Behind the Scenes of Filming Molly and Drew (Part 1)
- Kortni Lasater
- Jul 21
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 21
Some moments in life stand out as unforgettable, filled with meaning and excitement. For me, that moment happened inside a bridal boutique, for a wedding that was fake, wearing a wedding gown that did not belong to me and standing under bright production lights while filming a scene for the upcoming movie Molly and Drew. This experience was not just about being given the opportunity to be in a scene; it was about being part of a story that celebrates love, courage, and joy in a unique and heartfelt way.
Dustin Marcellino, the director of The Identical and several other wonderful independent films, has been a dear family friend for years. Back in 2024, he shared with my husband and me a new project he was dreaming up. Well, as someone who’s always been a behind‑the‑scenes Hollywood enthusiast, I perked right up. I leaned in and said, “You know…” in that classic Southern way we use when inspiration strikes and we’re about to slide ourselves right into something exciting.
And wouldn’t you know it, those two little words worked their magic. Before long, I’d found myself woven right into the storyline. With Dustin behind the camera, I knew this film was going to be something special, the kind folks carry with them long after the credits roll.
Molly and Drew tells the story of two young adults with Down syndrome who fall in love and embark on a journey across the country to Las Vegas, where if all goes according to plan, they would get married. I smile and think about that word, "Plan" as if there is some magic in that word that makes things go accordingly. Although my role was small, it played a key part in the emotional flow of the movie.
The Email
On October 23, 2025, that first email popped up: “Hi everyone! This is Samantha Roe, your costume designer for the Molly & Drew project…” The moment I read those words, a wave of excitement rolled right through me. It stirred up that little girl inside, the one who always dreamed of being part of something big. Honestly, it felt like I’d just won the Willy Wonka golden ticket.
Not long after, Dustin let Cole and me know that filming was set for the week of November 2. I swear, my heart did a little flip, half excitement, half dread. November 2 just so happened to be our 12‑year anniversary. We teased Dustin, telling him he’d have to move filming so we could still enjoy our weekend in Nashville. We already had plans to eat at Bourbon Steakhouse and watch the Titans play at Nissan Stadium.
I'm sure most reading this would be like "girl, you did not just tell the director to move filming for you?" Guilty as charged. Funny enough, celebrating that milestone the day before filming actually helped me slip into character more naturally.
November 3 finally rolled around, and my call time was set for 5:00 p.m. My friend Erica (pictured in the gray jacket) was in the film too, but she had to be on set hours before I did. She sent me a full SOS that morning needing help with wardrobe. So after dropping Emma off at school, I headed straight to Erica’s house with half my closet piled in my arms. I’d barely run a brush through my hair, still had on my house shoes and pajamas, and showed up looking an absolute mess, but ready to rescue her and get her put together.
Proud moment: the costume designer loved the outfit I pulled together. And listen… when a pro signs off on your work, that’s basically your cue to hang a little “Wardrobe Consultant, Now Open” sign on the door.
Playing “The Bride To Be”
In the scene we filmed, I portrayed “The Bride‑To‑Be.” The setting was a dreamy little bridal boutique full of lace, and tulle. I was trying on gowns, feeling all bridal with my precious southern friends, until they shoved that microphone right down the front of my dress. I kept absent‑mindedly fiddling with the fabric, and the sound guy got on to me twice. After that, I learned real quick to pretend I was adjusting my dress without actually touching it, because apparently every tiny ruffle sounded like a thunderstorm in his headphones.
Then Molly enters the scene.
Molly, portrayed by actress Lauren Potter, works at the dress shop. When she entered the room during the live take, her face radiated with genuine happiness. She said the dress I had on was the most beautiful she’d ever seen. Her words were sincere and heartfelt, making me feel truly flattered, not just as a cast member but as a person. Lauren’s ability to bring kindness and authenticity into the scene made the moment feel real and special.
It was the point in the film where Molly looks on and genuinely hopes to one day be someone's bride, surrounded by family and loved ones for something truly meaningful. During filming, it was a moment for me, in my mind I wanted to look at the camera and assure the audience that everything will be okay, just stay with the plot a little longer.
The Dress, the Crew, and the Magic of Filming
This photo shows one of my favorite moments from the day. I truly felt like a bride walking into her red-carpet moment, with cameras and crew bustling around me. The energy on set was electric.
We spent about three hours shooting the scene. The process involved:
Adjusting camera angles to capture the perfect shot
Retaking lines to get the delivery just right
Shifting lights to highlight the dress and the emotions on our faces
Capturing genuine reactions from everyone involved
This meticulous attention to detail gave me a deep appreciation for the craft of filmmaking. Every small adjustment mattered to create a scene that would resonate with viewers.
What I Learned From My Day on Set
Being part of this film taught me several valuable lessons:
Every role matters: Even a small part can have a big impact on the story’s emotional rhythm.
Collaboration is key: The crew’s teamwork and dedication made the scene possible.
Authenticity connects: Genuine emotions on screen create a powerful connection with the audience.
Patience and precision: Filming takes time and careful attention to detail.
These lessons apply not only to acting but to many areas of life where teamwork and sincerity are important.
Why This Experience Was So Special
The people gathered just outside the frame, my friends, my family, the crew, weren’t just part of the movie. They’re part of my life. My community. My people. And having them there made everything feel less like a set and more like home.
This experience reminded me that stories about real people , told with kindness, courage, and a whole lot of heart, have the power to lift us up. And being surrounded by friends and family while helping tell one of those stories? That’s the kind of blessing you tuck away and carry with you.
And the best part? We’re not done.
This was just the torch, the spark. The real filming begins this winter, and I can’t wait to step back into that world, surrounded by the same people who made this first chapter in my life unforgettable.
Part 2 is coming. Stay tuned, y’all.
Love, Kortni Lasater
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