Exclusive Interview: Bella Glanville on ‘Sunset Strip Killers,’ True Crime, and the Stories She Wants to Tell

Bella Glanville is quickly establishing herself as one of the industry’s most versatile rising talents. The award-winning Welsh actress, screenwriter, and internationally recognized model has built a career that spans film, television, fashion, and public speaking, while continually seeking out stories that challenge both herself and audiences. With an exciting slate that includes Netflix’s Geek Girl, the upcoming Western Crimson Shadows, and a BAFTA-shortlisted short film she’s adapting into a feature, Glanville’s passion for storytelling extends far beyond the screen.

Her latest project, Sunset Strip Killers, takes her into the world of true crime, portraying Exie La Faye Wilson, one of the real-life victims of the notorious Carol Bundy and Doug Clark murder spree that terrorized Los Angeles in the early 1980s. Pop Culturalist spoke with Bella about her fascination with forensic psychology, the responsibility of bringing real stories to the screen, collaborating with director Chad Ferrin, and the meaningful stories she hopes to tell throughout her career.

PC: You’ve studied psychology and have spoken about your fascination with the complexities of human behavior. What was it about Sunset Strip Killers that first captured your imagination, and what made you want to explore this story?
Bella: One of the modules that fascinated me most during my degree was forensic psychology. Growing up, Dexter was my favorite show (and it still is), and I’ve always been fascinated by the way crime can be dissected and understood. Stepping into the world of true crime as an actress and exploring not only how a murder is solved, but also the emotional and psychological toll of that process, felt like the perfect intersection of my interests.

PC: Speaking of true crime, audiences have become much more thoughtful about how these stories are told. What stood out to you about Sunset Strip Killers and the way it approached telling this story?
Bella: Chad [Ferrin] is a fantastic director when it comes to this subject matter. He’s explored this genre many times before, and one thing that really stood out to me was the level of detail he brings to every project. From my own experience, I was given a comprehensive case file on my character, so I understood who she was, what she looked like, where she came from, and the circumstances surrounding her life. When you’re portraying a real person, I think it’s incredibly important to approach them with respect, and for me, that means learning as much about them as possible.

PC: Having worked as an actor, writer, producer, and director, you’ve experienced filmmaking from so many different perspectives. How has that broader understanding of the creative process shaped you as an actor, and what does it help you recognize in a project that’s worth saying yes to?
Bella: Not to name-drop, but I’ll always remember a conversation I had with Tom Cruise on the set of Mission: Impossible about lenses. We spent nearly an hour talking about how different lenses influence a performance and how you subtly adjust your acting depending on which one is being used. That conversation has always stayed with me because it perfectly illustrates why it’s so important to understand every aspect of filmmaking, not just your own role within it. As an actor, I’ve found it incredibly valuable to understand the entire process, from writing to producing. Being able to get inside a writer’s head and understand how they envision a scene looking and sounding has been invaluable in shaping my performances.

PC: Every project seems to leave an artist with something they carry into the next. What challenged you most about this role, and what lessons or perspectives do you think will stay with you long after you’ve left this project behind?
Bella: Without giving too much away, some of what my character goes through is incredibly dark, and it required me to step into emotional territory I hadn’t personally experienced before. At the same time, I love embracing those kinds of challenges and pushing myself as an actor. That’s one of the reasons I’m so drawn to darker dramas because they really allow me to stretch myself and fully immerse myself in the craft.

PC: You’ve consistently used your platform to champion messages that matter to you. How has that sense of purpose influenced the stories you’re drawn to tell, and what do you hope your body of work says about the values you stand for?
Bella: That’s a great question because I’ve always loved using the platform this industry provides to share meaningful messages. Whenever I’ve created my own projects, I’ve often tried to communicate those ideas by flipping the perspective. For example, I made a short film called Unseen, which explored the insensitive language people often use when talking about mental illness. Instead of addressing mental health directly, I reversed the situation and had those same words directed toward people with physical illnesses. It was a way of encouraging audiences to see the issue from a different perspective.

Mental health, self-love, confidence, and physical health are all themes I’ve explored and would love to continue exploring through the hidden messages within my filmmaking.

PC: Outside of this project, you have quite a bit in the works. Is there anything you’re able to share about what’s coming up next?
Bella: I’m fortunate to be working on some really beautiful stories that I’m excited for people to see. One project I’m especially looking forward to is a Western I’ll be shooting next year, based on the novel Crimson Shadows.

To keep up with Bella, follow her on Instagram.