Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli Share Heartfelt Moments of Connection Between Hannah and Garrett in Season 1 of Off Campus
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for Season 1 of Prime Video’s Off Campus.
The first season of Off Campus, adapted from Elle Kennedy’s bestselling book series, has made its debut on Prime Video, immersing viewers in a world of college hockey and romantic entanglements.
The series foregrounds the themes of "fake dating turning into real feelings," reminiscent of beloved on-screen couples like Lara Jean Song Covey and Peter Kavinsky from To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before and Daphne Bridgerton and Simon, the Duke of Hastings from Bridgerton. In this adaptation, singer-songwriter Hannah Wells, portrayed by Ella Bright, finds herself entangled with Garrett Graham, the captain of Briar University’s elite hockey team, played by Belmont Cameli.
As Hannah aces a philosophy midterm, Garrett struggles to maintain his position on the hockey squad and recruits her as a tutor. His initial attempts to win her over—including an awkward incident involving her unexpectedly seeing him naked—set the stage for their unusual partnership. The situation deepens further when Garrett proposes a fake relationship to attract attention from Hannah’s longtime crush, Justin Kohl, played by Josh Heuston.
"It’s really fun to see them play with developing these real feelings and getting confused and working through that. Obviously, it all works out well in the end," said Bright, reflecting on the journey of her character.
In a twist influenced by Kennedy’s first book, The Deal, Hannah’s request from Garrett complicates their arrangement, leading to an unexpected romance as they reveal their vulnerabilities to each other.
Bright and Cameli also shared insights into their characters’ dynamic during an interview, recounting the collaborative atmosphere while filming. Discussing the opening sequence, which features shots of Hannah dancing and Garrett skating to Billy Idol’s “Dancing With Myself,” Bright noted the fun but challenging environment of their first week on set, emphasizing the playful energy of filming under late-night conditions.
“Dancing With Myself was just playing on loop. It was a really fun end to the first week,” she recalled, while Cameli added that he focused on observing her performance closely.
Music serves as a crucial connective element between Hannah and Garrett, with Bright mentioning the significance of their shared playlist. "It was just… the literal first moment of the scene is them playing the exact same song," she said, highlighting the inherent bond reflected in their choices.
Cameli expressed gratitude for leading the first couple’s narrative in the beloved series, stating, "I felt very grateful to be in the position. I thought it was important… to set a good example for all the other couples that we’ll have, hopefully in later seasons."
Bright echoed the privilege of adapting revered source material, emphasizing the enthusiasm both actors brought to the project. Cameli further delved into his character’s relationship with his father, Phil Graham, noting the complexity of portraying that dynamic while emphasizing the impact it has on Garrett’s development throughout the season.
This adaptation of Off Campus not only navigates the highs and lows of college life but also explores deep emotional connections and personal growth, ensuring viewers stay engaged as the story unfolds.
