Bella Glanville
One of The Most Versatile and Gifted Individuals I’ve Ever Met
Bella: Hi, can you, guys, hear me?
Dmitry: Yeah! Wow, hi, Bella!
Ksenia: Hi, Bella! This is Dmitry, and I`m Ksenia
Bella: Hey, how are you?
Ksenia: And we’re going to interview you together. So Dmitry has a magazine called DK Magazine, and I help him to interview people sometimes.
Dmitry: I’m really excited to do a photo-shoot. When will you be here? You’re saying like in a month?
Ksenia: When are you planning to be here?
Bella: Yeah, so I’m moving to LA in January. I was meant to move this year, but the strikes made it make no sense. So I’m moving at the end of January, which is exciting, so we could shoot there!
Dmitry: That’s amazing!
Ksenia: And this is your first time in LA?
Bella: No, so at the moment I live between LA and London – especially this year.
Ksenia: Okay, so it’s not your first time.
Bella: Yeah: I’ve been there back and forth the whole year, so it’ll be there but it will be my first time living there.
Ksenia: Can you actually tell us your name, where you’re from, what is your career?
Dmitry: We’re really excited to know everything about you and our readers need to know, who are you, what’s your passion – everything, and where are you now.
Bella: Yeah, okay, awesome.
Dmitry: We’re really excited!
Ksenia: Tell us what’s your name?
Bella: Do you want a little summary of my life story?
Ksenia: Yeah!
Bella:My name is Bella Glanville, short for Arabella Glanville, and I’m originally from Wales, UK. Despite my parents being opera singers and my travels with them, I never developed a distinct Welsh accent. Immersed in the world of theatre from a young age, I’ve always been passionate about musical theatre and dance. My journey started early. However, at 13, I faced intense bullying at school. This adversity led me to explore Tony Robbins’ teachings on self-love, inspiring me to create my own tools for personal growth. To share this knowledge, I founded ‘Lovekidz,’ a foundation dedicated to teaching children about self-love and confidence, aiming to transform their lives as mine was transformed. Ironically, on the day I conducted my first workshop on self-love, at the age of 14, I was scouted for modeling. This marked the beginning of my successful modeling career.
Ksenia: It’s not a regular place to get scouted!
Bella: Indeed, I was scouted in Bath, an unexpected place for such an event. This marked the start of my modeling career. While prioritizing my education, I began modeling and traveling globally at 18, participating in prestigious events like Paris Fashion Week and working with Stella McCartney. My modeling career flourished during school, collaborating with brands like Topshop, Vogue, Reese, and Fenty Beauty. Post-school, I moved to Australia to pursue modeling further. Later, I took a gap year to continue modeling and relocated to Florida for a year and a half, working with Next Models for high-profile brands like Gucci and Valentino. Concurrently, I pursued a psychology degree but always felt a pull towards performance and acting. This inclination was reinforced by others who saw potential in me as an actress. At 18, while running workshops for kids and engaging in motivational speaking, a friend from TED nominated me for a TED Talk in Pennsylvania. My TED Talks, delivered in Pennsylvania, Texas, and London, significantly contributed to my acting career, impressing my future agent with my diverse skills. My acting roles include ‘Ted Lasso,’ ‘Ghostbusters,’ and an upcoming Netflix series titled ‘Geek Girl.’ I’ve also been involved in a project I’m not at liberty to discuss yet. Besides acting, I’ve explored writing, creating short films, feature films, and a TV show, all promising exciting developments.
Ksenia: Wow, you’re doing a lot!
Bella: Yeah, and also I didn’t sleep a lot!
Dmitry: What was your TED Talk about? It was about kids?
Bella: The first TED Talk I gave holds a special place in my heart. It delved into the unrealistic standards of perfection in the modeling industry. I discussed lesser-known aspects like the extensive use of Photoshop, the intricacies of lighting setups, and the practice of having young girls model as middle-aged women. It was a comprehensive talk about self-love, drawing from my personal experiences in modeling. I used an analogy involving the word ‘hate,’ explaining how reshaping it into ‘E-hat’ symbolizes the choice of accepting or rejecting negativity. This talk, aimed at educating kids about bullying, was well-received by TED. My second talk in Texas focused on embracing uncertainty and overcoming the fear of the unknown, incorporating NLP techniques and personal anecdotes. As I pursued my degree, my talks shifted towards more scientific themes. The third one explored human uniqueness through a scientific lens. My fourth talk, which became quite popular, centered on the science of online dating. Initially, I intended to discuss the disposable nature of dating apps and their contribution to instant gratification culture. However, TED advised me to adopt a more solution-oriented approach. So, I revised the talk to focus on the science of online dating while still conveying the original message, albeit from a different perspective.
Ksenia: How did TEDtalk help you to grow your career and how were you scouted right after?
Bella: I was scouted for modeling at 14, began delivering TED talks at 18, and ventured into dating shows by 21. Following a breakup, I seized the opportunity to participate in a dating show, which I ended up winning. This led to my involvement in a well-known Netflix show, ‘Sexy Beasts.’ Despite my success in these areas, my ambition was always to enter the film industry. I had already been writing and filming my own short films, creating a showreel, and even landed a lead role in a feature film, where I portrayed a psychopath. During the lockdown, while in quarantine for my second dating show, I reached out to agents, highlighting my diverse experiences in modeling, TED talks, and television. This proactive approach caught the attention of Mary Liz Management: she was keen to represent me and marked a significant turning point in my career.
Dmitry: What are your short films about? What’s the subject?
Bella: I have a passion for creating short films with impactful messages, often revealing the core theme only at the end. One such film, Push, was particularly successful, winning accolades at both the New York and London Film Festivals. The film explores the contrasts in childbirth environments. Research indicates that the optimal conditions for childbirth mirror those of conception: serene, with low lighting and minimal stress. Push visualizes this by reversing the scenario. We depict a couple attempting to conceive in the stark, stressful setting of a hospital delivery room, complete with glaring lights and chaos. This juxtaposition highlights the unsuitability of the typical labor environment. In the film, I played the female lead. It’s gratifying to see Push now being used as an educational tool, furthering its impact beyond the festivals.
Dmitry: It’s incredible how you handle all these projects: each one carries a strong message and a mission-first approach. It’s truly inspiring to see someone prioritize impactful issues over personal gain. I’m amazed by the breadth of your work, from modeling to your meaningful engagement with children and the profound messages in your films. It’s a remarkable transition, bridging a significant gap. Your journey is exemplary, showing that models can evolve into influential figures with deeper characters, making a substantial impact beyond mere appearances. Regarding your feature film, you mentioned writing one, right? Can you share more about it?
Bella: I can’t technically talk about that yet because it’s a story about my brother and it’s a crazy story – very «wolf of wall street» – that’s all the information I can give at the moment because it’s been taken on by a production company who wanna help me develop it so they’ve told me I’m not allowed to say anything yet but when I`ll be able to tell you more – I will!
Dmitry: All right, and what’s your dream? What is your passion?
Bella: I appreciate this question because it delves into what truly motivates us. Many people focus on specific achievements or set detailed five-year plans. For me, the essence of any goal is the feeling it brings, not the achievement itself. For example, if I aspire to win an Oscar, it’s not just about the award; it’s about the sense of accomplishment and recognition it represents. My primary aim in life is to seek fulfillment in whatever I do. This pursuit of fulfillment, rather than specific accolades, guides my decisions and career path. It’s about the journey and the emotional satisfaction derived from each experience, rather than just the end result.
Dmitry: I understand and appreciate the philosophy of seeking fulfillment over accolades like Oscars. It’s a profound approach. However, as a person, you must have other ambitions too, like aspiring to be a renowned actress or producing documentaries that can instigate global change. Beyond the spiritual and emotional aspects, what are your materialistic or conventional dreams? What specific goals do you have in terms of career milestones, tangible achievements, or personal aspirations?
Bella: Absolutely, materialistic goals do have their place. Of course, there are things I desire, but my overarching aim is always fulfillment. I’m open to where life takes me and trust the process. My ideal scenario is to continue what I’m currently doing. In the future, I envision starting a family, though not necessarily within the traditional framework of marriage. It’s essential for me to marry for the right reasons, not just for the sake of a ceremony. Professionally, I aspire to emulate Margot Robbie, who I greatly admire. Her career trajectory and the roles she chooses resonate with my aspirations in the film industry.
Dmitry: I like her as well: she’s just incredibly talented and she’s good in everything what she do – in every film!
Bella: Yeah – that’s why she’s my favorite!
Dmitry: What about that charity project? You said, you’re working with kids – do you still do that?
Bella: I’ve slightly shifted my focus from conducting workshops for kids. While I still occasionally speak at schools, my primary project now is ‘Motivate’ magazine, which resembles a success-themed publication. It’s a platform where inspirational stories are shared, and I get the opportunity to interview influential CEOs, gaining and presenting their insights. A notable feature of the magazine is a section titled ‘Not Just a Pretty Face,’ where I photograph models with compelling stories, challenging the conventional notions of beauty. An upcoming photoshoot, ‘You Would Look Good in a Bin Bag,’ will feature models in unconventional attire to further this narrative. The magazine has grown significantly, boasting substantial sponsorships. It has become a vital tool for me to express my voice and enable others to share theirs, complementing my busy schedule with impactful storytelling.
Dmitry: It’s truly thrilling to hear about your journey and all that you’re accomplishing! When we meet in January, I’m eager to delve deeper into these topics. It’s rare to encounter someone engaged in such a diverse array of projects — from taking interviews to running a magazine. Your youth, passion, and achievements are astounding. The extent of what you’ve done at such a young age is remarkable. I’m at a loss for words to adequately describe the impact of your personality and character. You’re not just doing things; you’re making a significant impact. It’s clear that you’re destined to make a great impact on the world…
Bella: Thank you so much: that’s so kind!
Dmitry: …and especially right now with all what do you do in LA!
Bella: Thank you! And what do you do in LA because you do a lot of things as well?
Dmitry: I run several businesses and use the profits to fund movie productions. I’m currently working on my first feature film, an anthology that integrates multiple short films. Additionally, I’m developing seven documentaries on significant issues such as the practices of medical corporations and the use of pesticides, aiming to convey powerful messages and make a meaningful impact. Winning Oscars isn’t my primary goal; rather, I want to reach and positively influence millions of people. My career path, which includes modeling stints in Paris and Milan, seems to parallel yours. Ksusha, engaged in charity, fashion design, and photography, is also making strides in acting. She’s appeared in two films, played a lead role, and is now searching for an agent through platforms like backstage.com. It seems we share similar pasts and are driven by comparable aspirations. I’m genuinely excited about the opportunity to meet you in person!
Bella: Yeah – me too!
Dmitry: I hope we will do great photoshoot and thanks for this interview! Thanks for your time!
Bella: Yes, of course!
Dmitry: Good luck with your project in India!
Bella: Thank you so much!
Dmitry: Have a good day!
Bella: See you soon! Bye!
