Valerie Dillman Gives an Inside Look at Playing the Role of Blondie in "Charlie Valentine"

The executive producers of "Charlie Valentine" are pleased to announce Valerie Dillman was recently awarded Best Supporting Actress at the Maverick Movie Awards for her role as Blondie, a stripper who falls in love with lead character Charlie Valentine played by Raymond J. Barry. In the following interview, Valerie discusses her role as Blondie and her experience in preparing for - and playing - the role of a stripper.

Q1. How do you feel about winning this award? Is it different than other awards you’ve won for previous roles?

A. It feels really great and is a welcome surprise, like finding money on the street. Fun. And also, wondering: did someone drop this?

Q2. What were you most interested about in playing the role of Blondie?

A. I wanted to explore her neediness, her brokenness, her desire to change.

Q3. What was the audition/casting process for this role like?

A. I read a few times, and then came in and read with Raymond, and that's when Jesse decided that it was right.

Q4. What did you do differently in your performance as Blondie that you have not done in any other previous roles?

A. Pole dancing! It was a lot of fun, and quite difficult. I enjoyed it immensely. I especially loved when we (the women in class) all performed for each other at the end of class. It was a very supportive group.

Q5. What was the most challenging and/or intriguing part of playing this character?

A. Walking in those high stripper platform shoes. Jesse said " ok, Val, walk over here and then we'll come in with the camera..." I took two steps and immediately fell on my ass. Everyone laughed. I felt oh so not sexy.

Q6. Many of your roles are in television series, but more recently you have been in shorts and several feature films. Are you interested in focusing more on playing roles in feature films?

A. I absolutely love independent film making, and would be happy and grateful to keep working in this way.

Q7. What was your favorite part of playing the role of Blondie?

A. Being able to work with Raymond. He's a wonderful actor and artist. And an amazing person.

Q8. Was there anything in the script you felt uncomfortable doing?

A. Nope.

Q9. Which scene in the film was your favorite?

A. My favorite was telling Charlie about our baby. But I also loved the after sex betrayal scene. I loved the way Jesse shot it.

Q10. Did you do any research to prepare for your role as Blondie?

A. Strip clubs. Lots and lots of strip clubs. I really enjoyed watching the strippers and chatting with them. A lot of them are extremely talented.

Q11. How much input did you have on the wardrobe for your role as Blondie?

A. The costume designer and i went stripper shopping and picked out outfits that we both liked. Also I used some of my own clothes. Thrift shop stuff.

Q12. What was it like working with Jesse V. Johnson?

A. Jessie is an incredible director, very supportive and has a strong vision for his films. It was fantastic working with him.

Q13. How was the overall set of the film like (e.g., working with the cast and crew of the film)?

A. Everybody was kind and enthusiastic and supportive. It was great!

Q14. Were any of your lines or mannerisms in the role of Blondie a result of spontaneity?

A. I stayed close to the script, and let the character live in the moments. I tried not to plan too much.

Q15. Did anything unusual occur on the set of Charlie Valentine? If so, please explain

A. Hmmmm. Nothing comes to mind that I'm willing to admit!

Q16. What are you hoping will come as a result of being part of this film?

A. I am hoping Jesse will make Charlie Valentine 2, Blondie's Revenge! I would love to be an action star!!!!

Action of Film International Film Festival

Congratulations to the cast and crew of "Charlie Valentine" for winning five awards at the Action of Film International Film Festival including Action Film of the Year; Best Picture; Best Score – Feature; Best Cinematography – Jonathan Hall; and Best in Show.

"Charlie Valentine" Film Synopsis

A rich and gritty motion picture written and directed by Jesse V. Johnson (“The Fifth Commandment, “Green Street Hooligans 2”) “Charlie Valentine” chronicles the exploits of the title character, Charlie, a career criminal intent on scoring one last big pay day. When his “perfect crime” goes bad, Charlie flees to Los Angeles to hide out with and enlist the help of his estranged son, Danny. What ensues reveals the true nature of some of the most unsavory of characters.

“Charlie Valentine” carries a star-studded cast including CBS megahit star Michael Weatherly (“NCIS”) who stars as Charlie’s son, Danny, while Raymond J. Barry (“Born on the Fourth of July”, “Interview with the Assassin”) portrays the title character, Charlie. Additional star cast members include Oscar nominee Tom Berenger (“Platoon”), Emmy award winner Keith David (“Crash”), Maxine Bahns (“The Brothers McMullen”), Steven Bauer (“Scarface”), and James Russo (“Public Enemies”).

Shot in 35mm Technoscope widescreen, “Charlie Valentine” has received positive audience response at film festivals throughout the world including Monaco, Naples, Boston, and Orlando, winning over 12 awards, from Best Picture to Best Screenplay. To view the movie trailer, read cast bios, and learn more about “Charlie Valentine”, visit www.CharlieValentinetheMovie.com.