Today we’d like to introduce you to Bella Dontine
Hi Bella, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m an actress, model, producer, and writer originally from Wilmington, Delaware, where I began my career as a child actress in theatre productions. I started performing in parades and dance at just two years old, and by three, I was putting on shows for my family. When I was six, I joined a church choir and began performing in school theatre productions. At nine, I landed the lead role of Mary Magdalene in my school’s Christmas production of Mary & Joseph.
That same year, my two friends and I formed a singing group called CMC. We would put on shows for our neighborhood and charge a dime for admission. One day, after my mom and I saw Never Been Kissed in the movie theater, I couldn’t stop talking about Drew Barrymore’s acting. That’s when my mom realized I was looking at films from an acting perspective, despite having no formal training. That spring, she signed me up for every acting workshop she could find and took me to every audition she could. By the time I was 11, I was performing in theatre productions across Delaware and Pennsylvania. When I wasn’t acting, I worked behind the scenes, helping with lighting or crew work.
At 15, I began competitive dancing, paying for my dance lessons, singing lessons, and guitar and piano lessons with the money I earned from working. By 17, I had performed at Walt Disney World and Planet Hollywood in New York City, and I had taken dance classes with Broadway performers and at Steps on Broadway. I’ve performed all over the East Coast.
I decided to continue my studies and earned a degree in Digital Filmmaking from Wilmington University. During my studies, I worked on short films and later went on to earn my Master’s degree.
Today, I am an award-winning producer, actress, and writer. I’ve had the opportunity to appear in films and television shows alongside actors like Kate Winslet, Sally Field, and Jason Segel. When I’m not acting, I continue to write and work behind the camera. I’m the founder of Small Wonder Studios, a film and television company based in Delaware. I also worked as the Assistant Director on the award-winning film Delaware Shore and served as Assistant Director and Writer on the award-winning short film The Norwalk Witness. I also have a film coming out on April 22nd called A Lion’s Game that will be available on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Comcast, Fios, and in stores at Walmart and Amazon, along with many more.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Constantly being told no is a definite struggle in this business. You have to develop a thick skin and understand that it’s not personal. You may be very talented but you may not be “the look” they are going for so it’s really about consistency. Don’t give up and keep pursuing your dreams. If you really love it, you won’t. be able to stop.
When it comes to making your own films, it really comes down to financing. I was not born into money. I grew up quite poor so that has also been a difficulty. People don’t want to believe in you until you “make it.” So, I have come to truly appreciate those around me that have stuck with me through the struggles.
I don’t think anything that’s worth pursuing is ever going to be a smooth ride, there will be many bumps and hurdles along the way. They help you grow and become more creative.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work in film. I am an actress, writer, and producer and I have my own company called Small Wonder Studios which I started back in 2015.
I am most proud of a film I have coming out on April 22nd because I co-wrote, produced, and played the lead in the film. It’s been a labour of love and took a few years to make.
I feel like what sets me apart from others is that if other people aren’t going to give me a chance than I will create the chance myself. I will write my own roles and make my own films.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Find your passion, whatever makes you want to get up in the morning and go for it. We only get one life so we should try to do whatever we can to live our dreams and live the best life we can. Share your light with the world.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/belladontine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BellaDontineOfficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BellaDontineOfficial
