Vertical
FAKE DATING MR. POPULAR
Details
Union:
Not designated
Area of media:
Vertical
Network:
TBD
Paid?:
Yes
Deadline:
Aug 26, 2026
Shooting starts:
Sept 14, 2026 
Shooting finishes:
Sept 19, 2026 
Shooting locations:
CDMX
Cities for response:
Mexico City
Storyline
Sylvie Davis, a brilliant but introverted student, is determined to win over Travis Mitchell, the popular athlete she has secretly loved for years. But when her private diary falls into the hands of Aiden Johnson, the school’s arrogant basketball star, they strike a deal: she will tutor him, and he will help her win Travis over. To make the plan work, they pretend to be a couple. But as their fake relationship becomes increasingly convincing, the chemistry between them starts to feel dangerously real, forcing them to question who they truly want.
Roles
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Guest StarTravis Mitchell Male 18 - 22 Years old
Description
• Travis is the popular star player on the basketball team whom Sylvie has pined
over since middle school. While outwardly charming, Travis’ focus is on his own
dreams and desires. No goal is too far away and no means are too evil to get his
own way.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Guest StarGabby (17-18)Male 18 - 22 Years old
Description
• Aiden's ex-girlfriend who leads a clique alongside her friends Cherry and Sherry.
Gabby is entitled, powerful and polished. She will show no mercy to anyone who
doesn’t hold up to her standards. Gabby most likely attacks others before anyone
can get the chance to doubt her. Exposing others is a quicker way to show her
dominance over the school. Gabby loves being in control and admired.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Guest StarJared Johnson Male 35 - 50 Years old
Description
• Harsh, demanding and unforgiving. Jared, a former college basketball star,
berates Aiden's athletic performances regardless of wins, and pushes his son to
find the greatness he once had when he was Aiden’s age. Anything and anyone
that distracts Aiden from reaching college basketball is a threat. No means are
out of reach for him. Aiden MUST get into college basketball. Once Jared has set
a goal on his mind, there’s nothing that can stop him.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarPriya (17-18)Female 18 - 22 Years old
Description
• Bubbly, enthusiastic, and fiercely loyal. Priya encourages Sylvie to embrace
opportunities, assists her in every adventure Sylvie gets into, for they become
part of her own narrative and that excited her. Priya acts as a protective shield to
her loved ones against bullies and everyone that threatens the happiness of her
friends.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Co StarCOACH WILLENSMale 30 - 45 Years old
Description

Aiden's basketball coach. Strict, pragmatic and focused on performance, Coach Willens initially threatens to bench Aiden because of his grades.

He also becomes an important authority figure in Aiden's basketball storyline, particularly as Aiden competes for a Dullis University scholarship.

Despite his tough exterior, Coach Willens ultimately recognizes Aiden's growth and helps restore his place on the team and his university opportunity.

Function: Athletic authority figure and gatekeeper to Aiden's future.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalCHERRYFemale 18 - 22 Years old
Description

One of Gabby's closest followers. Cherry participates directly in the bullying of Sylvie and frequently assists Gabby in humiliating and intimidating her.

She is more of an extension of Gabby's power than an independent antagonist, but she participates in several important confrontations, including the bathroom and pool incidents.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalSHERRY Female 18 - 22 Years old
Description

The third member of Gabby's popular-girl clique. Sherry joins Gabby and Cherry in bullying Sylvie and participates in the major physical confrontations against her.

Like Cherry, her primary dramatic purpose is to reinforce Gabby's social power and create a collective threat around Sylvie.
Role typeRoleGender & Age range
Small PrincipalPRINCIPAL HENDRICKSMale
Description

The school's principal and an authority figure responsible for disciplinary consequences.

She deals with Sylvie after the party incident and later becomes involved in the investigation surrounding the cheating scandal involving Gabby and Taylor.

She represents the institutional consequences of the characters' increasingly reckless behavior.