Prime Video's new soapy drama Off Campus has already scored a second-season renewal, and fans are buzzing about the electric chemistry between leads Ella Bright and Belmont Cameli. Based on Elle Kennedy's four-book romance series, Season 1 adapts The Deal, following star hockey captain Garrett Graham (Cameli) and music student Hannah Wells (Bright) as they strike a fake-dating arrangement that leads to real love. But behind the steamy romance lies a story that tackles heavy topics—Hannah's past assault and Garrett's abusive father—requiring the actors to dig deep.
In a recent interview, Bright and Cameli revealed that their on-screen magic was no accident. The casting process included a massive chemistry read with 28 actors vying for roles across the hockey team, friendships, and the central couple. Bright recalled reading with several Garrett hopefuls, but when Cameli walked in, the room knew instantly. "It was like a whole other story," she said. "He left the room, and everyone was like, 'Well, that's obviously Garrett Graham.'" Cameli agreed, noting their scenes together felt "honest and simple" from the start. The pair became fast friends, spending the summer bonding between takes.
Their first scene together—Hannah tutoring Garrett in philosophy—was a natural starting point. Cameli admitted that even with thorough prep, the beginning of a shoot always requires trust and play. "You're not informed by anything yet," he explained. "It's really just about listening and trusting and trying things." That foundation proved crucial when it came to the show's intimate moments.
When asked about filming the steamy sex scenes, both actors emphasized the importance of their intimacy coordinator. Cameli described a meticulous process where every detail is discussed with the coordinator, showrunners, writers, and each other. "The sex on the show is to advance the narrative," he said. "There's an emotional journey happening separately and together for these characters." The lengthy conversations before each scene ensured they felt "comfortable and safe as much as you can shooting a sex scene." Bright added that the collaborative environment made the experience feel secure.
But the most challenging moments weren't the romantic ones—they were the scenes dealing with trauma. Bright noted that while the show is fun and sexy, it also reflects life's complexities. "Both of these characters have these harder aspects to their lives that create these conversations," she said. "We both put a lot of care and thought into every line." Cameli echoed that sentiment, calling those dramatic arcs "exhausting" and "difficult" to play, but ultimately rewarding. The actors worked closely with the writing team to portray the serious topics with sensitivity.
For fans of the books, the adaptation stays true to Kennedy's emotional depth. Our review of Off Campus praised how the series balances romance with heavier themes. Showrunner Louisa Levy also discussed why she introduced supporting characters Allie and Dean early in Season 1, a move that enriches the world beyond the central couple. Read more about Levy's creative choices here.
With Season 2 already greenlit, fans can expect more of the chemistry that made the casting process so memorable. As Bright put it, "The energy felt very electric." And for Cameli, the key was simple: "We get along great, and it was super easy and fun." That ease translates on screen, making Off Campus a must-watch for romance enthusiasts.
