Sex Education by My Best Friend

Sex Education by My Best Friend is a young adult series about the romantic entanglement between two protagonists and the obstacles they must overcome to be together. When I first read the script, I was immediately drawn to their relationship. The characters felt grounded and relatable, while the plot offered moments that felt original and visually fresh. Because the story depended so much on their connection, we prioritized casting actors who could bring that chemistry to life. We researched films and television shows with similar storylines, using them as references for our visual palette, location choices, and production design priorities. To support the performances, we also worked closely with the intimacy coordinator and held thorough rehearsals with the actors, building trust and giving them room to develop the relationship.

The biggest challenge was giving the show its own identity within the young adult genre. After researching similar series, we wanted a more cinematic approach to the storytelling and visual tone, with moodier lighting and more room for the relationship to develop. The company was concerned that the images would look too dark on phone screens and that the pacing would be too slow for a vertical audience. As the producer, I stood by the director and cinematographer, making the case that the show could remain entertaining if we gave the story the emotion it needed. At the same time, we worked within the genre and the company’s expectations, using bright colors and distinctive objects in the production and costume design to balance the darker lighting. For me, it was about supporting the team’s creative direction while staying attentive to how our audience would experience the show.

I’m pleased with how the finished series came together. Within three months of its release, it had reached more than 80 million views and became a staple on DramaBox. Just as memorable was the experience of making it. Almost all of our key crew members were women, and the production felt collaborative and engaging. There were so many laughs, sweet moments, shared desserts, and friendships formed on set. I’m proud of the time and care my team put into shaping the story and supporting the actors in delivering their best work. Looking back, both the finished show and the relationships we built are what make this project special to me.