Wayward Principal Cast is Complete!

I haven't posted an update in almost a month! Things have been moving along at lightning speed around the Wayward Camp! We have been working on casting, costuming, props and location scouting! We've also been learning about production insurance and meeting with advisers and learning about historically accurate soldier uniforms! We've learned how combs were made in the 1700s and even learned that although men had buttons on their waistcoats in Colonial America, women didn't have buttons on their clothes until much later! They tied, pinned and even sewed themselves inside! We've learned about filming at night and that the key to filming dark scenes is...of all things...light! We've even been on our own version of that HGTV show, House Hunters...We call it "Woods Hunters." Hunting for the perfect forest for Mercy and Bennett to get "lost" in!

But, one of the most exciting and important things we have accomplished since we last spoke is...we have completed Principal Casting! The Principal Cast is all of the main characters of a film. And, we have all of ours! AND, we are almost finished Background Casting as well! So, without further ado, I'd love to introduce you to the Principal Cast of Wayward!

A Partnership of Historic Proportions

As I imagined where home would be for Mercy and Bennett, I found myself dreaming of the houses I saw in Colonial Williamsburg. The Yates family is wealthy. Father is a shopkeeper. Their house, I imagined, would be large with clapboard siding. Maybe there would be a fence. Perhaps some big, old trees. But, where could I find a home that would fit that description here in Southwest Virginia? I began to research options. Far-reaching options. Ones that would not be easily achievable for a film crew on a shoestring budget. Traveling far out of town would not be in the cards for this film.

Then, I came upon a name that I had been hearing about for years...Historic Smithfield Plantation. I've seen this name written on my mom's planner every Christmas. They have a Colonial Holiday Tea each year and each year we try to go, but our December fills up before it even begins.

We decided to drive up to Blacksburg one Monday in May to take a tour. The plantation is right in the middle of Virginia Tech property. As a matter of fact, take a left at Lane Stadium and you're almost there! But, once you enter the Preston Family Grounds, you're transported right back to 1774!

This home is an original, pre-Revolutionary structure, still standing as it did at the birth of our nation...right here in our back yard! I was so blown away by the fact that this home, that we are able to walk inside, saw our nation gain independence, watched as members of this Patriot family served in the Virginia House of Delegates, fought in the War of 1812, became Governor of Virginia, served in the General Assembly and Secretary of the Navy under President Taylor. And, having stayed in the Preston family for generations, was eventually opened to the public in 1964 as a beautiful house museum, allowing guests to touch a piece of Colonial history!

This was EXACTLY what I had pictured for the Yates family in Wayward! I have learned, as a filmmaker, if you want something bad enough, you should ask! The worst anyone can say is "No." This was worth the risk to me. So, coming to the house armed with some examples of my work JUST IN CASE, I spoke briefly with our tour guide about my project. He gave me the names of those I would need to speak with and off I went to send them an email.

We were able to visit again in June to make a proposal for a partnership with Smithfield as a featured location in Wayward. After a vote by the Board of Directors, it was decided in late June, that Historic Smithfield Plantation will partner with Chloe Shelton Films and serve as a featured location for Wayward!

I visited once more last week to sign the Agreement and do a Technical Scout in preparation for our filming! I even got to introduce our friend and Costume Designer, Kathy to Smithfield!

I cannot tell you how excited I am to film at Historic Smithfield Plantation! This is truly a dream come true! And, as an extra bonus: the set dressing is just about complete as it's already dressed in its 18th Century best!

Left to Right: Chairman of the Board, William Foster, Jr, Program Coordinator, Kenna Jewel, Chloe, Executive Director Ryan Spencer

Introducing Mercy and Bennett Yates!

If you know me and my family in "real life" then you know that my little sister is an actress! She, along with my non-actor brother, have been my guinea pigs ("stars") in many, many films throughout our growing up years. However, in the past few years as I've been working on larger scale productions, my sister has been focusing her energy and training on stage acting and singing. She has appeared in all of my films, but usually in a very small role or as background. At the time the Wayward script came to me, I decided that I wanted her to be a lead actor in this film. So, the role of Mercy Yates was written just for my sister!

Next, I needed to find my Bennett! I've worked with MANY great boy actors throughout the past few years! All of my films that I've written and directed have featured children. So, I felt confident that my Bennett was out there! After a very successful online casting call, I had a pool of wonderful actors! They were asked to read a two page excerpt from the script. I wanted to see their emotions as Bennett. This role is a demanding one, both physically and emotionally! Add to that the Colonial American speech patterns and the historic setting, and you get a very interesting task for a middle-schooler! However, all of these boys did an amazing job! It was a difficult task to choose just one!

After much deliberation and conversations with his awesome mom, I chose my Bennett! Both of these actors are seasoned even at their young ages! They both have extensive experience on stage and screen! I feel certain that they will melt your heart!

Gabrielle Shelton and Elliot Ware will star as Mercy and Bennett Yates in Wayward