubeallowedmynametobestolen]

@@baganatube I think Dez was the barista.

[@bisma1352]

@@sessionfiddler yep and we see how improvising off the script got him a potential date with the girl. Its the lesson of the story.

[@swethap5821]

Ohk why isnt anyone talking about it.. Steve's acting was on point. ON POINT!

[@gigi738]

I totally agree. He's good!

[@Ashas.Garden]

Steve? Is that you?

[@b-roller9758]

THATS the point!..he has no personality or mind of his own...just his good looks and his acting

[@1SwiftAngela]

😂

[@markread7333]

[Later that evening, Steve, alone in his bedroom] "Oh, Oh...(pants) OMIGOD!! Wow, was it good for you?" [Steve in a girl's voice] "Oh, yes, Steve...I came like, three times... You're an awesome lover! Why don't you show me how good you are at Fortnite now?!"

[@The_Beast_666]

ROTFFLMAO

[@narutokunn]

lol

[@sihamharchli]

😂

[@PinkZombie-]

WHAT

[@SOTE_RoH]

I almost spit out my cappuchino XDDDDDD

[@lisajanebrooklyn]

If you think you've seen the barista before, his name is Anthony Hill and he is now a regular on Grey's Anatomy.

[@DraGnFly007]

The fact she didn't walk out right away tells me she's desperate to be in a relationship. When it doesn't feel or seem right from the get-go...GET GOing! It's NOT your job to fix him!

[@farout4708]

Yes, that took way too long. People need a partner and often opt for a project instead and then wonder why they don’t have their needs met

[@cuwi8558]

Its like you talk to me in person for my real life situation

[@MichelleSPodcast]

It seemed like she was more in shock, although it was just a movie, because then how would the narrative be completed if she had just gotten up? LOL

[@julih3963]

To be honest, I would have stayed. I would have thought that it was a funny original idea for a first date. But yeah, after he started getting aggressive, that's the point where I would have left and realized it is more than fun and games...

[@edenjamesis2398]

@@julih3963 me too

[@thewarriorstunts5922]

There is poeple who always have an agenda during the date and think its the way to nail it.

[@alwayserik]

And I think what this tells is how one person imposing their script on another can leave the other frustrated and trapped. Expectation vs reality. If you don't recognize reality and make compromises to share scripts, your relationship won't work.

[@silverballer7342]

This guy can date everyday. All he needs is a mirror.

[@DTD110865]

Remember "Ladykillers" by Lush?

[@aprilpenname5494]

I just learned about how 95% of what we think/do is wired into our subconscious. I know it's something separate from this but that's kind of like a script. The things we've been conditioned to do by how we were raised, our role in society and so on is out subconscious script running in the background

[@lionfromjam7282]

Welcome to the MATRIX

[@KatWoodland]

Yep. Lately I have been actively reconditioning my conditioning. Major mind F’s from messed up parents. Life seems to be about getting over our childhoods.

[@cansu3882]

Oh wow. This has quite a Truman Show vibe.

[@filmreviewer117]

It's clear in showing how we can't always plan for everything and should be open to whatever may come our way.

[@yelnats61]

I thought the barista gave her a coffee with a knowing glance, but it turns out he was just interested in her.

[@Antisceptic]

It would be better if, at the end, Dez the Barista thanked everyone for their involvement and complemented Steve on a job well done. Dez was actually Natalie's date, and wanted to make sure things go well, and so crafted a scenario where he comes across as the silver lining in what Natalie thought was a disaster.

[@sushrutdeshmukh7564]

Yes much better

[@katrinbandel]

But they met each other online and had seen each other's fotos. So the Barista can't be her real date.

[@davidcharles7106]

This isn't Hitchcock.

[@billt8504]

You beat me to it. Would have been a way cooler ending. Not the point the writer / director was trying to make, but that would have been a wicked cool ending.

[@alleyesee7313]

Antisceptic you should write a script and send it to omeleto 😂

[@lifeinthemoment3999]

i can’t with ya’ll. I can’t even make it through the whole video without laughing. This was hiiiiilllllarious!!!! What I’ve learned watching Omeleto movies is to sit back and enjoy the ride!

[@mindyfayparks5871]

SO happy we made you laugh!

[@m.f.hopkins8728]

Run girl, run! Take the Black dude and run! LOL (That last scene with the mom was creepy though).

[@mia_maia]

I have lived such an experience, i gave a gift to someone who later told me that my way of giving gifts was wrong and not class cuz i didn't make a narrative before handing it over like i was supposed to make a story around that gift 😅😅 i was as confused as her

[@darkseid856]

I really liked the message behind this beautiful short film . And the acting from all the actors were really good .

[@saroj21stha]

Giggling part is just awesome.. 😂😂😂

[@PantheraAlbus]

I think it fits the rules we force ourselves and others to obey very well. Basing them on expectations/prejudice regarding women, masculinity, motherhood, small town/big town, expectations about waiters should behave, giggles shouldn't be forced...

[@evanking6737]

Hey Guys! even the waiter had a script - which he threw away after she left the shop. people sitting at other tables had scripts. I think this was about a genuine person (Natalie) comes from a small town to the big city where everyone is superficial by comparison. thoughts?

[@rogerryerson1803]

It's not just a big-city thing; it's universal. "What Do You Say After You Say 'Hello'?", book by Eric Berne. Thesis: We all have "scripts" (unconscious, of course) that govern our lives. Psychotherapy is about finding out what our script is and trying to rewrite. I really felt for Steve, so locked into his script that he had to continue, even after Natalie left. Saddest thing I've ever seen, except for the hopeful note that Natalie was free (no script) and the barista was able to throw his away. Now if only I could do something about my own script (after a lifetime of trying)!

[@kavidiss7959]

I started blushing when i saw their connections

[@leebrent7344]

This is happening in my hometown here in the Philippines. They speak what is socially acceptable. It doesn't make sense. My stomach turns everytime i hear conversations that is so not true to their feelings Edit. I Love the world

[@YashTrivedispaceport6492]

This is an excellent storyline which reflects the perception in different relationships and how they don't match scripts(wavelengths) over time or change

[@helenepajot7744]

love this channel. Each short film is an eyeopener

[@froggo7215]

The moment he gave her the script i thought if i was her i would leave immediately but then i thought i never would have date online :) Also this was deep

[@ogenmatic]

Me: “Very clever story & well presented! Some things just don’t go according to plan.” Your reply: “Yes indeed. Very insightful comment btw.”

[@comfybox]

Yes indeed. Very insightful comment btw.

[@eddygci8]

Yes indeed. Very insightful comment btw

[@impish_snake3526]

[COMMENTOR gives light chuckle, types reply]

[@ventisale1]

ok... that's a very funny comment. I wish I had thought of it. thanks for the smile

[@sandeesshorter1386]

The mom part got me

[@mindyfayparks5871]

Hi! I'm one of the creators of this story, and play Natalie! The mom part was the brainchild of our director (Robert Bruce Carter) Eric and I immediately loved the idea and thought it really added that extra kick to our ending. I'm happy to hear it affected you.

[@bigdaddy-c2992]

i thought the plot Twist would be the Barista is the mastermind behind all this

[@MsRawan9]

Even the mom is reading off of a script!

[@grassdungeon8433]

This is sad, I love it

[@disimugoa6735]

Totally loved this one.

[@anastasia10017]

this was excellent. shows how people are stuck in doing the expected and when someone different comes into their life, they cling to the familiar and won't go out of their comfort zone. and only in being willing and brave enough to throw out their script will they enrich their life .

[@metermorphose]

...it's all about convention... Well written, acted, filmed.

[@romannanynets8733]

For me this movie was for shy guys to understand "perfect pick up lines" or borrowed dialogues don't work. It's best to come into a date with an open mind, be natural and genuine and that's the only way to really click with someone.

[@drd.n4695]

I don't get these pick-up lines. Why don't we see why they don't go so far. For fun, yes. But they don't go far.

[@sudhanshugaur2317]

Robert Pattinson dating Katherine Heigl 😂😂

[@mindyfayparks5871]

YES! RIGHT!? Eric and I get both of those all the time. You nailed our doppelgängers!

[@DanielFHarb]

Brilliant. Well done!

[@kundanchhabra]

What a wonderful allegory for the real dating world!

[@varsharajput4166]

well according to me, he was a guy "control freak" who wants things to go his way, they jus extended the anxiety n control freakiness..so is her mom..

[@Angela-ot7es]

This is super funny!

[@hotdatedave]

She left her cardigan in the coffee shop!

[@The_Beast_666]

Actually this film was supposed to be categorized as: Omeleto Horror!

[@juliaconnell]

deep. insightful. love it

[@nadiamagdalena2712]

Me on my first date after my divorce; I don't do improv. That's genius

[@flipkartf2835]

On the starting of the video I was like ''Is this man crazy?"

[@Miamiflow885]

im so bringing a script on my next blind date

[@jgentry7201]

(let me help with the script) Ahhhhhhhhhhh (as she runs from the room)

[@janicemahan4772]

Yeah, the server was improvising, and he was so good!

[@MihaDuV]

This was so tense.

[@pallavaram9770]

His serious face is prettier than the smiling face

[@anousenic]

Not that uncommon. Dating App statistics have shown that men who are not smiling in their profile pictures (and are not looking at the camera) are considered more attractive than those who smile :P

[@pallavaram9770]

@@anousenic woah

[@miriamrobarts]

That's because the smile was forced.

[@miriamrobarts]

@@anousenic, Interesting. ...maybe because women like guys who can be serious?

[@bunnysenpaimon6742]

@@miriamrobarts Hm that could be it! Your face also looks slimmer too when you're not smiling, could be another thing...idk tho

[@shmerps]

This is genius! I didn’t get the point till the very last few seconds...

[@Arpansahaofficial]

Mind blowing

[@sagricornsign9583]

This was really amazing

[@mrudulachalilphotography1111]

Super video! One of the best I saw recently!

[@mindyfayparks5871]

Oh yay! Thanks!

[@jerryfransz1013]

was expecting a twist where it was actually the barista's script all along, and that's been working out perfectly

[@RitaSingh-yw7ey]

This was awesome👏

[@indeed1965]

That was great!

[@BergurRasmussen]

loved it

[@alisonn7200]

This was a really original and creative take on a bad date. I really felt for Natalie, as she tried to understand the bizarre and uncomfortable situation she'd found herself in, before attempting to extricate herself from it. It also demonstrates the dilemma of rightly telling someone to get lost, when you're a nice and polite person, despite the fact the other person has overstepped the mark. I thought I'd been on some terrible dates but I've never had a guy turn up with a script.

[@nehamaw]

All those scripts. Made me think this film was showing how we all put in an act. And that real things happen when u step away from that act.

[@libertygiveme1987]

WOW, what a PSYCHO!!!!

[@lizxu322]

Something about him reminds me of robert pattinson. could be the square jaw

[@itaiyemini]

wow, just love it!

[@husnakouser6908]

This guy is insane😂

[@themontephone875]

Omeleto: (turn page) Audience: (Oh, yeah, Omeleto. ) You are best. Thank you. May I watch another?

[@bluedamsel1185]

How sometimes 'socialising' feels rehearsed and lacking in spontaneity.

[@saumyas4114]

Wow, this was deep!

[@triciawilson5733]

We always have choices This is how women and men remain in abusive relationships The narcissist restarts the act with the other victim at the end. But she is liberated ❤️

[@lou8426]

it shows the expectation and reality

[@leonbeck6254]

Your films make us think🙃

[@jamesherrington5606]

Country are folk greater than their city brethren.

[@snaggledog0079]

Stranger hands you papers, you run.

[@daudaliyafie546]

no. you give them scissor.

[@tripdiz1341]

Or, when they ask for your ‘papers’...

[@joelee5875]

You've been served, ...too late.

[@aprilpenname5494]

@@joelee5875 that's what I thought it was gonna be

[@funkblack]

5:14 lmao who drinks like that

[@teufelhunden8308]

Gays

[@zoezzzarko1117]

Profound. Love it 💜💚💜

[@ChickensAndGardening]

IRL any normal woman would have gotten up and left after the first 30 seconds of this.

[@MichelleSPodcast]

But this was a movie.. and the narrative had to be fulfilled.. 😳

[@April-nj8th]

Not really the scripts are in our head and not physically present and thats what the film is about

[@mindyfayparks5871]

Interesting thought, Joe. As the creators, we were hoping opening the film with the phone call to the mom would raise the stakes for Natalie. Like...this date just REALLY needs to work out for her (bc she's getting older, societal pressure, etc.) so she was a bit more willing to stick it out! We all compromise a lot when we "just really want it to work out", don't you think?

[@Deception975]

@@mindyfayparks5871 I'm surprised more people don't notice at the end that the mom is also reading a script.

[@paradice3776]

Omg this really speaks to me! 🙈 go out with that coffee waiter! 😍💋👍

[@adembmd8812]

he looks like gigachad if u see deep into it

[@makman431]

First I was like wtf is going on then the waiter comes in

[@68air]

Guess who's coming to dinner Mom!

[@richardbergermusic]

really great

[@x3m4ik]

It means we should discard our expectations and just be ourselves.

[@elmo8696]

Momentarily, I thought its directed by Robert B. Weide

[@tvoommen4688]

I thought it was from 'gags just for laughs ' with the man showing a hidden camera to the girl in the end.

[@douglaswaggoner7487]

Call it what you want, it’s on us!

[@davidking4838]

Great little movie.....FUN!!!

[@vishnuvp8600]

That’s a good one 👌🏻

[@maranatha_777]

Clever!

[@theolamp5312]

After 10 seconds, she should have kicked him out the door.