The Sonic World of ‘Off Campus’: An Interview with Ella Bright
Based on the beloved hockey romance book series by Elle Kennedy, Prime Video’s Off Campus captures the complex love story between Hannah, a music major, and Garrett, a hockey player. Their relationship, which begins as a strategic, fake arrangement, evolves into a profound connection rooted in shared vulnerability and, most importantly, music.
Music serves as the heartbeat of the show. For Hannah, it is a primary mode of expression, and for the audience, it acts as an emotional anchor. The production team, led by music supervisor Amanda Thomas, emphasized that the sonic landscape was built on intentionality. Every character possesses a unique musical identity, and every relationship is defined by its own specific soundscape.
Building the Sonic Identity
Ella Bright, who portrays Hannah, noted that music was essential to her performance. She curated personal playlists to inhabit her character’s headspace, even utilizing specific tracks like Noah Kahan’s “Call Your Mom” to prepare for emotionally taxing scenes. This collaborative approach extended to the entire cast, with each actor developing a musical profile for their character.
“I think our guiding light is what feels intentional,” says Amanda Thomas. The team balanced the need for timelessness with the desire to keep the show feeling current for a modern college-aged audience. This involved a delicate mix of classic rock, oldies, and contemporary hits, carefully curated to reflect the evolving dynamics between characters.
The Challenges of Musical Performance
Performing music on screen presented its own set of challenges. Ella Bright shared that while the pre-recording process in the studio provided a safety net, the actual filming required intense focus. She recalled the anxiety of performing with earwigs, where the soundtrack was audible to the crew, leaving her feeling exposed during a cappella moments.
Composer Alana Da Fonseca highlighted the creative process behind the finale’s standout track, “Girl That I Am.” The team sought to incorporate elements of Hannah’s journey throughout the season, including the use of vocal looping, a technique that resonated deeply with Bright’s own musical interests. By collaborating with songwriters like Amy Allan, the team ensured the music felt authentic to the character’s voice and the show’s narrative arc.
Ultimately, the soundtrack of Off Campus is more than just background noise; it is a narrative device that deepens our understanding of these characters. Through careful collaboration and a commitment to authenticity, the team has created a sonic world that perfectly complements the emotional stakes of the series.
