Ashley Versher

Unveiling the Multi-Faceted Brilliance of Ashley Versher in GMARO Magazine's Celebrity Edition Vol.48 March 2024

This month, we dive deep into the world of Ashley Versher, an embodiment of talent and resilience, gracing our cover.

From sharing the screen with Jennifer Lopez in "This is Me.Now" to her poignant role as "The Idealist," Ashley's journey is nothing less than that of an inspired one. She plays and reflects the character full of love and self-belief.

Here is Ashley behind the scenes, teetering the world of acting, film-making, and writing in between, with graceful ease that would belie all the complexities in the craft. This kind of multidimensional career really takes the cake for devotion and passion toward acting and directing, apart from displaying versatility and talent.

Ashley is a self-made filmmaker, and her path has been hewn with determination and a hunger for learning. Her wisdom has been drawn from experiences, and the many learned women that have gone ahead of her. She echoes with her voice the sentiments of diversity and inclusivity.

Ashley's personal life is as enriching as her professional life. She treasures moments with loved ones in the remainder of a precious balance between ambition and simple joys. In all that she will do, her work will be very evident with a collaborative spirit that is considering only those partners who share vision, dedication, and kindness in an equal measure.

This is where the creativity of Ashley has always been at peak times. She is just determined by the urge to push the boundaries and make a vivid statement. Her future works are definitely going to deal with issues of motherhood, womanhood, and friendship, just as they have sparked with power so far. Ashley Versher's journey is an inspiring example for aspiring artists, simply confirming that the key to their dreams is, indeed, in a belief in oneself and a great sense of storytelling. Follow her inspirational journey on Instagram and the stories she tells in front and behind the camera.

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Actress / Writer / Director / Filmmaker - Ashley Versher @ashleyversher

IMDB - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8621447

Web - www.ashleyversher.com

Photos - Jared Schlachet

PR - ICON PR @icon_pr

How was your experience working alongside Jennifer Lopez in "This is Me...Now"? Any memorable moments on set?

It was amazing. I couldn’t have imagined having the opportunity to work with such an icon but here we are. She is, as we know, seriously talented. She is also kind, supportive and incredibly inspiring - what more could you hope for?!

"This is Me...Now" is a visual reimagining of Jennifer Lopez's life and self-healing process. How did you prepare for your role, and did it resonate with you personally?

This Is Me...Now is a love story. Who doesn’t love love? The film is about the challenges of love, holding on to the belief that everlasting love exists, showcasing the role self-love can play in our lives.

I play one of Jennifers best friends - The Idealist. She’s a romantic and focuses on the way things should or could be as opposed to the way things actually are. In preparing for the role the script was my source. It was everything. I studied it and my character, learning everything there is to know about her and how she was in service to the story.

As a multi-talented artist involved in acting, filmmaking, and writing, how do you balance these different aspects of your career?

It’s a bit of a juggling act. As an actor, my schedule and time are regulated by filming, rehearsal schedules, auditions and more. As a writer and director, for now I have a bit more flexibility. I create my own timeline for projects I am working on, which helps balance things out a bit. But I’m a “get it done” kind of person so if I have a project in development or pre-production it is all consuming, which I enjoy.

Winning awards for both Best Actor and Best Director for "Brief Exchanges" is a remarkable achievement. How did it feel to receive such recognition for your dual role?

It was so affirming. Brief Exchanges was my first short film, and making it was a real undertaking. I wrote it, directed it, co-produced it, and then decided to play the lead actor. It was a lot, so ending the film festival circuit with 13 selections and a handful of awards was validating. It strengthened my belief that I can “do this.”

As a self-taught filmmaker, what resources or experiences have been most influential in your education and growth in the field?

At one point in my career I had a number of opportunities to work on indie film sets, taking on a number of different roles. These experiences put me on set with some very talented women directors, writers, producers and cinematographers. Watching them make quality art emboldened me to believe that I could too. When the time came for me to make Brief Exchanges I summoned my courage to do the work. I watched hours and hours of YouTube, listened to a ton of podcasts and spoke to everyone I knew who had made a film. I actually even reached out to a few filmmakers I didn’t know personally - which I highly recommend.

In what ways do you think the film and television industry can further support and amplify the voices of filmmakers of color?

Over the last sevens years or so we have seen a real change in the industry. Diversity and inclusion became more integral and we started to see shows like Fresh off the Boat and Insecure join the ranks of groundbreaking television series. In terms of the increase in content about Black people and Black culture, Moonlight won an Oscar and in 2018 when Black Panther was released in the theaters it became the highest-grossing November release on record. So I would say we have truly seen positive change, though there is still more we can do. The non-profit Made In Her Image is dedicated to the advancement of women, girls and nonbinary youth of color in the film and media industry. They focus on developing pipeline programs and on set/hands on learning. That is where the industry can further provide support. Pipeline programs can bring dreams to reality, turn an amateur into a professional.

How do you maintain a balance between your professional ambitions and personal life, especially with such a busy schedule?

I would love to say that I have maintained a balance but that would not be true. I do my best to set boundaries like taking at least one day off a week, not working after 9pm, meditating in the morning before I check my devices but, I’m not perfect. I think my family and friends help the most with this. I adore them and life has taught me that time is precious and so it is my time with them that contributes to balance.

Collaboration is a key aspect of filmmaking. How do you choose the people you work with, and what qualities do you look for in collaborators?

Honestly, I love to work with my friends. I trust them. I know they are talented and I know their work ethic, which are the first things I look for in a collaborator. Second, I look for people who understand the story, who can see the vision, who are passionate about the story, and who are down to fight to get the job done well. Lastly, a kind person with a positive mindset is key.

How do you stay motivated and creative during challenging times?

Over the last 4 years there have been two major pauses in the industry - the pandemic and last year's strike. During the pandemic, I had decided that I wanted to do everything in my power to move my career forward. I was unemployed and had nothing to lose so I wrote a film and decided to make it. In challenging times I allow my circumstances to motivate me and push me one step closer towards my goals. Creating Brief Exchanges was a testament to this.

How do you approach giving life to a character written by someone else compared to one you've written yourself?

It’s a bit tricky when you are playing a character you have written. I do think you might have an initial clarity about the character, but the trap is to assume that you don’t have to do the same amount of work you would do if you had not written the character. Doing the work is a necessity.

How do you hope to inspire the next generation of actors and filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented communities?

I want my actions and journey to encourage the next generation of actors and filmmakers to believe in themselves. I want them to have the mindset “if she can do it, I can do it” when it comes to pursuing their passions. I hope the stories I tell in front of and behind the camera resonate and remind them that their stories are just as important and needed.

What projects are you currently working on, and what can your fans look forward to next?

First I will say that if you haven’t seen This Is Me...Now, run home and turn on Prime Video immediately. And if you have then follow me on instagram as I journey through the process of making my next short film centered on the prospect of motherhood, the challenges of womanhood, and the beauty of friendship.

Finally, what message do you hope to convey through your work, both as an actor and as a filmmaker?

I hope to shine light on the beauty, the importance and the value of Black people and Black culture.