In the world of the Prime Video series Off Campus, the bond between Garrett and Logan emerges as one of the most compelling aspects of the show. While the romance between Hannah and Garrett garners considerable attention, it is the friendship between Garrett, played by Belmont Cameli, and Logan, portrayed by Antonio Cipriano, that resonates profoundly with viewers. Cipriano recently shared insights into his relationship with Cameli and the transformative impact of his role in the series.
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Cipriano, 26, spoke about the immediate rapport he felt with 28-year-old Cameli upon their first encounter. Describing it as an “instant connection,” he recounted how both actors forged a strong brotherhood off-screen, which seamlessly translated onto the set. Their chemistry was evident during their initial audition, where they performed a pivotal scene that highlights the characters’ aspirations to play for the Boston Bruins after college. “You could just feel it,” Cipriano noted. “There’s a lot under the surface for Logan… We wanted to capture that deep love, regardless of any underlying tension.”
What makes their bond even more fascinating is the serendipitous nature of their connection. Although they believed they were meeting for the first time during the chemistry read, Cipriano later discovered that they had previously starred together in the film The Alto Knights, albeit without intersecting on set. It was a curious twist of fate that they both attended the film’s premiere in New York City, sitting next to each other without realising their shared past.
The nuanced portrayal of their friendship in Off Campus has allowed Cipriano and Cameli to explore emotionally complex themes. Cipriano shared that navigating the intricacies of their characters’ relationship—initially marked by a lack of open communication—has been a deeply rewarding endeavour. He cited a particularly poignant scene from episode eight, where Logan intervenes in a traumatic moment involving Garrett, as a highlight of their collaborative work. “That day on set was very emotional,” he recalled. “We had some heartfelt conversations about our own lives, and when we finished filming that intense scene, it left a profound impact on both of us.”
Their offscreen conversations inevitably bolstered the emotional weight of their performances, culminating in a moment where Cameli approached Cipriano in tears. “We just embraced and said, ‘I love you so much, brother. I got you. I’m here for you.’ It was cathartic,” he reflected. With season two on the horizon, Cipriano expressed eagerness for their characters to dive deeper into understanding each other, hinting at an evolution in their friendship.
Cipriano’s journey to embodying the lovable Logan has also been a significant personal milestone. He referred to the experience as “life-changing,” highlighting the similarities he found between himself and the character. From family dynamics to shared athletic backgrounds, Cipriano felt an intrinsic connection to Logan, who has a close relationship with his sister Jules. “It resonated with me. I can relate to being a middle child and the peacekeeper role,” he explained, adding that he appreciates the camaraderie depicted between Logan and his friends, reflective of his own experiences in sports.
The actor’s excitement is palpable, especially regarding the creative freedom he was granted for the role. “They let me keep my beard and long hair, which I was thrilled about!” he exclaimed, emphasising how that small detail contributed to his sense of authenticity in playing Logan.
As a cast member in Off Campus, Cipriano joins his co-stars, including Stephen Kalyn and Jalen Thomas Brooks, in breathing life into the characters from Elle Kennedy’s revered book series. With a promising first season under their belt, fans eagerly await the next chapter of the series, which continues to delve into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and growth within the hockey community.
Off Campus is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, with audiences captivated by the interplay of humour and emotion the series offers. As Cipriano and Cameli continue to develop their characters on-screen, the chemistry between them reflects a genuine friendship that extends beyond the confines of the set, demonstrating the impact of meaningful relationships in storytelling.