Jennifer Lopez has taken on a remarkable challenge with her latest project, 'This is Me…Now: A Love Story'. The 65-minute musical film, which can be viewed on Prime Video, showcases Lopez's talents as a singer, actor, and dancer. However, the true feat of this project was when Lopez found herself without funding and made the decision to finance the entire production herself.
During an interview at the Four Seasons Los Angeles, Lopez and her producing partner, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, discussed the obstacles they faced when the money fell through. Despite the initial fear and uncertainty, they were determined to see their vision come to life. Goldsmith-Thomas expressed her admiration for Lopez's commitment and willingness to follow her heart.
'This is Me…Now: A Love Story' not only serves as the visual complement to Lopez's first studio album in a decade, but it also features an impressive lineup of stars including Jane Fonda, Trevor Noah, Fat Joe, Post Malone, Keke Palmer, Sofia Vergara, Jay Shetty, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Kim Petras, and others. Additionally, Lopez's real-life husband, Ben Affleck, makes a cameo appearance, adding another layer of intrigue to the project.
The idea for the film came about once Lopez had completed the album. Reflecting on her past work, such as 'This is Me…Then', she found inspiration to create something that captured her current experience of love. When she shared her vision with director Dave Meyers, he recognized the story she had just told him as the heart of the film. Lopez wanted to avoid simply retelling her love story with Affleck, opting instead for a more unique and visually engaging approach.
One of the notable aspects of 'This is Me…Now: A Love Story' is its infusion of humor. Lopez believes that life itself is funny, even in its most heartwrenching moments. She wanted to explore this duality of emotions, showcasing not only the absurdity of certain situations but also the heartbreaking realities of life. The incorporation of comedy into the film allows viewers to experience the complex and often contradictory nature of human existence.
Despite the challenges they faced, Lopez and Goldsmith-Thomas managed to create an impressive production that exceeded their original budget. The film's self-financing nature made it an independent and ambitious project. However, their determination and belief in the vision propelled them forward.
Lopez's husband, Ben Affleck, also plays a role in the film as the character Mr. Lex Stone. His presence adds depth and complexity to the story, representing the lingering presence of a past love even when one has moved on.
Lopez's foray into the world of streaming platforms, such as Prime Video and Netflix, has proven successful. With projects like 'This is Me…Now: A Love Story' and the upcoming film 'Atlas' for Netflix, she continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of Hollywood. Lopez and Goldsmith-Thomas prioritize diversity in their work and focus on collaborating with talented individuals who share their commitment to inclusivity.
As they embark on new projects and explore different avenues within the industry, Lopez and Goldsmith-Thomas remain connected through their creative partnership. Their constant communication, mutual respect, and shared excitement contribute to their success and enjoyment of the work they do.
Despite the challenges they faced during the creation of 'This is Me…Now: A Love Story', Jennifer Lopez and Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas were determined to see their vision come to life. Their commitment, creativity, and willingness to take risks resulted in a remarkable musical film that showcases both Lopez's talents and her unique storytelling abilities.