IN CONVERSATION WITH BELLA GLANVILLE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Bella Glanville is an award-winning Welsh actress, screenwriter, international model, and TEDx speaker whose career spans film, fashion, and storytelling. This summer, she stars in the true-crime thriller Sunset Strip Killers, which arrived on VOD on 14th July. Based on the chilling true story of serial killers Carol Bundy and Doug Clark, the film explores one of Los Angeles’ most notorious murder cases, with Bella portraying Exie La Faye Wilson, one of the real-life victims. Alongside a busy slate of upcoming projects, including Netflix’s Geek Girl, The Hawk, and several feature films, Bella is also making waves behind the camera. Her short film Imperfect Cadence has been shortlisted for a BAFTA and is now being developed into a feature, in which she will also star. 

You’re starring in Sunset Strip Killers. What drew you to this project and to the role of Exie La Faye Wilson?

I actually originally auditioned for another character, and the director asked if I could read for Exie instead. It’s interesting as I’m now often cast as the ‘Southern Belle’. Maybe that’s a good casting type for me, but that aside, I really respect Chad Ferrin’s work. My degree was in psychology, and I was so fascinated by the forensic module. Anything related to true crime is very interesting to me. 

Your character was a real person. How did you approach portraying someone whose story ended so tragically?

I wanted to treat the role with respect, especially as I knew that Exie was a real person. I did all the research I could on her, and it was so sad, as she was most known for the terrible incident that happened. I decided to think outside the box and wonder who she could’ve been, any parts of myself that relate to moving out to LA to ‘make it’ as she did, and I delved into how she must’ve felt in her final moments. 

True-crime stories often walk a fine line between entertainment and respecting real victims. How did the cast and filmmakers approach that responsibility?

Speaking for my own character, I was given the real profile and obituary of Exie, including what she looked like. I think the director knows when using real people’s names, it’s important for the actors to know who they really were and where they came from. Something that makes Chad’s films stand out too is that he doesn’t tend to gloss over some of the difficult details. Showing what something was really like and how hard it must have been can be so powerful. 

Was there a particular scene that was especially emotional or challenging to film?

Having that moment of realisation that ‘I’m going to die’, and trying to bring myself into that mindset of how it really would’ve felt. That’s a terrifying thing. 

What do you hope viewers take away from Sunset Strip Killers beyond the crimes themselves?

I think true crime is such an important way of showing what warning signs to look out for in relationships, but also in staying safe. That’s a given.

You have an incredibly busy slate of upcoming projects. Is there one you’re especially excited for audiences to see next?

I’m excited about all the projects I do. One that particularly stands out to me is Crimson Shadows, a lesbian Western that I’m leading next year with some amazing names involved, which I’m so excited about. 

Your short film Imperfect Cadence has been BAFTA shortlisted. How does it feel to see a project you wrote gaining that level of recognition?

It feels amazing, particularly as I wrote this project with the idea in mind that I wanted to write a role that only I could do. As I’ve always been a pianist, and a perfectionist, it made sense for me to write something like this. Iope it teaches audiences about the myth of perfection 

How different is your creative mindset when you’re writing compared to when you’re acting?

Great question. I’d say it’s totally different. When I’m writing, time passes so quickly. I could sit down on a flight, and my thoughts run away, and by writing I’m catching up with them. And before I know it, an eight-hour flight has gone by. But when I’m acting, time stands still. I am so in the character, in the moment, that a day can feel like a week. 

As Imperfect Cadence expands into a feature film, what excites you most about revisiting that story?

Expanding into more of the psychology of Ava’s mindset. I studied musicophilia and amusia to further understand how sounds and music can make someone go mad, and I can’t wait for people to learn more about it through Ava’s world. 

You’ve worked as an actress, screenwriter, and international model. How do those creative worlds influence one another?

I write myself roles I want to do as if not now, when, and if not you, then who. And constantly reading scripts allows me to learn what makes good writing, good flow, good arcs, good dialogue. As for modelling, it was really what made me think about acting in the first place. I constantly had people asking if I’d thought about acting, and it planted the seed.

You’re also a four-time TEDx speaker. What inspired you to explore topics like perfectionism, uncertainty, and human behaviour?

I was so baffled about the things that people didn’t know about the modelling industry, like the fact that teenage girls model skincare for middle-aged women, and exactly how long Photoshop can take. I knew I needed to share the message, particularly as I started running workshops on self-love from a young age after self-help events that changed my life. Same thing then went for uncertainty. Through my old foundation Lovekidz, I was also teaching people about embracing the unknown, which was something I really had to implement into my own life. From there, my TED talks became more scientific as I started my degree in psychology. 

Looking back, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned throughout your career so far?

Don’t compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Wonder how you can become a better version of who you were yesterday, rather than looking at another person and what they are doing. Comparison is the thief of joy. There is no one youer than you, so embrace who you are and be proud of what you’ve done so far. 

Outside of work, what helps you stay creative and inspired?

It’s funny because I know the question says outside of work, but everything I do is related to my work, and I love it. Whether it’s watching improv, doing stunt classes, performing comedy, dance classes or Peloton, everything around me keeps me feeling inspired. I am blessed to live in LA where I am constantly around other industry professionals who inspire me creatively every day.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography ADRIAN VEIDT