Ashanti Bromfield – Dead on Campus

By starrymag | November 8, 2014

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I just finished filming my first feature alongside Ana Golja and Jennifer Beals in a new movie called Full Out! It was such a great time and an incredible true story about the comeback of gymnast Ariana Berlin. I play Michelle and we’re hoping to have it in theaters for 2015. It’s a dance movie, which was so cool for me because I’m not a dancer. I had a double to do my stunts and I got to do some of my dances. It was a really, really fun experience for me. I also did a movie called En Vogue Christmas alongside the ladies of EN VOGUE, which premieres on Lifetime on November 22nd.

Q) Please tell us the premise for the film Dead on Campus and about your character Sophia Davis.

A) Dead on Campus is all about testing limits and asking the question, “How far would you go for loyalty/exclusivity?” It’s pretty much about a sorority prank that goes terrible wrong and results in the death of someone else. I play Sophia Davis, who I had SO much playing. She’s really funny because she’s very naive and incredibly desperate to get into the sorority. She really wants to belong to something and when she decides upon joining the sorority she’ll do anything in her power to get in. She’s pretty shady, but not intentionally. She’s super rich, super self-centered and was a blast to play because she’s so unlike me. She’ll do anything for the approval of other people and loves to make people laugh at the same time.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) I’ve always wanted to do a sorority movie so, when I was offered the chance to do that I was so grateful. I think the concept is so interesting because it’s so crazy how far some girls will go for acceptance. The truth is, when you graduate no one really cares who you were in high school or university. So, I thought it was an interesting story-line that I wanted to understand more about.

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

A) For sure. The script was sort of like a map for me. It was cool to really find my character and really allow her humor to shine through. When I first got the script I thought, “Wow, this girl is such a bitch.” But after playing her I was able to see that she really isn’t…She’s just insecure. She really has a big heart and cares a lot about Natalie (Katelyn Tarver). She just cares about the sorority more. It’s cool to see her internal battle.

Q) As “sorority sisters,” was there instant cast chemistry when you all began working together or did it take some time for you to bond?

A) With anything it takes time, but it definitely didn’t take that long. All of the girls were so wonderful to work alongside and it was cool getting to know everyone. I learned so much for each of them individually. They’re so far from their characters, but similar to them at the same time. For example, Tamara Duarte (who plays Alexa) isn’t mean at all, but she’s definitely just as strong as her character and that was amazing to be around. It was so fun to watch all of the girls bring their innate characteristics to their characters.

Q) What advice did director Curtis Crawford give you that stuck with you during filming?

A) Curtis told me to shoot for the moon! For real! He said if I have an idea, just do it – go for it. Never be afraid and never allow your circumstances to determine your outcome. He’s such an inspiration to me.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Dead on Campus?

A) The sorority house that we shot a lot of scenes in was an old B&B from the 1860’s. I’m convinced it was haunted and so did a lot of other people in the cast and crew. I wouldn’t necessarily say it was my favorite part…But it was definitely really cool. I hated being left alone in rooms by myself and I always got a creepy feeling when we filmed late and night.

Q) Why do you think people will want to take their time to watch the movie?

A) You can learn a lot from each one of the girls. Our characters are so three dimensional and intricate. We blur the lines between right and wrong. I think that what’s really cool in this story. There’s a protagonist and an antagonist, but you don’t really know who’s side to be on. It’s a huge moral complex of what is considered morally right and morally wrong.

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll be receiving when the film premieres?

A) I can’t wait! I’m super excited to hear everyone’s thoughts. Tweet me your questions! @ashaaliyaa

Q) Will you be doing any live tweeting and sharing any behind the scenes photos when the film airs?

A)  It actually doesn’t air in Canada, which is where I live. I’ll be out celebrating though because it’s also my birthday. Turn up!!!

Q) You also recently released your music video for “White Honda.” What is it about the song that listeners will connect to?

A) I think more than anything the viewers will connect to honesty. One thing that I’ve learned as an artist is that people value your transparency. They can connect to honest words and vulnerability. “White Honda” was hands down the hardest thing I have ever done because it was and still is so personal to me. The story itself is timeless – a story of young reckless love that isn’t necessarily healthy for either parties involved. I think people will respect that.

Q) How did you come to work with Joel Anderson on the song?

A) Joel Anderson is such a powerhouse. I had actually heard his stuff on Instagram. I knew immediately that I wanted his sound on the record. His voice is so beautiful and so honest. I added him to the song and wrote those words for him to sing because those were words that I had always wanted to hear from my ex, but I never heard them. So, it was kind of an eerie concept. Joel was amazing and so easy to work with and the rest was history.

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

A) Head to YouTube and check out “White Honda” By Asha. My YouTube is AshaAliya. You can also spread the word by giving me feedback. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the project.

Q) Where can fans go online to learn more about you?

A) You can check me out on IMDB under “Ashanti Bromfield.” If you want to connect with me, I’m also on Instagram and Twitter under @AshaAliyaa