Different passions: Get to know ‘Call Jane’ star Bianca D’Ambrosio

In the world of Hollywood productions, young actors hold a special place. They are the future of the industry, supporters of acting as a craft. In that regard, Sixteen-year-old Bianca D’Ambrosio is a promising sign for acting’s future.

D’Ambrosio began acting at age three. Since then she’s appeared in numerous award-winning shows like Amazon’s The Bay, CBS’s Criminal Minds, and NBC’s Parks and Recreation. She’s appeared in the indie horror film Slapface, and later this year will appear in a Lionsgate horror film titled Fear of Rain.

In D’Ambrosio’s upcoming project, Call Jane, she’ll act alongside Wunmi Mosaku, Kate Mara, Elizabeth Banks, and Sigourney Weaver. We had the chance to talk with the talented young actress about her budding career, her upcoming projects, and her advice for other young actors. Here’s what she had to say. 

Tell us about your journey as an actor. Do you remember a time when you weren’t acting?

I have been acting ever since I was three years old. I have been auditioning and booking roles since then while still focusing on my schoolwork.

If you didn’t become a child actor, what do you think you would’ve pursued as a career?

I believe that I would have pursued a career in writing whether that be a screenplay or a novel. I also think I would be studying to become a lawyer. I have many different passions :) 

Is there any particular film or TV show that inspired you to become an actor?

When I was younger, I adored Hannah Montana. She inspired me to begin taking music and singing lessons. I believe that the show that inspires me as an actor today would be Killing Eve. The actors on that show are incredible and I am in awe of their talents. 

What was the first project you worked on, and what did you learn from the experience?

The first project I worked on was The Young and The Restless where I played Summer Newman with my sister when we were three years old. Since I was so young, I remember bits and pieces of my set experience. I remember eating lots of candy during the filming of that year’s Halloween episode and having fun playing games with the actors who played my parents. That was the first role I ever did and that experience taught me so much about work ethic even at a young age. 

Who are your current influences?

Current influence as an actor is Jodie Comer.  She creates such complex characters that you love and dislike at the same time.   

Do you have any experiences with mentors? If so, would you recommend them for up and coming filmmakers?

Mentors have assumed many different roles for me at different points in my life. My teachers at Lycee Francais de Los Angeles taught me the values of education and my acting instructors mentored me in pursuing my acting dream.  

When getting into character, how do you immerse yourself into a role? Walk us through your creative process. 

My process for preparing for a role differentiates depending on the project. But no matter what, I always read the script multiple times. The first for reading the story, the second for reading for my character, and the third for reading as my character. If the project I am working on is a television show with previous episodes already aired, I watch a few episodes to understand the tone of the show. 

How do you think being in the industry since a young age has affected your view of acting?

I believe it has made me more appreciative of the journey itself. The entertainment industry is a tough business that is not easy to navigate and may take a long time to reach goals. I have been in the business for 13 years and continue to work hard and appreciate the journey I am on. 

What are five films you think everyone needs to watch in their lifetime? 

Ooh this is a tough one! I love so many movies that choosing five is hard. I would have to say The Greatest Showman, 10 Things I Hate About You, Boyhood, Instant Family, and Parasite. 

How did you get involved with Call Jane?

I auditioned with a self tape, went to the producer’s session, and booked the role.

What was your experience working on Call Jane?

I had so much fun! The entire cast and crew were so welcoming and nice to work with. Every person on set was so passionate about the movie and it’s message. It was incredible to see that in person. 

Tell us a bit about your character Erin in Call Jane.

Erin is the daughter of Kate Mara’s character, Lana. She is dealing with her father’s passing and her mom’s way of grieving. Erin is also Elizabeth Banks’s daughter, Charlotte’s, best friend. My goal was to push Charlotte out of her comfort zone.

What do you hope audiences take away after watching Call Jane? 

There are many sides to the story about Women’s rights that people are passionate about. I hope Call Jane gives all people an opportunity to constructively debate the issue. 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In 5 years, I see myself graduating college and working on movies and television shows as an actress, and hopefully a director. Also, I hope to have the first draft of a novel I wrote done. 

Could you ever see yourself wearing multiple hats as a producer or director?

Yes! That is one of my goals in life. I adore working as an actress in front of the camera, but I also love to work as a producer . I hope to one day direct. 

What has been your biggest success and failure to date?

My biggest success was graduating from high school at 16 years old as a member of the National Honor Society. My biggest failure was not accomplishing that achievement at 15.  

If any actor would play you in the story of your life, who would you cast and why?

Jodie Comer! She is one of my favorite actresses of all time and would be honored if she played me in the story of my life. Jodie is incredible at creating characters that pull in the audience emotionally and fully embodying every character she plays.

What advice do you have for up and coming actors?

I know it sounds cliché, but I would say to never give up! You never know what amazing things could happen if you give up.  

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, who would you choose and why?

Ooh… I would say it’s a tie between The Greatest Showman and Instant Family! The Greatest Showman is so entertaining and the music is amazing. Instant Family is a movie that never fails to make me laugh and cry no matter how many times I have watched it. 

What’s next on the docket for you?

Within the next month, I will be reprising my Emmy nominated role of Frankie Sanders in season 7 of The Bay.