Ella Bright, known for her role in the children's series Malory Towers, has taken a significant step in her acting career by starring in Prime Video's new romance series Off Campus as Hannah Wells. Bright's transition from British television to a leading role in a major streaming service highlights her growing prominence in the industry.
From A-Levels to Acting
The London-born actress, who was contemplating a break from acting to focus on her A-level exams and college, auditioned for Off Campus on a whim. “I did the audition, I got the part in this whirlwind month process,” Bright told The Hollywood Reporter. At just 18, she secured the lead role, putting her academic plans on hold.
“It was just a really daunting experience, but I just feel like I went with it full force because this was just a dream come true for me in so many ways,” Bright said. Her portrayal of Hannah Wells, a college music student, is central to the series, based on Elle Kennedy's popular book series.
A New Chapter in a Popular Genre
Off Campus follows the lives of a college hockey team and their romantic entanglements, focusing on Bright's character and her relationship with Garrett Graham, played by Belmont Cameli. The series has drawn comparisons to Netflix's Bridgerton for its ensemble cast and evolving storylines.
Thanks to platforms like BookTok, the romance genre, particularly sports romance, has seen a resurgence. Bright was surprised by the series' popularity, recalling an encounter on the London Tube with a fan excited for her portrayal of Hannah.
“I wasn’t expecting or aware of how popular this book series was,” Bright admitted.
Building Chemistry On and Off Screen
Bright and Cameli's on-screen chemistry is pivotal for the series' success. “I met Belmont in the chemistry reads, and it was an immediate, obvious answer that it was him,” Bright said. Their collaboration extends beyond the set, often enjoying casual outings post-filming.
The young cast of Off Campus has formed a tight-knit group, supporting each other through production and its subsequent press tour. “We are always giving each other advice,” Bright noted, emphasizing the camaraderie among cast members.
Comparisons and Future Prospects
Despite comparisons to HBO Max’s Heated Rivalry, both series developed independently. Bright, a fan of Heated Rivalry, appreciates the shared enthusiasm for hockey romances.
Looking ahead, Bright and the cast are set to film the second season of Off Campus in Vancouver. Meanwhile, she continues to balance her personal life, cherishing time with family in London before potentially moving out.
“I’m looking to move out maybe in the next year or so, but I’ve been really enjoying spending time with my family,” she said, reflecting on her journey from a child actress to a leading star.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/ella-bright-off-campus-interview-1236587053/
