“Disappointing”: A Family Journey

We’re thrilled to introduce Ariana Padilla-Rogers, a talented writer making waves in the world of television with her heartfelt and comedic storytelling. Her latest project, Disappointing, has earned her a spot as a finalist for the Best Comedy Teleplay Award at the Houston Comedy Film Festival. The film takes a deep dive into family dynamics, personal growth, and the unique charm of a coastal town.

A Tale of Family, Culture, and Chaos
Disappointing centers on a semi-dysfunctional Puerto Rican family living on the Jersey Shore, fighting to save their struggling motel from being bought out. The story focuses on three generations of women, all trying to figure out what’s best for the family business while navigating their own personal challenges. Set against the backdrop of the ever-changing Asbury Park, NJ, the series explores themes of work-life balance, cultural identity, and the comedic missteps that often accompany life’s most serious moments.

Ariana draws much of her inspiration from her own upbringing, having been raised by both her mother and grandmother. Their influence helped shape the characters in Disappointing, blending the warmth and strength of family with the vibrancy of Puerto Rican culture. Ariana also incorporates her experiences growing up in a shore town, drawing from the seasonal shifts in Asbury Park, where tourists come and go, but the locals remain—each with their own unique stories.

The Writing Process: Challenges and Growth
Writing Disappointing hasn’t been without its challenges. Ariana found it difficult to fit all of her ideas into the constraints of a 30-minute dramedy format. Over the course of two and a half years, she crafted numerous drafts, tweaking character dynamics and exploring different storylines to find the right balance. Each revision brought her closer to understanding the core themes she wanted to explore: family, identity, and the inevitable messiness of life. Despite the many iterations, she’s grown more confident in her creative voice and the stories she’s passionate about telling.

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A Fresh Face in Television Writing
Ariana’s journey as a writer began in 2020, during her time at the University of the Arts, where she first learned about screenwriting. Though the school has since closed, Ariana remains deeply appreciative of the education and connections she made there. It was during this time that she honed her skills in character development, story structure, and developed her unique creative style.

What’s Next for Ariana?
Ariana is currently focused on bringing Disappointing to life. She’s collaborating with her cousin Elyse, who has a talent for cinematography, to create a proof of concept for the series. In addition, she’s submitting the pilot to festivals and developing the rest of season one. Beyond Disappointing, Ariana is exploring other projects in sketch comedy, a genre she finds especially exciting for its ability to make people laugh.

Get in Touch
To follow Ariana’s work or get in touch for future projects, you can reach her via email at arianafpadilla@gmail.com. You can also follow her creative journey on Instagram at @lilstariana.

Looking Ahead
Ariana is eager to connect with producers and networks to bring Disappointing to a broader audience. She’s also open to joining writing organizations and collaborative spaces, where she can continue to learn and grow as a storyteller. With her eye on the future and a notebook full of stories, Ariana Padilla is a writer to watch as she embarks on what promises to be an exciting career in television.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair: