Laila Pruitt hasn’t even graduated from high school yet and is already working on rising to stardom. I fell in love with her as the baby executive character from the Haribo candy commercial, with the famous line: “That’s why they pay you the big bucks!” She has been on sets with some big stars, including Denzel Washington and Don Cheadle in “Flight”. She is coming into her own, by taking on the challenging role of Nicole Flenory in “BMF” on Starz. Season 1 of “BMF” did not disappoint, and fans (including myself), we’re ready for Season 2 when the last episode of Season 1 aired a little while back. Laila is proud of the work that she has done as Nicole Flenory and gave us a glimpse into her life as an actress and a “BMF” cast member.
Tell us about yourself Laila, and what’s this experience in film been like for you?
“I am a goofball, a life-long student, an optimist, and a lover of film, to name a few. Since I began in this industry, auditioning, networking, and being on sets, I have loved it. In the last few years, the pace has quickened and has leveled up my passion for the craft even more. My time on set has, so far, been equal parts educational and exciting. I’m always learning about the dynamics of, and everything that goes into a set. I am also constantly laughing, and connecting with castmates, crew, and basically whoever gives me the time of day!”
You star as “Nicole Flenory” on the Starz hit TV series “BMF”. What made you audition for the role of Nicole?
“I could tell this was going to be an impactful story to tell. BMF as a whole has shaped so many peoples’ lives; to be a part of that was an opportunity that I wasn’t willing to pass up. I also knew it would be fun to portray a person in a true story. It was awesome to research the history of this family and their legacy which holds today.”
Anyone who knows even a piece of the “BMF” story knows that the Flenory family isn’t your ordinary family. How did you prepare for the role of Nicole Flenory?
“Not an ordinary family indeed. I always begin with memorizing the script, to get a feel for how the writers wanted the story and its characters to be portrayed. I spend a lot of time focusing on the feelings and the reasoning behind the actions of Nicole’s choices and emotional reactions because that’s what fuels her to do anything. From that point, I simply spent my time finding the music, video clips, or any other content that transported me into the mind of this girl who lived a very complex life. I was also able to meet the real Nicole Flenory. Ms. Nicole graciously shared with me who she is as a person, as well as gave me a glimpse of what it was like being the little sister of Meech and Terry.”
The cast of “BMF” is a really great cast. You’re definitely holding your own. What’s it like working with such an amazing cast?
“Thank you so much! I couldn’t have asked to work with a better cast. One of the most-used phrases on set was “everyone who is here is supposed to be here.” And that rang true from the first “Action!” to the last “Cut!” The acting was top-notch, and we all made astounding connections. One of the best qualities about this cast, to me, was that we were all willing to leave it out on the floor, and inspire each other, through the performance, to do the same. Anything that could be said or done to keep the energy flowing for the scene was said and done. I’m so glad I got to work with such talented people!”
What’s your favorite thing about being a member of the “BMF” cast?
“One of my favorite things about being a BMF cast member is the black excellence that I get to soak up every day. Everyone showed up more than prepared, had good attitudes, melanin popping, and was ready to work. I mean, we were all there and doing our thing! Watching the roast battles between the BMF and Power Book 2: Ghost cast members on Instagram was a plus too!”
What are your hopes for your character in Season 2 of “BMF”?
“I hope we get to see Nicole start to become her own person and make decisions (and possibly mistakes) on her own. Nicole is at the age where we begin to break away from the expected family norms and figure out all that works for you, so to see her begin to take into account her own ambitions and goals would be interesting to see.”
You love singing and screen-writing. You’ve written your first feature-length script, as well as directed and starred in the short for it. If I am correct, you’re also working on your second feature. What’s to come for Laila Pruitt in the upcoming months?
“Well, I am set to appear in the upcoming family action movie, “Secret Headquarters”, which I am so excited about! And yes! I am currently working on a couple of my own projects, including both a feature-length script and a short script. I can’t wait to begin filming those! On the other hand, it’s my SENIOR season, and I’ll be graduating from high school in May, so that’s exciting!”
We are all excited to see what’s to come in Season 2 of “BMF”, as well as what’s to come for Laila as she continues to shine and showcase her many talents. You can keep up with Laila on Instagram: @lailadpruitt
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