A Freshman on the Ice
When Belmont Cameli landed the role of Garrett Graham in the new series Off Campus, the script called for a convincing hockey player. Yet the actor admits he had never laced a pair of skates before the first read‑through.
Training kicked off in Los Angeles, where Cameli spent hours on a rink learning the basics. He then traveled to Vancouver for a boot‑camp that pushed his stamina and technique to the limit, turning a novice into a competent skater.
Amazon’s Unexpected Role
The production enlisted Amazon not just as a distributor but as a hands‑on sponsor. The company funded on‑ice coaching, supplied specialized gear and even helped design custom training drills for the cast.
Cameli’s daily routine stretched to two and a half hours of skating, focusing on speed and sharp stops. The discipline required to master puck handling and defensive positioning became a routine that mirrored the character’s on‑screen grit.
Crew Innovation Behind the Lens
The crew engineered a suite of camera rigs that could glide across the ice while capturing sound in real time. Their inventive setups allowed directors to shoot dynamic plays without interrupting the action.
Among the crew, sound technician Albert stood out for his own skating prowess, often serving as an informal coach for the actors. His presence highlighted the collaborative spirit that turned a challenging shoot into a surprisingly smooth production.