“Bella and the Bulldogs” – Brec Bassinger interview

BSCkids: Brec Bassinger

Middle schooler Bella Dawson left her life as a popular cheerleader behind to join the Bulldogs as their new star quarterback. Trading in her pom-poms for a pigskin was a total dream come true, but now Bella must find a balance between football and her cheerleading BFFs. Does she have what it takes to overcome the doubters and lead her team to victory, without compromising who she is? And what will happen when those worlds collide?

Brec, can you tell us a little bit about your character on “Bella and the Bulldogs”?
I play Bella who is a cheerleader turned QB. She is girly, optimistic, and SUPER hard working! She believes that no dream is too big.

Being in school between different groups of friends is something that everyone goes through at some point, do you think the show will help other kids?
I think the show will help other kids that are stuck between different groups of friends. This show is very relatable because Bella is stuck between two groups and wants to make both sides happy. By watching the show, I think kids will see a lot of the same struggles they face and it will help them understand a lot of people are going through the same thing. It also shows how you can bring two different groups together and expand your friendships.

Did living in Texas, a big football state, while growing up help prepare you for this role? Do you have any siblings?
Living in Texas has definitely helped prepare me for this role! Going to my high school’s football games, the word ya’ll already being a part of my vocabulary, and even watching the Cowboys games have given me so many life experiences that help me while filming the show! Also, I have two older brothers that have taught me how to be “one of the boys.”

Did you move to Hollywood from Texas to pursue your career or was it a move your family was making anyway?
Actually I didn’t move to California until booking the show! I traveled back and forth a lot, but the family was always stationed in Texas. My dad owns a fish farm so we were unable to pack everything up and move away.

When did you first decide you wanted to act? How did you get the part of Bella?
After being asked to be in a short film and filming it, I knew I wanted to act for the rest of my life! I got the part of Bella through a series of auditions. I already knew the two creators of the show from working with them on Nickelodeon’s The Haunted Hathaways. After a couple of auditions, mix-and-matches And a screen test I found out I booked the role of Bella! Best day ever!

Do you share any similarities with Bella?
Bella and I have quite a bit of similarities! For starters, we are both from Texas and were cheerleaders. We love fashion, sports, and being with our friends!

Were there any funny behind the scene stories you can share with us while filming?
One funny story I can think of is when we were filming a scene in the locker room! I was supposed to be jumping rope. When I swung the jump rope around it hit a shelf and everything went flying down! Not only did I break the shelf, but I also broke a couple things on it. I was super embarrassed and felt bad, but everyone had a good laugh from it !

How do you get all your school work done while filming?
We have teachers on set who help us with our school work. We have time set aside each day for school and will do it between our breaks.

Is acting something you want to do when you get older?
100%!!! I hope to be able to have a long career that will last the rest of my life. I think directing would be fun too!

What are some of your other favorite movies or television shows?
I love chick flicks such as “The Notebook” or “She’s the Man”! My favorite TV shows at the moment are “Lost” and “American Horror Story”.

Who is currently playing on your iPod?
Right now I’ve been listening to Bruno Mars, Mary Lambert, and honestly I like getting down to some Eminem!

Who has been your favorite actor/actress you have met and what have you learned from them?
My favorite actor I have met would have to be George Segal. When I was on the pilot episode of “The Goldbergs” it was my first time ever to be on set and he kind of took me under his wing. He helped me to not be so nervous and gave me a lot of great tips on acting on film such as make sure you get your line out before walking or leaving the scene!

Any advice for other children getting into acting?
My advice for children getting into acting would be to never give up! A lot of people will tell you no or that you can’t do it, and you have to wait until you get that one yes.

You also did some work on one of my favorite shows, “The Goldbergs”, how was it working with everyone on the show?
“The Goldbergs” was my very first set to be on and so I was extremely nervous, but everyone was so welcoming and when I had questions they would take the time to answer them.

What is/was your favorite Nickelodeon show, besides your own upcoming show?
My favorite Nickelodeon show of all time would have to be Drake and Josh! Their physical comedy on that show was absolutely amazing, and I still get excited when I see it playing on TV!

Tell us why everyone should tune into “Bella and the Bulldogs”?
Everyone should tune into Bella and the Bulldogs because not only is it super funny but it has a lot of heart. There is a lot of support and love between the friends and I think that is important for growing kids to see.

Thanks to Brec Bassinger from “Bella and the Bulldogs” for this interview and make sure to check out the show on Nickelodeon this month.