1. PROJECT OVERVIEW
Project Type: Multi-Camera Comedy TV Series
Genre: Teen Fantasy Comedy
Tone & Style: Quirky, magical, sitcom humor with a live audience laugh track.
Comparable Projects: "Wizards of Waverly Place," "iCarly," "That's So Raven," "Big Time Rush"
Scene Context: Early in the episode as Karina meets the core group, establishes dynamics, sparks with Roman, and triggers suspicion from Billie and Winter.
2. CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
Who is Karina?
- 14-year-old new student with edgy style and sarcastic wit
- Niece of Superintendent Kowalski (built-in power dynamic)
- Outward confidence masking insecurity about fitting in
- Dark, weird sense of humor (e.g., cockroaches living without heads)
- Quick-witted, strong banter
How does Karina see herself?
- Cool outsider who doesn’t need to belong
- Uses sarcasm and edge as a shield
- Secretly hoping for real connection
How do others see her?
- Billie & Winter: Initially impressed → grow suspicious she’s a “Changeling”
- Roman: Instantly drawn to her; shares her quirky interests
- Justin (adult): Awkward around her due to her uncle’s authority
Entry Points for You (Similarities)
- Being the new kid—confidence on the surface, uncertainty underneath
- Using humor/sarcasm as a defense
- Forming unexpected connections
Empathetic Leaps (Differences)
- Karina’s distinct edgy style and “too cool” vibe
- Her delight in dark/weird facts
- Balancing swagger with vulnerability
Character References: April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza), Jade West, Wednesday Addams (modern), Janis Ian.
3. UTA HAGEN'S 9 QUESTIONS (CUSTOMIZED)
Who am I?
I’m Karina Kowalski, 14. New girl. Edgy, sarcastic exterior; insecure underneath. My uncle’s the superintendent—power I don’t want to wield.
Where am I?
First at someone’s home (likely Justin’s), then school hallways, finally a backyard hang.
What time is it?
School day (afternoon) → hallway scenes during school → after school in the backyard.
What surrounds me?
New peers, unfamiliar school environment, adults who may treat me differently because of my uncle.
What are the relationships?
- Roman: Unexpected connection; appreciates my weird side.
- Billie & Winter: Potential friends acting strangely, growing suspicious.
- Justin: Awkward adult authority figure.
- Uncle (off-screen): Source of complicated status.
What are the circumstances?
New at school, setting my identity. I click with Roman over bizarre facts; others grow wary and “test” me by the end.
What do I want?
To fit in without selling out, make friends, and nurture the connection with Roman.
What’s in my way?
Billie & Winter’s suspicions, my own defenses, new-girl awkwardness, the mustard “test.”
How do I get what I want?
Deploy sarcasm as shield and filter, reward Roman’s weirdness, keep my cool even as things get strange.
4. SCENE ACTION & PHYSICALITY
Key Beats
- Entrance: Establish dominant vibe—slouchy-cool or tall and unbothered?
- Water bottle exchange: Connection beat with Roman—handle it like a small win.
- Mustard moment: Physical comedy; show real shock under the composed mask.
- “Sit by the bathroom”: Tiny spark with Roman—let it land physically (micro-smile, shift in posture).
Physical Mannerisms: Play with the dyed hair streak; a signature stance that reads “cool” but allows cracks of warmth.
Facial Calibration: Amused vs. annoyed—micro-changes. In mustard scene, balance outrage with “still cool.”
5. SUBTEXT & EMOTIONAL DEPTH
Layer 1: What Karina Says
- Sarcastic comebacks
- Dark cockroach facts
- “I’m kidding” to Roman
Layer 2: What Karina Means
- Testing who can handle her
- Showing intelligence and unique interests
- Actually interested in Roman but self-protecting
Key Emotional Shifts
- Cool, guarded exterior on first meeting
- Surprised delight when Roman matches her weird energy
- Growing comfort and ease with Roman
- Real hurt/confusion at the mustard “test”
6. CHARACTER POV & PERSONALIZATION
Karina’s Type/Trope
The “cool alternative girl” with a tough shell and hidden softness.
Making Karina Fresh
- Pick 1–2 specific, repeatable physical habits (eye-roll style, hand use, posture).
- Vocal color: cool, controlled; warmth sneaks in around Roman.
- Find micro-moments where the guard drops.
Karina’s Micro-Habits:
- Deadpan delivery on dark facts
- Minimal but pointed gestures
- Subtle posture shift toward Roman
Worldview
- People judge; weird beats boring
- Connection happens unexpectedly with those who “get it”
- Authority complicates everything
7. BOLD ACTING CHOICES
Avoid One-Note “Cool”: Let us see the cracks—especially in post-mustard beats.
Emotional Range Opportunities
- Genuine delight at Roman’s weirdness
- Subtle disappointment when Justin invokes her uncle
- True hurt under the cool exterior after mustard
Comedic Suggestions (Multi-Cam)
- Let reactions breathe for laugh points
- Deadpan the cockroach line for maximum effect
- “Chill, I’m kidding…” — add a precise beat after the line
- “Then I will definitely be there” — echo Roman’s energy in your register
Physical & Vocal Adjustments
- Slightly lower, even vocal tone for deadpan
- Choose one unique physical tell
- Let the “edgy style” inform carriage and space use
8. MOMENT BEFORE & BUTTON
Moment Before
- First Scene: Pep talk to stay cool; nerves underneath
- Hallway: Survived classes; a little more relaxed with Roman
- Backyard: Expecting a chill hang with potential friends
Button (Ending Beats)
- After cockroach/strawberry: small, involuntary smile
- After “sit by the bathroom”: a fleeting vulnerability in the eyes
- After mustard: hurt + “I knew it” disappointment in the same breath
9. REHEARSAL & EXPERIMENTATION
Key Exploration
- Dial “cool” from ultra-deadpan → lightly animated
- Play with sarcastic pacing for laughs
- Try 2–3 distinct mustard reactions
Scene Partner Focus
- What specifically about Roman draws her in?
- Perception of Billie/Winter: start favorable → grow wary
- For self-tapes: lock consistent eyelines
Technical Tips (Multi-Cam)
- Slightly larger reactions are appropriate
- Memorize by beats/ideas to stay organic
- Run at least 10 times with different calibrations; record and review
PREPARATION CHECKLIST
- Define a personality that balances cool exterior with inner vulnerability
- Lock specific physical/vocal choices (posture, gestures, tone)
- Hit multi-cam comedic timing (breaths, buttons, deadpan)
- Map emotional transitions across scenes
- Build authentic connection with Roman
- Nail comedy beats, especially the deadpan fact delivery
- Let the “alternative/edgy” style read physically
- Play both confidence and insecurity
- Show why Roman is drawn to her, despite suspicion
FINAL THOUGHT
Karina may read as the classic “cool alternative girl,” but your secret weapon is the mix of sharp wit, unexpected connection with Roman, and the vulnerability that peeks through. Let the audience see the armor—and the person underneath.
Be precise, be brave, be unforgettable.