Presenting Ella Bright, the Next Rising Star on Television

      Before Heated Rivalry, Elle Kennedy's NYT best-selling romance series Off-Campus debuted, featuring a group of hockey-playing college roommates and the women who capture their hearts. Is it mere coincidence that two sultry, ice hockey-themed TV adaptations are set to be released within a few months of each other? Perhaps. Do we mind? Not at all. Who would turn down a captivating romantic drama filled with an ensemble cast of emerging talent? With titles like The Summer I Turned Pretty and We Were Liars, Prime Video has nailed the summer YA romance drama genre, and is likely to score another hit when Off Campus premieres on May 13. Each season will introduce a new but interconnected couple, starting with the storyline from the first book, The Deal, which revolves around a fake dating scenario between Briar University's talented musician Hannah Wells (the wonderful newcomer Ella Bright) and hockey star Garrett Graham (the equally impressive Belmont Cameli).We have a strong feeling that Bright is bound for a notably successful future in Hollywood. At just 19, she made her West End debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, appeared in the BBC series Malory Towers, and played a young Kate Middleton in the final season of The Crown. She is on the verge of a major breakout in the U.S., captivating both loyal Off Campus fans and new viewers with her heartwarming and genuine performance. We chatted with Bright before the Los Angeles premiere of Off Campus to discuss the show's speed-dating audition process, her immediate connection with Cameli, and her journey in mastering the guitar.

      Between Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, hockey is certainly enjoying a surge in popularity. What do you think makes the sport so fitting for great romantic tales?I’m from London, where ice hockey isn’t really a thing. When I first joined this project and during filming, we were completely unaware of any other similar productions coming out. Of course, hockey has been around for a while, but I thought a hockey romance was somewhat niche. It's amusing to see it gaining traction right now; it feels like the perfect time for our show to debut. I'm a big fan of Heated Rivalry. There's an air of mystery surrounding hockey players because they wear masks, making it hard to know them as deeply as athletes from other sports, and I think that mystery draws some people in. It's amusing to be part of this conversation.Off Campus is adapted from Elle Kennedy's best-selling book series. You have experience with book-to-screen adaptations from your role in Malory Towers. What excited you most about this particular adaptation?It was thrilling to have an invested audience in the story we were telling, and it’s been wonderful to feel the support from fans as we've released casting announcements and begun production. It’s been an honor; we’re incredibly grateful to have a built-in fan base, thanks to Elle Kennedy's work. The transition from Malory Towers to Off Campus was quite the leap. What appealed to me about Hannah—and what I found similar to Darrell—was the complexity of these female characters, which I feel privileged to portray.

      Hannah embarks on a significant journey this season that deeply relates to her past, her music, and her connections. I was also surprised by how crucial the friendships are within the narrative. The show explores various unexpected themes, and there are many relatable elements for viewers. That complexity made it an exciting challenge for all of us, and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with it.Tell us about your chemistry read with Belmont Cameli. Did it feel immediate?That chemistry read was honestly the most intense day any of us experienced. There were 28 actors in the room, not just casting for Garrett and Hannah, but also for the Allies, the Deans, the Tuckers, the Logans, and the Justins. From the very start, it was clear we were telling a broader story around these characters.

      Belmont and I were paired with many others; he was auditioning with the hockey team, while I just finished reading with Mika [Abdalla] and other actresses for Allie. When I read with some other Garretts, it was clear Belmont was perfect for the role. We did the scene of Hannah and Garrett's first kiss in the weight room during our read. We didn’t kiss during the chemistry read, but the chemistry shifted dramatically. I felt great about the energy we were creating, and I hoped the casting team felt the same. I’m incredibly lucky they did. We instantly clicked, making everything easier.I love that you described it like a speed-dating audition process.That’s a perfect way to say it! It was wild.

      Did you and Cameli manage to hang out before filming to enhance your natural chemistry and friendship?We didn’t have much time before production started. We exchanged numbers, but since I’m not living in the States, it was tricky to meet up beforehand. However, once we all arrived in Vancouver