How 'Fallout' Star Ella Purnell Navigated Child Stardom To Hollywood Success

Key Concepts

Child actor transition, redefining career, identity formation, scarcity mindset, abundance mindset, ownership of projects, directing, writing, producing, balancing career and life, TV vs. movies, challenging roles, personal growth.

Early Career and Identity Formation

Bernell started in the entertainment industry very young, with baby modeling at age two and an advertisement at age eight. She enjoyed singing and dancing as a child but didn't initially view it as a long-term career. It wasn't until her teenage years, after receiving advice from older actresses, that she began to consider acting as a viable profession. The transition from child actor to adult actor is difficult due to the pressure and lack of emotional intelligence and support. Bernell questioned her career path multiple times, considering university, writing, and teaching. She worked various jobs as a teenager, including in a pub, coffee shop, restaurant, and as a babysitter and tutor. She also considered becoming a tap dancer. She emphasizes the unique opportunity acting provides to explore different professions and time periods.

Redefining Career in Early 20s

In her early 20s, Bernell redefined her profession on her own terms, focusing on her preferences and desired career path. This coincided with a period of self-discovery and identity formation. She felt pressured to fit into predefined boxes like "English rose" but didn't identify with them. Working on the show "Sweet Bitter" in New York at age 20 was a pivotal experience. Living independently and discovering hobbies helped her understand herself better. She realized she could pursue projects she genuinely enjoyed, such as comedies, dark stories, gore, and psychological thrillers.

Navigating Success and the Scarcity Mindset

Bernell acknowledges the pressure to constantly work due to the scarcity mindset prevalent in creative industries. This mindset stems from the uncertainty of freelance work and the fear of not finding the next job. She recognizes the addictive nature of the entertainment industry, particularly the cycle of rejection and the adrenaline rush of pursuing roles. She has learned to be more selective and operate from a place of abundance, prioritizing self-care and choosing projects she is passionate about.

Ownership and Creative Control

As the lead in shows like "Sweet Pea" and "Fallout," Bernell feels a sense of pressure but actively avoids dwelling on it. She believes in giving 100% to every project, regardless of the role's size. Landing the role in "Fallout" was initially terrifying due to the game's large fan base and the project's scale. Her experience in the industry has taught her to approach it as a marathon, focusing on doing her best and staying off the internet. Returning for second seasons of shows brings both less pressure (due to character establishment) and more pressure (due to audience expectations). She emphasizes the challenge of evolving as an actor while playing the same character over an extended period.

Directing and Producing

Bernell has directed a short film and produced several projects. She enjoys being behind the camera and utilizing her analytical skills. Producing "Sweet Pea" was a validating experience, revealing how much she had absorbed from years on set. She values the collaborative energy of a writer's room, comparing it to making music.

Balancing Career and Life

Approaching 30, Bernell is shifting her focus from revolving her life around her career to fitting her career into her life. She prioritizes travel, family, hobbies, and personal growth. She aims to work with people she likes, travel to cool places, and take on challenging roles that feel meaningful. She wants to continue to scare herself and do things that push her boundaries.

TV vs. Movies

Bernell's perspective on TV versus movies has evolved. While she once favored movies, she now values a good story and character regardless of the medium. She appreciates the chaos and improvisational quality of TV, where writers can introduce unexpected plot twists. However, she is currently leaning back towards movies, seeking more control.

Future Aspirations

Looking ahead, Bernell wants to explore comedy, musicals, and roles that are significantly different from her own personality. She aims to have more directing, writing, and producing credits. She also hopes to improve her cooking, driving, and flower arranging skills.

Notable Quotes

• "The shift that's happening for me as I approach 30 is not revolving my life around my career but rather fitting my career into my life."
• "Being selective is actually you know operating from this place of abundance of like what will be will be."
• "I understand this is a marathon and not a sprint and just put one foot in front of the other."

Technical Terms and Concepts

• Scarcity Mindset: The belief that resources are limited, leading to a fear of missing out and a tendency to overwork.
• Abundance Mindset: The belief that there are enough resources for everyone, leading to a more relaxed and selective approach to work.

Synthesis/Conclusion

Bernell's journey highlights the challenges and rewards of a career in acting, particularly the transition from child actor to adult performer. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, redefining one's career on their own terms, and balancing work with personal life. Her experiences demonstrate the need to overcome the scarcity mindset, embrace creative control, and continuously seek growth and new challenges. As she approaches 30, Bernell is focused on fitting her career into her life, prioritizing personal fulfillment and exploring diverse creative avenues.