A new romantic drama, “Off Campus,” is set to premiere on Amazon Prime Video. The series has Fredericton native Leanna Billings as its executive producer. Billings, who grew up in Fredericton and attended Leo Hayes High School, now resides in Boston but returns home several times a year.
About the Show “Off Campus”
“Off Campus” features the story of Hannah, a reserved songwriter and music student, and Garrett, an accomplished hockey player at Briar University. The series is based on the five-book collection by Toronto author Elle Kennedy, with the first book, “The Deal,” released in 2015. This book introduces the captivating relationship between Hannah and Garrett, while subsequent books explore other college romances.
- Title: Off Campus
- Genre: Romantic Drama
- Platform: Prime Video/Amazon
- Author: Elle Kennedy
- Year of First Release: 2015
- Main Characters:
- Hannah – Played by Ella Bright
- Garrett – Played by Belmont Cameli
Leanna Billings: From Neuropsychology to Film Production
Leanna Billings is not just a producer; she also works as a neuropsychologist. This dual career path allows her to study behavior, work with patients experiencing neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders, and contribute to the filmmaking process. After realizing her passion for film, Billings transitioned from wanting to act to pursuing a behind-the-scenes role.
Initially lacking connections in the film industry, she took a different route. Billings pursued her education in neuropsychology, ultimately founding Billings Productions during the COVID-19 pandemic. She recognized a unique crossover between her two professions, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills in both fields.
Production Challenges and Future Prospects
The development of “Off Campus” was a lengthy process. Upon re-reading Kennedy’s books in 2020, Billings noticed their rising popularity on TikTok, specifically within the BookTok community. This prompted her to secure the rights to the series and pitch it, eventually leading to Amazon’s involvement.
The series was filmed in Vancouver, and Billings often took sabbaticals from her neuropsychology job to meet production demands. “Off Campus” is already confirmed for a second season, ensuring that Billings’ journey in the entertainment industry is just beginning.
Leanna Billings’ story serves as an inspiration, particularly for those from small towns without industry connections. She reflects fondly on her childhood dreams, stating, “If I could tell my seven-year-old self that this is what I would be doing, I think she would be jumping up and down screaming.”
