‘Off Campus’ Star Ella Bright & Songwriter Amy Allen In Conversation

Since its debut in May, Amazon’s series Off Campus has rapidly gained popularity, elevating its cast members to newfound recognition. Central among them is Ella Bright, who plays Hannah Wells—a college music major navigating the pressures of a campus Pop Showcase crucial to retaining her scholarship. Although Bright had limited singing experience before filming, her performance—including dynamic covers of Elton John and Warrant tracks—became standout moments that significantly boosted streaming numbers and even secured her a Billboard chart appearance.

These covers, while successful, were ultimately overshadowed by the emotional resonance of the show’s only original song, “Girl That I Am.” Crafted by Grammy-winning songwriter Amy Allen alongside Ethan Gruska, the track has amassed nearly five million official on-demand streams in the United States alone. Its presence anchors the series’ deluxe soundtrack released in late July by Island Records. The song’s impact was further amplified when Bright joined Suki Waterhouse onstage during Waterhouse’s Vancouver tour—a city where the Off Campus cast is currently filming its second season—to deliver a live rendition.

Bright’s immersion into music extended beyond acting; she learned to play guitar and piano to authentically embody Hannah’s character. Her newfound passion translated into a personal commitment, acquiring an amplifier immediately after completing the first season and regularly practicing guitar in her Vancouver apartment. Amy Allen, reflecting on their collaboration via Zoom, expressed enthusiasm for Bright’s musical evolution and eagerness to continue working with her.

Their initial meeting took place at an Island Records event celebrating the show’s soundtrack. Allen, a long-time fan of Bright’s work, appreciated the vulnerability Bright conveyed in her performances. This authenticity was a key factor in Allen’s approach to writing “Girl That I Am,” a song designed to encapsulate Hannah’s journey with honesty and emotional depth. Allen noted the unique challenges of creating music for a television character, emphasizing the need to intertwine narrative beats and character development without sacrificing sincerity.

Bright’s journey from hesitant singer to confident performer included moments of self-doubt, particularly when revealing her role involved singing to friends familiar with musical theater. However, the positive response to the music—and the emotional reactions from those close to her—solidified her connection to the craft. The production’s dedication to authenticity was evident, requiring Bright to perform her own guitar and piano parts on screen without the use of hand doubles.

As filming continues for the show’s sophomore season, the musical focus shifts to Hannah’s exploration of future aspirations beyond performing, including music production. This narrative progression mirrors Bright’s own artistic growth, suggesting a blending of character and actor experiences. Bright has expressed interest in developing her songwriting abilities further, building on a background of youthful experimentation with composing.

The show’s musical collaborations extend beyond Allen and Bright. Notably, Niall Horan contributed to a cover featured in the series, highlighting the crossover appeal surrounding Off Campus. Details about additional partnerships or future projects involving Bright remain limited at this time.

Together, Bright and Allen’s partnership underscores a broader trend in television where music plays a pivotal role in storytelling, offering actors like Bright opportunities to expand their artistic range. Their collaboration on “Girl That I Am” not only enriches the narrative of Off Campus but also marks a significant milestone for Bright as she embraces her identity as a musician alongside her acting career.