NJ Production Story

"Hi Val, I have a favor to ask of you. Can you help me? I need a production assistant for the Jersey shoot." Thus began my career in film production. The fact that I had no idea what a PA did, didn't stop me from jumping in. I already felt like it was my movie! I got to read early drafts of the script and give input to the revision. After auditioning, I landed the part of Aunt Rose. Now I was going to help make it! When the 12 page list detailing what needed to be done came in the mail, I had second thoughts. At least I was only an assistant. A week later, the second call came, "Hi Val, things are getting hectic here in Colorado, do you think you could take charge of production in N.J.?" Already a promotion!

Despite locations falling through, constant need for props and wardrobe, we seemed to get everything we needed, just when we'd start to panic. Perhaps the best was getting the stately Community Center in Spring Lake to be our "old Boston money estate." Michele and I scouted the outside after our original location fell through. We first asked to film just the outside, then asked for the front door... could we open it... could we use the beautiful room we found inside? Not only did they let us, they brought in a cleaning crew to get it ready for us! They even let us use the silver. When clearing out our props we inadvertently took the silver. Returning it, I told them, "Although we beg and borrow, we stop at stealing!"

God provided the weather and the falling petals for the love scene and somehow we did it. The best part was that all input was considered. The collected talent and energy was wonderful to be a part of. Everyone shared their knowledge and willingly became a teacher. We all became students.

by Valerie Larson Monroe

(Valerie Larson Monroe plays Aunt Rose in This Place of Love. Val's other credits in This Place of Love are to numerous to count.)