Q&A

GN: You started your career at such a young age, yet your performances already feel so real and emotional. How do you balance just being yourself as a teen with learning and growing as an artist?

TJB: I’m homeschooled now, so I’m not living the Hannah Montana life I once kinda did. I’m just so thrilled to get to do what I love and work with really cool people. I don’t take it for granted and am just always excited for what’s next.

GN: You’ve worked with amazing directors like James Cameron, who’s known for creating such big, imaginative worlds. What’s something you’ve learned from being on those kinds of sets, maybe about patience, focus, or storytelling that sticks with you?

TJB: It takes a village!! For the cast, we need to be there when we need to be there and we do our thing, but also (especially on the Avatar set), there are so many crew members who put in so much passion and effort. I try to be a sponge as much as possible to all that’s happening around me and take it with me for the future.

GN: Avatar explores big ideas like empathy, the environment, and how we’re all connected. Has being part of that story changed the way you see the world or your role as a young artist?

TJB: Totally! I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it weren’t for Avatar. One of the big things when it comes to the Na’vi’s way of life is to live in harmony with nature. I think that love and compassion is something we can learn from the Na’vi. I always loved how Jim said, “It’s important to walk the talk”. Not only are there ideas of empathy, environment, and how we’re all connected in the movie, but on the Avatar set, we are all so connected, have our Avatar water bottles, we’re conscious of the environment in as many ways as possible, and everyone’s just so psyched to come together and do our best work. Being a part of Avatar also impacted my understanding of how important our imagination and curiosity is.

GN: Working with others can be one of the best parts of acting. Can you share a moment with a co-star, director, or mentor that taught you something special about teamwork or really listening while performing?

TJB: Sig would share cool books with me, including a couple of childhood favorites. She always emphasized the representation of female characters to me and girl power. I mean, speaking of girl power, she played the legendary, iconic, and groundbreaking Ellen Ripley!!! She inspired me to want to tell those stories and also keep having fun devouring books.

GN: You’re not just an actor, you also write music and tell stories in other ways. How do those creative sides connect for you? Do you find that music and acting inspire each other?

TJB: They for sure inspire each other. Different forms of creativity definitely end up connecting, partly because everything that I do or experience will spark discoveries in those creative outlets. On the acting side, I get so much perspective on life and inspiration from characters, stories, and different situations, whether it’s a project I got to be a part of or even just audition for. On the music side, the self-discovery in songwriting and songwriting in general really inspires me on the acting side. I try to be really observant about what I’m experiencing or what’s going on around me because I think both acting and music benefit so much from it.. I guess you could call it “waking the muse” haha!  

GN: Sometimes when you’re performing, everything just clicks like you’re completely in the moment. Have you felt that kind of “flow,” and what does it teach you about being real and true in your art?

TJB: That feeling, the connection, the flow, the moment.. It’s just kismet!! I love those magical moments and live for them. Whether it’s getting so connected with my character, within the scene, or with another actor.. or the excitement of sharing my songs on stage.. or the moments when inspiration strikes.. or playing through a song I just wrote at 12:30 am and feeling it come together.. These moments and creating feel stronger than caffeine.  

GN: Growing up in today’s entertainment world means being surrounded by so many opinions and images. How do you stay grounded and keep a strong sense of who you are?

TJB: Being the youngest sister with two older brothers makes staying grounded a piece of cake! Hehe. No matter what, my chops will be busted. Another day, another burn.

Also, I have awesome parents and an awesome team around me.

GN: Technology is changing how stories are told from virtual worlds to immersive experiences. How do you imagine acting and creativity evolving for your generation?

TJB: This is a big question. I will stay true to what an actor does on the craft side. I think authentic stories brought to life authentically is the most important, will continue to connect with people, and continue to unite people!

GN: Looking ahead, what kinds of characters or stories do you dream of exploring next? What makes them meaningful to you?

TJB: There’s so much I dream of getting to explore when it comes to characters and stories!! As an actor, my dream is to be able to step into all kinds of lives and situations.

Right now, I really want to take on a rom-com! I love romcoms like 10 things I hate about you and To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before.. I’m a lover girl, so whenever I have time, I end up sitting down to a rom-com read or film or show, whether it be more modern or the classics.

GN: Outside of acting and music, what are some things you love to do just for yourself, hobbies, skills, or interests that make you feel inspired or centered?

TJB: Whenever anybody asks me this question, for a second, I have a brain fart because it feels like acting, music, and creating is all I do, haha. Then I remember I actually do like different hobbies.. for example, I love submerging myself into a world by devouring a book, watching films, watching shows.. I really love dancing, especially at Millennium Dance Complex, which has a really cool community and vibe. I love going to Malibu now and then, driving through the canyon, the salty air, feeling like Moana looking at the ocean.. I really like spending time with my friends too.

GN: Finally, what does the term Goodnight mean to you?

TJB: The first thing I think of is when I was little, there were still home phones, and my dad worked long distance a lot at the time, which made little me feel like he was barely home.. I really looked forward to our nighttime calls and catch-up. He’d call on the home phone before going to sleep and say good night to the fam.. One time, I wanted to say good night by making a good night song, and it became a tiny ritual.

“Good night” makes me think of everyone saying goodbye before heading home after a long day on set. Walking out of the trailer with all your stuff and ready to greet the LA monstrous traffic.

“Good night” makes me think of late nights when writing music and not being quiet enough for my household.

“Good night” feels somehow intimate and warm.. like being tucked in with a kiss on the forehead from your parents as a child before the light is shut off and you close your eyes to dreamland.

“Good night” also reminds me of being Harley Quinn for Halloween when I was 9 or 10, since Harley’s bat says “good night” on it, and I felt bad ass swinging it around that Halloween! 

Images courtesy of photographer Raquel Krelle

Stylist: Veronica Graye

Makeup: Robert Bryan

Hair: Arbana Dollani