Screenwriter Seeks Producers for Corporate Romance Film "First Time I Saw Her Face"

A screenwriter with extensive experience in international tax law is seeking producers for his romantic drama "First Time I Saw Her Face," a film that examines the complexities of workplace attraction and marital commitment through the lens of corporate America.
Alex Sachs, who specializes in tax transfer pricing law, wrote the screenplay based on his own observations about unexpected romantic connections in professional settings. The story follows Alex Sachs, a successful tax attorney at tech giant Alphabet, who experiences what he believes is love at first sight when he meets Brazilian colleague Gabriela Carvalhi during a virtual meeting.
"While in the office one day I saw a lady who inspired me to think about the idea of 'love at first sight': namely, did it really exist, and if so, how exactly could it manifest itself," Sachs said in a recent interview. The screenplay depicts Alex as a devoted family man and husband who finds himself questioning his long-held views about marriage after developing deep feelings for Gabriela. Despite maintaining professional boundaries and never engaging in an affair, Alex ultimately ends his marriage after realizing the depth of his feelings for his Brazilian colleague.
The story unfolds across multiple locations, including Brazil's famous Rota Romantica, where Alex travels ostensibly for work, yet primarily to meet Gabriela in person. Producer Keith Thompson emphasized the film's unique approach to a romantic drama, noting it avoids the typical "happily ever after" conclusion.
"Many romantic films feature a 'happily ever after' ending, which contrasts with the reality that many relationships do not result in a happy conclusion," Thompson said. The film concludes with Gabriela choosing to remain with her husband for their daughter's sake, leaving Alex's heartfelt final letter as the closing scene.
What distinguishes "First Time I Saw Her Face" from other workplace romance films is its authentic portrayal of international tax transfer pricing operations. Sachs draws from his professional expertise to create realistic corporate dialogue and scenarios, including a complex IRS audit that Alex successfully resolves for Alphabet, saving the company billions of dollars.
"I feel that introducing the viewer to the world of international tax law and specifically transfer pricing could be especially appealing," Sachs explained. "It could possibly also inspire a whole new cohort of young business consultants who operate in this world to watch the movie."
The screenplay draws comparisons to "The Bridges of Madison County" while establishing its own distinct perspective. Unlike the classic Meryl Streep film, which focuses on the woman's internal struggle, Sachs chose to examine the male protagonist's experience of unexpected romantic awakening.
"I considered the question; what if the man was struck with the 'love at first sight' thunderbolt, I then decided to write this story from his perspective," Sachs said. The screenwriter’s extensive business travel to Brazil provided authentic cultural and geographic details for the international storyline.
The film explores themes which include moral conflict, religious and ethical convictions and family loyalty. Within the film, the lead protagonist Alex seeks counsel from his church elder about his inappropriate feelings and attempts to save his marriage through a family trip to Italy. However, communication problems with his wife persist, illustrated throughout scenes where their children comment on the couple's constant disagreements and incompatibility.
Thompson believes that the project has strong commercial potential due to its multi-layered approach. Rather than focusing solely on romance, the screenplay incorporates corporate intrigue, international settings and ethical dilemmas that could appeal to business professionals alongside traditional romance audiences.
Movies such as Titanic, Pretty Woman, Sleepless in Seattle, and You've Got Mail tend to have multiple sub-plots accompanying the main theme," Thompson noted, comparing their approach to successful romantic dramas that transcend genre limitations.
The story emphasizes emotional connection over physical attraction, maintaining ethical boundaries throughout the entire story’s narrative. Alex and Gabriela's relationship develops through professional conversations and personal confidences, never crossing into affair territory despite their mutual attraction.
Sachs hopes the film will provide insight into how workplace relationships can develop and the difficult choices people face when encountering unexpected love during established marriages. The screenplay's realistic portrayal of corporate environments, combined with its Brazilian locations and authentic international business practices, creates a distinctive backdrop for exploring universal themes of love, loyalty and moral decision-making.
The producers are currently seeking financing and distribution partners for the project. Thompson expressed confidence in the film's prospects, citing the strength of the characters and the screenplay's potential for critical recognition with proper budget support.
"With strong characters and a solid budget, it has strong potential for critical acclaim," producer Thompson said.
The project represents an unusual entry point into filmmaking for Sachs, whose legal background in international taxation provides an uncommon level of authenticity to the corporate elements of his screenplay. His decision to adapt his idea for a story into a feature film emerged from his own frustration with substandard movies during the pandemic lockdown period.
"I got frustrated from watching so many substandard movies. I thought I could do better, so I decided to write this screenplay," Sachs said.
For producers interested in reviewing the complete treatment and screenplay, the project offers a professionally developed romantic drama that combines workplace authenticity with international scope and emotionally complex character development.