By: The Don

Brooke Lewis Bellas is a Philly gal that is living the Hollywood Dream. From growing up in South Philly and the Northeast Suburbs to now working in the bustling movie business in Hollywood, Brooke has made a lot of sacrifices to get to where she is now. Brooke acts, produces and is also the owner of her very own Film Production Company Philly Chick Pictures. With over twenty years of experience in the “biz” she has seen and experienced it all… from being rejected, receiving the call that every actor/actress dreams of getting, to now starting her own film business. She has not forgetten her roots and misses her hometown, Philadelphia, its attractions, its amazing restaurants especially the cheesesteaks and of course the Philadelphia Eagles.

INTERVIEW

What got you into the Entertainment Industry, particularly film?

As a little girl in Philly, I knew I was meant to pursue something creative and emotional. I just knew in my heart. I was an “abnormally” sensitive, empathic, and feeling-oriented child. I think, like many actors who have dealt with challenges in their childhood, I had a void to fill. I knew that I was destined to share my deep emotions and work in entertainment.

I would sit under the television watching TV for hours and I would put myself into the television series and talk to the characters, as if I were one of them. I was nutty… I still am! As soon as I was old enough, I became obsessed with going to the movies… it was magical for me! I began acting in musical theatre in Philly, then moved to New York City and quickly booked the role of Donna Marsala in the Actors’ Equity Association Off-Broadway production of the Italian comedy Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding. While, acting in this show for three years, I was blessed with opportunities to act in the raw and real low-budget indie films of the late 90s, and that is how my indie film career began.

Do you prefer to act and / or produce films and why?

I am an Actress first and foremost! Everything I have done as a producer has been to support my acting career. I feel that producing a project is one of the most challenging aspects of the industry. I have done it many times out of necessity and because (said humbly) I am quite good at it, as I am good at business, organization, and leadership.

Producing in a professional capacity takes so much work, time, and energy. I love acting more than anything! So, out of necessity, I have been forced to produce, since I moved to Hollywood, to obtain the roles that I want to play. Now, producing and starring in a film or TV series is probably one of the most challenging things a creative person can conquer. It takes two very different sides of the brain, albeit creativity is at the forefront of both. As a producer, you have to maintain the business and organizational side of the project, which is not always easy to do, especially when you’re focused on the creative side of the project as an actor. At times you have to choose what is best for the project in the long-haul or the big picture. It can affect or detract from your perspective as an actor in the piece.

That said, I always like to end on a positive, and the positive part of Executive Producing, while starring in a project, is that you can maintain some level of control, whether that be business control, creative control, or both. It feels so empowering, especially as a woman, to have any control in the film and television business. I do not believe the opportunities I have had as an actress would have come to me had I not Produced or Executive Produced the projects, as well. 

What has been your favorite moment working in film / tv so far?

With over twenty years of experience in this business, I am blessed with many favorite moments, including some negative ones that helped me grow. As you are conducting this interview, I am in my home looking at my wall with my framed TV Guide. Your “mature” readers will know what that is. I was in TV Guide back in 2004 when I acted on FOX’s Quintuplets (2004 – 2005). I played Gina Grazano from Staten Island. It was such a favorite career moment for me. It was one of those moments when I remember my agent saying, “Okay, I’m trying to get you seen for this role to audition at FOX, and they have so many young actresses auditioning. They’re seeing so-and-so, “big names.” I’m going to keep pushing to get you in.”

A couple of weeks later, he calls and says, “They’re not finding what they’re looking for.” So, he got me in for the audition, and it was one of those inspiring moments when it was meant to be, and it was the perfect role for me. They auditioned me, they kept me all day for callbacks and producer sessions, then they called my agent and told me I booked it! I remember sitting on the FOX Lot. They had little time, because they were already in rehearsals and behind schedule casting this role, so they whisked me away in a cart on the Lot and took me right to set. It was truly magical! It was something that felt so good and so right.

I have had a few moments like that… a really positive one. On a negative note, a favorite moment that still breaks my heart, was right out of college when I auditioned for a movie titled 54 (1998), based on Studio 54. We are talking A-list: Mike Myers, Salma Hayek, Neve Campbell, and more! Now, this was before Mark Ruffalo and Ryan Phillippe were even known actors. They were just starting out and we were all in that boat together. I was cast as Mark Ruffalo’s girlfriend, Ricko’s girl… I had two scenes with Ruffalo and Phillippe, who are now Superstars! We were all coming up and this was a huge booking for me! Agents and casting were talking about how I was going to be like the next Marisa Tomei in My Cousin Vinny (1992), one of my idols! This was another New York little guidette, sassy, great role for me to play. My agent was like, “Your career is about to explode.”

The next thing I know, I was on set filming. I had my own trailer and I was hanging out with Mark Ruffalo and Ryan Phillippe, who were both wonderful, personally and professionally. I was on set for a couple of days. I was supposed to be shooting, but everything kept getting pushed behind. They sent me home, but brought me back two days later. The next thing I know, they went over budget. They had to cut out the last five scenes of the film, and two of them were mine! To this day, I get my residual checks.

Every time I talk to the acting “higher powers” and I ask, “Please give me a sign that I’m on my path and I’m doing everything I can to be where I’m supposed to be,” I will get a residual check from 54… it truly is spiritually funny! That tells me, in my crazy head, that I am on the right path and sometimes things happen. Things in this business change, and it is okay. It happens to everyone. That was supposed to be my big break, but it is okay, because I have had many little breaks since, and some bigger ones. Most importantly, I never gave up!

What do you find challenging about working in film / Hollywood?

The “illusion” of Glitz, Glamour, and Fame… and, how fun, sexy, and easy it is to make it in Hollywood! The biggest misconception is that it is easy and does not come without a price. Being an Actress and Producer in Hollywood takes so much time, work, effort, and money. It is not all glitz and glamour. I have sacrificed so much for my career to sustain over twenty years in the biz, especially here in Hollywood. I have cried many tears, many nights. What you do not see, are all the projects I have gone to producers on, but I have not booked, or the TV pilots I have booked that do not get picked up to series for airing, or the auditions that I have to study for, staying up all night working to prepare for. People misunderstand that it is a “business” (I know, I say it a lot!)… the Hollywood Entertainment Industry is a business! And, I am a product they are trying to sell. They call it “The Biz” for a reason and it is not all fun and games.

What do you love about working in Hollywood the most?

I am an old soul in love with the magic of Old Hollywood. I love auditioning and working on the movie studio lots I watched in films and on TV as a girl and passing Paramount Studios on my way home each day. I love how I have had the opportunity to stand next to some of my idols on Hollywood red carpets. I love how I have been fortunate to work opposite a long list of talented veteran actors, which includes, Mark Ruffalo, Andy Richter, Charles Durning, Michael Pare, Michael Madsen, Tony Todd, Billy Dee Williams, William Forsythe, Gabrielle Anwar, Danny Nucci, Jason Gedrick, Michael Nouri, Joey Lawrence, Casper Van Dien, Dominique Swain, Courtney Gains, and many others. Sometimes this lil Philly chick still has to pinch herself! Only in Hollywood do these dreams come true!

What inspired you to start your own film company, Philly Chick Pictures?

I have always been a leader of sorts and have had a keen sense of managing personalities. After making a living acting in New York City right out of college, I did not even realize I had, in some ways, been producing when I would be brought onto a project as an actress. Although I love acting more than anything, I had been inspired to produce when I moved to Hollywood from New York City and created my Production Company, Philly Chick Pictures, in order to create more roles for myself as an actress. I was not born into a family from the entertainment industry in Hollywood and there was no nepotism in my world, so I felt compelled to create/build something for myself. I took producing courses and workshops, then dove in and took the producing route to empower myself to do what I love the most, and that is to act.

How has the pandemic changed the film industry in Hollywood?

The Hollywood film industry has drastically changed, as the city and industry completely shut down, and content has quickly moved to Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming networks, but as most Experts and industry veterans, like myself, are feeling… this change was inevitable, regardless of the pandemic. Sadly, movie theaters can no longer stay afloat, and people would rather watch content on their personal devices. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Hollywood, production was completely halted and pushed, which is a “business” and cost Hollywood an unbearable financial loss.

As my friends and associates returned to the studios for production, devastatingly, most were shut down again due to the virus spreading across sets. I, personally, have lost a few dear actor friends to this tragic virus. I am someone who is immunocompromised, so I have not been able to return to auditions or filming, which certainly affects me in every way. I am so sensitive to this pandemic and challenges in our world right now, I sometimes feel guilty when I share that I have been creatively busy from my home office. As an actress, producer, and philanthropist, so much of my daily life has been spent working from my office. Thankfully, I am still able to work and do all my post-production, media, and press interviews, as I did prior to the pandemic. I am currently in post-production on film and TV projects with various teams for Red Rooms, Stripped, and The Second Age of Aquarius and we have managed to forge ahead slowly.

What is your favorite movie of all time and why?

You know I have many! The Godfather (1972), Goodfellas (1990), Grease (1978), Swingers (1996), The Notebook (2004), The Greatest Showman (2017), and more! I am obsessed with Brian De Palma films, so I have to list my absolute favorite, which happened to be shot in Philly… Blow Out (1981)! Lastly, I want to shoutout to one of my all-time favorites, Pretty Woman (1990). This film made me believe in fairy tales and that anything is possible! I am reading another sign on my office wall with one of my favorite quotes… the Pretty Woman Happy Man Quote: “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream? Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood, land of dreams. Some dreams come true, some don’t; but keep on dreamin’ — this is Hollywood. Always time to dream, so keep on dreamin’.”

What part of Philly are you originally from?

My family originated in South Philly, then we moved up to the Northeast suburbs. My Dad and Stepmom lived on The Parkway, and my cousins stayed in South Philly, so I spent most of my time in the city, as I am definitely a “city chick”.

Do you still have family and friends here in Philly?

EVERYONE! My roots are strongly planted there! My family and friends are all between Philly and Jersey. They are my tribe who has been with me through all the ebbs and flows in my life, and that will never change! I always say, “You can take the girl outta Philly and put her in Hollywood, but you can never take the Philly outta the girl!

What is your favorite attraction in Philly?

I love deeply, so I have always had an attraction for the Philadelphia LOVE Statue… so much so, I incorporated part of it into my Philly Chick Pictures company banner (Shoutout to my Philly Designer, Jason Moss, who created my business cards!). When I was a young girl, my favorite place to visit was The Franklin Institute… I loved to play in “The Heart”, go figure! And, I have to end with the obvious answer… the Pride of Philly… the Rocky statue!

What is your favorite Philly restaurant? Favorite place for dessert?

One of the first restaurants I hit with my family when I come home to Philly is Ralph’s in South Philly. I cannot resist Ralph’s Famous Veal Parm! I love Rittenhouse Square, so my friends and I always hit Devon for cocktails at night, then brunch at Parc the next day. Favorite dessert… is this a trick question (wink)? Termini Bros Bakery of course! And, don’t forget, this Hollywood Glam Gal has to hire her favorite Philly celebrity hair and makeup from Bella Angel before hitting the scene at night!

So I gotta ask, what is your favorite place to grab a Philly Cheesesteak from? Are you a Team Pats or Genos fan or do you have another spot to go to? 

I LOVE this question, because even across the land in Hollywood, I am challenged by people with this all the time! I will forever stand strong in my answer, because some of my greatest teenage and college “clubbing” memories are of my friends and I running across the street to chow down on Geno’s Steaks “wit Whiz” and Pat’s Steaks Cheese Fries!!!

Who is your favorite all time Eagles player(s) and why? 

You know I can never name just one (wink)! So, let me start with my early years favorite, as he makes me reminisce about some of the best of Philly times, and I remember my Dad being a fan… Randall Cunningham. In fact, I still have my old football jersey in his honor! I have to steal a quote that sums it up for me, “Cunningham was said to have reached “elite” status during the 1988 season, as he was elected by league players as the NFC starting quarterback for the AFC-NFC Pro Bowl (the first black quarterback to ever be elected a starter). That same year, he combined with fellow Eagle Pro Bowler Reggie White to lead the Eagles to the NFC Eastern Division Championship.” As far as one of my adult favorites, I have to shoutout to my dear friend, Mark McMillian, who spent four seasons with the Eagles from 1992. He and I became friends through charity events in Los Angeles years ago, and not only is he a great guy, but my family and I love to celebrate and grill with his new Grilln’ McMillian premier steaks and barbeque gourmet delights! 

Were you able to attend the Super Bowl parade back home here in Philadelphia back in 2018?

I am sad to say that I was not able to fly back, as I was crazed in Los Angeles, both auditioning at TV Pilot season and planning my Houdini Estate Marriage Soiree! See, I have two good excuses! But, make no mistake, as I felt like I was there with all the tipsy texts and photos from all my Philly people I love and miss so much!

What advice do you have for film prospects that want to enter the Entertainment Industry?

My skill advice is to study… take classes… do workshops… do the prep work and education… then, get onto a set, volunteer your time and be a PA (Production Assistant)! My emotional advice is that there are NO guarantees in life. We can plan, study, prepare, create, and there are still NO guarantees! I am such a workaholic, planner and control freak over my own life and career and, so far, nothing has worked out EXACTLY as I had imagined or planned, so I wish I could go back and teach myself how to TRUST THE PROCESS more. (cliche, I know!)

I wish I would have taken things a bit less seriously and had more fun with auditions and my career. I am diligently working on these things in my adult life and career now. I must share with your readers that when I became a Producer years ago, I learned such beneficial lessons for actors, including the fact that you can be the most talented actor in the room… you can give an Oscar-winning audition performance and you still may not book the role! I have sat on the Producer side many times now and have watched the most brilliant actors lose a role due to hair color, height, or an actress reminded the Director or his ex-wife! Not kidding! If I knew then…

Websites and Social Media:

Instagram: @brookelewisla

Twitter: @BrookeLewisLA

Facebook: @BrookeLewisLA

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0506989/

http://www.brookelewis.com/

https://phillychickpictures.com