Ella Bourne shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Ella, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Surfing! I’ve been taking much more time to get out in nature and it’s been bringing so much joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! I’m Ella, I’m an actor from Australia – I now split my time between LA and Melbourne. Since making LA my semi-permanent home 10 years ago I’ve started producing and directing and am happy my filmmaking journey takes me to so many amazing places around the world.
I’m currently a producer on a new feature film called Cowboy. Shooting in 2026, we’re excited to bring a story of a gay cowboy on the pro rodeo circuit to the screen.
I also played a fun character in the new comedy Netflix series Son of a Donkey which just aired. Created by 2 brothers who found their audience by creating funny Youtube videos.
I’m excited to keep creating my projects and keep working in both Australia and the US.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
I think my parents taught me most about work and having a work ethic. Not so much directly but by watching how hard they worked for they wanted in life and to create the life they wanted to live.
Both my parents worked really hard when I was growing and both fostered and supported a love of the arts and creativity, I feel really lucky that I never had to fight to pursue an acting career. They supported me from the get go.
Another person I have to credit with teaching me about working within the film industry is my acting coach Mark McPherson at Studio24Seven. When I first landed in Hollywood I didn’t know where to start and what actions to take to get myself to the next levels. Over the past few years he’s helped guide me through so many indusrty obstacles!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Haha yes – I feel like there were many times I almost gave up. It can feel like you’re pouring your heart and soul into something with no linear pathway forward. It can often feel like two steps forward and one step back.
It’s never been once single instance that’s made me want to give up, more the constant hard work with no specific result. Anytime I’ve come close there’s been a project or a job pop up and keep me in. And from there it’s a snowball effect and things flow. This whole career is an ebb and flow and I keep improving the way I navigate these ebbs and flows.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I like to believe I’m pretty committed to making meaningful work and every project that I create I try to do it to the absolute best quality I can with the tools and resources I have available to me at the time.
Cowboy has been a labor of love for all those involved over the past few years to bring a really meaningful queer story to screen. Another project I’ve been developing is a children’s TV series based around a little girl and a mermaid (working title Mermaids, hehe) this one is a true passion project and I want to make it to the highest quality I can.
I think truly believing in what you’re making resonates with the audience and also with those who you collaborate with. I would love my career to be full of projects like this!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Yes!! I am so happy doing what I do and I’m very grateful that I love my work so much that it doesn’t feel like a job. Even though when we’re filming it can be really long days, I have found myself driving home and barely being bale to contain my excitement to get back to set the next day.
I especially find this on projects that I’ve created because of course it’s amazing to see an idea that you had come to life and to have a team of people collaborating to help bring your concept to life. The same as when I’m cast in a project that really inspired me or has a story that I find fascinating or important. I can’t wait to get to work to tell stories that hopefully influence people to make the world a better place.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellabourne.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ella_frances/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellabourneactress
Image Credits
Main Image – By Leslie Carvitto
1. By Heather Yesenia – Still from Directing Rag & Bone
2 By Heather Yesenia – Still from Directing Rag & Bone
3 Headshot by Amelia Dowd
4 Still from An American Masquerade playing ‘Neri’ Directed by Jasmine Jakupi & Addison Heath
