Partnership Kicks Off with the “Meet Cute” Short Film Series Spotlighting Emerging Filmmakers and Their Take on Modern Day Love Stories From Bumble

Treat yourself to a new kind of modern day Rom-Com! Hello Sunshine has partnered with Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur, the world’s number one selling liqueur, to release a series of three short films inspired by “Meet Cutes” from the women-first dating and social networking app Bumble. These “Meet Cutes” (a.k.a Bumble users first time meeting their matches) put women at the center of the story while celebrating emerging filmmakers.

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Just as Hello Sunshine is highlighting a new era of Rom-Coms meant to be enjoyed with loved ones, Baileys is no stranger to bringing people together while encouraging the unapologetic pursuit of little moments of indulgence, which now can include snuggling up on the couch with some Baileys and a “Meet Cute” short film. Together, Hello Sunshine and Baileys are excited to give people an opportunity to indulge in true, modern day love stories.

The “Meet Cute” series features three female and non-binary filmmakers - Carly Usdin, Sadé Clacken Joseph, and Haroula Rose - who have each created a short film inspired by a true Bumble “Meet Cute” story. After carefully selecting these three Bumble stories from the hundreds submitted, the filmmakers were empowered to retell these real-life romances in their own voice. Film descriptions, loglines, and cast are included below:

FIRST DATE

Link to Film HERE

Logline: After matching on Bumble but never getting a chance to meet in person, Jennifer and Anna unexpectedly reconnect and text flirtatiously for six weeks before Anna convinces Jennifer to an epic first date: flying across the country to attend a wedding as Anna’s guest.

Filmmaker: Carly Usdin

Talent: Shalita Grant and Shannon Woodward

THE SIGN

Link to Film HERE

Logline: This film follows Clare, a pragmatic divorce attorney who, after going through a divorce of her own, ends up finding her true match with a little help from fate.

Filmmaker: Sadé Clacken Joseph

Talent: Bianca Lawson

HOUND OF LOVE

Link to Film HERE

Logline: Sonya (a dog) is protective over Sam, her best friend and owner. Basically, no one is good enough. In this piece we will see the relationship between Sonya and Sam, Sonya’s view of the world and how she sabotages Sam’s dates -- until she meets Bill.

Filmmaker: Haroula Rose

Talent: Jess Weixler and Kate Micucci as the Voice of Sonya

“We are thrilled to support these incredibly talented emerging filmmakers,” said Zoe Fairbourn, Head of Brand Partnerships at Hello Sunshine. “Hello Sunshine is excited to usher in a new era of modern Rom-Coms and are so grateful to Baileys and Bumble for their partnership in bringing this smart, fun series to life, and for their continued support in our mission of telling stories that put women at the center.”

“Throughout the years, Baileys has always been at the center of celebrations with loved ones, bringing people together during those moments when we deserve to treat ourselves,” said Stacey Cunningham, Director of Baileys & Liqueurs, Diageo North America. “Between the brilliant filmmakers and compelling stories around modern day love, the short films we’ve created in partnership with Hello Sunshine are a true reflection of those moments worth celebrating.”

The “Meet Cute” short film series can be viewed on the Reese Witherspoon x Hello Sunshine YouTube Channel, and will live in a branded content hub on The Roku Channel nationwide this fall, creating the perfect opportunity to celebrate with Baileys whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, in coffee, hot chocolate or baked into a showtime treat. Click here to watch now and subscribe.

About Hello Sunshine

Founded by Reese Witherspoon, Hello Sunshine is a media company that puts women at the center of every story it creates, celebrates and discovers. Hello Sunshine tells stories across all platforms - from scripted and unscripted television, feature films, animated series, podcasts, audio storytelling, and digital series - all shining a light on where women are now and helping them chart a new path forward. Hello Sunshine is also home to Reese’s Book Club and the newly launched RBC App. Fast growing in reach and influence, this community is propelled by meaningful connections with stories, authors and fellow members. Recently Hello Sunshine acquired Sara Rea's SKR Production to expand its unscripted content and also announced the launch of their Kids & Animation Division to create content that celebrates a younger audience. Hello Sunshine was named the #2 Most Innovative Company in Media for 2020 by Fast Company Magazine and one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential Companies of 2021.

About BAILEYS Irish Cream Liqueur

BAILEYS launched in Ireland in 1974. It is now available in 180 markets worldwide and is the number one selling liqueur in the world. Owned by Diageo plc, BAILEYS is currently ranked 7th among all distilled spirits sold worldwide. It’s the signature delicious balance of Irish Cream, whiskey and fine spirits that makes BAILEYS Original Irish Cream the perfect little indulgence when you need a break from your daily routine. The BAILEYS portfolio includes Original Irish Cream, Salted Caramel, Vanilla Cinnamon, Espresso Crème, Strawberries & Cream and Almande. For more information on BAILEYS Original Irish Cream, please visit us at www.BAILEYS.com.

About Bumble app

Bumble, the women-first dating and networking app, was founded by CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014. Bumble connects people across dating (Bumble Date), friendship (Bumble BFF) and professional networking (Bumble Bizz). No matter the type of relationship, women make the first move on Bumble. Bumble is built on the importance of equitable relationships and how crucial they are to a healthy, happy life. They've built their platform around kindness, respect, and equality – and their community plays an important part in that. Bumble holds its users accountable for their actions and has zero tolerance for hate, aggression, or bullying. Bumble is free and available worldwide in the App Store and Google Play.

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