Writer, filmmaker and actress Ashley Versher said she has tackled many interesting jobs in the past. But working with Jennifer Lopez on the Amazon original film “This is Me…Now” remains a highlight. “I think my favorite scene was the intervention scene, which we shot in a beautiful Bel Air mansion,” said Versher, who splits her time between Los Angeles and New York City. “Jennifer is quite funny, so it was very cool to play off whatever she would throw at us. You never knew what she was going to say, so it kept you on your toes in the best way. I play the role of The Idealist and this scene really challenges that persona, because she is a romantic and wants to believe in happily ever after.” To stay in touch with Versher, you may follow her on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ashleyversher/).
Q: Of all the characters you’ve played, which one was the most like you and why?
A: Great question! Honestly, I don’t think I am very much like any of the characters I’ve played. I am naturally quirky and some would say funny. So, I haven’t quite had the opportunity to express that in a big way. But I can say there are bits of me in every role.
Q: Where are some places that you’ve filmed your various projects?
A: I have filmed most in New York. The good is that New York is really its own character and that can change the shape of a project in such a beautiful way. But as for the bad, I mean it’s New York, so wild things can happen at any moment of the day. I’d also say if you are shooting an indie film with little to no licenses, guerrilla style, the challenge is real. People are always trying to get where they are going in New York, so accommodating others is not a strong suit of the city.
Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?
A: My all-time favorite is Paris. It is just a magical city. The food is incroyable! The fashion is effortless and there are an endless number of things to do and see. You can have a magical moment just sitting outside a local coffee shop.
Q: What untapped destination should people know about?
A: There is a small surfer village in Mexico called Sayulita. It is lovely. There is a sprawling beachfront and loads of local artist shops and restaurants.
Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?
A: I love to travel. It’s my favorite thing to do, so I’ve never met a trip I did not enjoy. When I was quite young my entire family took a trip across the United States from San Francisco to Los Angeles to Atlanta to New Orleans to Chicago and then back to Los Angeles and finally back home to San Francisco – all on a train! It was incredible! I love my family more than anything, so the memories of that trip hold a special place in my heart.
Q: What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from your travels?
A: Well, two things – make sure you travel with people that travel the way you like to travel, otherwise things can get awkward and difficult fast, and stay open to new foods, new language, new culture, new anything and everything. Traveling is all about learning and experiencing something different than what I am used to, different from what I know. You’ve got to get outside of your comfort zone and have fun!
Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A: I love to go to Napa and Idyllwild (California) and Vegas, baby.
Q: If you’ve ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?
A: Actually, I spent this past holiday season in Nice, Paris and then rang in the new year at Oblix Restaurant in London. It was fabulous. Christmas in Europe is like no other and since it’s my favorite holiday, that made it all the more special.
Q: What are your five favorite cities?
A: Easy! Paris, New York, London, Florence, New Orleans.
Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?
A: Africa and Japan are at the very top of my list!
Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A: My white leather Converse, a little black dress, one perfect pair of sunglasses that work with every outfit and, of course, my favorite travel partner.
Q: What kind of research do you do before you go away on a trip?
A: I go wild! I love to do research. I use TripAdvisor, TikTok and YouTube. For my most recent trip to Paris, I came across a YouTube channel called Les Frenchies – they had fabulous recommendations!
Q: What is your best vacation memory?
A: There are so many to choose from but one that comes to mind is my most recent trip to Hawaii. I took the most luxurious nap on a Waikiki beach at the Moana Surfrider.
Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you’re on the road?
A: A crisp glass of champagne, a delectable cheese and charcuterie board, and all the shopping a girl can handle.
Q: Do you speak any foreign languages?
A: Not yet! I’m OK with Spanish and I have picked up quite a bit of French from my travels and from family. French is probably the easiest of the two for me.
Q: If you could only pick one place to eat, would you prefer a food truck or fine dining?
A: Fine dining hands down! Mainly because I truly enjoy the entire experience. Hospitality is all about curating an unforgettable memory. Who wouldn’t want to have a meal like that?
(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and travel writer. You can respond to this column by visiting her website at www.jaehakim.com. You may also follow “Go Away With…” on Twitter at @GoAwayWithJae where Jae-Ha Kim welcomes your questions and comments.)