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