Jennifer Lopez's epic cinematic experience, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, is a passionate piece where love takes center stage – not just in front of the camera, but behind the scenes too.
Ahead of the February 16 release, actress Ashley Versher, who stars as one of Jennifer's friends alongside Jane Fonda and Keke Palmer, spoke exclusively to about what it was like working with the legendary artist – and effusive praise for the nurturing environment , both on set and off.
Ashley recalled her time filming and spoke about the lengths the Grammy Award-winning singer, 54, would go to to ensure her cast and crew felt empowered, including the special checks the wardrobe department put in place for the Prime Video film performed.
She also raved about Jennifer's commitment to creating a collaborative environment – which culminated in a hilarious improv scene where the top stars showed off their “incredible” skills.
Jennifer Lopez is the focus of her Prime Video film This Is Me… Now: A Love Story
Actress Ashley Versher stars in the play alongside Jane Fonda and Keke Palmer as one of Jennifer's friends
“I was able to meet Jennifer on the first day of filming,” Ashley said. “We got to know them all.
“She was absolutely lovely and obviously dressed to the nines because her fashion is sacrosanct.”
“She was really nice and really welcomed us and made us feel like we were part of this project.”
“It was important to her that we tell this story with her.” That was really enriching for me as an actor.”
The new musical has many parallels to the singer's life, from her many headline-grabbing relationships to her childhood in the Bronx – and she wasn't shy about having conversations about her vision for the project.
According to Ashley, it was important to her to make sure it felt “grounded.”
Ashley continued: “I think that was really important to her – and you can see that in the trailer.”
“You can tell she wants to reach people’s hearts, so I think it was really important for her to convey that to us.”
Ashley (pictured right) spoke positively about working with the legendary singer on the Prime Video project with JLo
She said, “Jennifer is amazing at improvising. She's full of it and she's funny.”
Ashley shared that there was a lot of care and consideration behind the scenes
In her role, Ashley shared several scenes with the “Jenny from the Block” hitmaker, but one in particular stood out – and that was Jennifer's breathtaking improvisation skills.
She said: “My favorite moment on set is a scene where all the friends are gathered in their apartment and Jennifer walks in with someone else.”
“We were able to improvise so much while filming that scene and oh my god, it was hilarious.”
“Jennifer is incredible at improvisation.” She's full of it and she's funny. And it was just really beautiful and really fun.
“We had so much fun shooting that scene and there were so many laughs.”
Ashley shared that a lot of care and consideration went into behind the scenes to make sure the cast felt “safe” and “comfortable,” especially when it came to the costumes.
Jennifer released the trailer for her upcoming epic cinematic experience, This Is Me… Now: A Love Story, last month
The racy trailer offered glimpses into her sizzling love life – including her failed marriages
“The wardrobe department wanted to make sure you were comfortable,” she said. “They wanted you to feel confident and beautiful.”
“If you wore a revealing top or something that was a little tight, they wanted to make sure you felt good.”
“Even with the jewelry – you know, sometimes you can put earrings on and they can be a little heavy.” “Everyone's just making sure you're comfortable.”
Jennifer provided such an encouraging environment during filming that Ashley left the project with a number of new friends – artists and collaborators who help each other with their film projects.
She admitted: “I feel very, very, very blessed.” I think it all really goes from top to bottom.
“That's Jennifer creating that space for us.” You know, we contributed to taking on those roles. This is really great.'
Speaking to , Ashley gushed: “I feel very, very, very blessed.” I think this stuff is really top to bottom.
Ashley continued, “I'm grateful to be a part of this story that Jennifer is telling and I really hope people are inspired.”
“I think she shares with us that true love, real love, can last forever and ever.” She wants people to hold on to that belief and find it.
“So this is really special.”
The trailer for “This Is Me… Now: A Love Story” was released in January and showed Jennifer's friends staging an intervention because they feared she would become a sex addict after three lavish weddings.
The film is an accompaniment to her ninth studio album, This Is Me… Now, which is scheduled to be released on the same day.
The album is a sequel to her 2002 album This Is Me… Then and is her first studio album in a decade.