CONNECT LOS ANGELES
Ruby Lovell
Sri Lanka’s award -winning island girl
Sri Lanka born Ruby Lovell is a multi award-winning US and UK national television journalist, producer and published children’s book author.
With a passion for impactful storytelling, she creates thought-provoking yet entertaining content across multiple platforms. Over a decade, her career has been defined by sheer hard work, investigative journalism, and a creative vision that has earned her awards in both television and literature.
Celebrated for her beloved children’s books that shine a light on under-represented cultures, Lovell captivates audiences – whether she’s reporting in the field, producing in the studio, writing screenplays or books or covering glitzy celebrity events.
– Compiled by Nicola Jayasundera
Growing up, I was always fascinated by narratives that could transport people to another place and evoke strong emotions – stories so powerful they could captivate a person
Q: With a creative portfolio spanning TV, film, literature and music, what sparked your passion for storytelling?
A: Growing up, I was always fascinated by narratives that could transport people to another place and evoke strong emotions – stories so powerful they could captivate a person.
My grandmother invented bedtime stories that were so vivid that they awakened in me the passion to create content that captures people’s attention – whether through TV programmes I’ve created, songs and music I have produced or books I’ve written.
Q: As the creator, producer, writer and host of the multi award-winning show Right on LA! with Ruby Lovell, what do you love most about bringing Hollywood’s red carpet and celebrity world to your audiences?
A: What I love most is capturing the magic of the entertainment world and bringing that star-studded energy to my audiences, in a way that is both captivating and engaging.
I enjoy sharing raw behind-the-scenes moments with my audiences, alongside the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and celebrities I interview. This balance is what my viewers find most compelling about the entertainment world.
And I love the personal interaction with the stars – talking to them about their incredible work and lives. After all, Los Angeles and Hollywood are the entertainment capitals of the world.
Q: What did being a 2024 US National Entertainment Journalism Awards finalist in both Broadcast Journalist and Anchor/Host categories mean to you? And how has it impacted your career?
A: That recognition was both powerful and emotional for me. As a journalist and producer, I put in long hours on a daily basis – seven days a week.
There’s hardly any time off because the entertainment calendar is packed with events and breaking news stories to cover. It’s incredibly gratifying when your hard work, skills, and the content you produce are recognised and honoured by giants in the entertainment world on a national US platform.
Professionally, it has opened many doors for me – from increased visibility as a nationally recognised award-winning journalist and producer, to new collaborations, sponsorships and an overwhelming number of booking requests to cover and feature events.
The work never stops but I love every moment of it – it’s what I was made to do.
Q: As a BAFTA winning TV producer and acclaimed broadcast journalist, what sets impactful storytelling apart in today’s media landscape?
A: An impactful story on TV or film is one that stays with you, captivating you long after the credits roll.
That’s what I aim to create in my films, shows and books. It must be authentic, unique and connect with everyday people, evoking emotions – whether laughter, sadness or excitement. These are the elements that leave a true and lasting impression.
An impactful story on TV or film is one that stays with you, captivating you long after the credits roll
Q: What did it feel like, both personally and professionally, to be recognised as a UK National Finalist at the Asian Women of Achievement Awards for your contributions to media and publishing?
A: As a South Asian woman, it was deeply humbling and fulfilling to know that people appreciated the books I was writing and the shows I was creating.
An Academy Award winning actor I once interviewed told me that when choosing a movie role, you never know if people will love it at first – you just take the leap! It’s like throwing paint on a wall and hoping it sticks.
That’s exactly how I felt – grateful that my ‘paint’ resonated with people.
Q: What inspired you to create, produce and host your new travel show Island Girl? And what’s the concept behind the show – and how does it showcase Sri Lanka as a top travel destination?
A: I am the Island Girl! My identity is, and always will be, that of a Sri Lankan born girl, despite being raised in London for much of my life and now living in LA.
Our island is so rich in beauty. And that inspired me to create a travel show that’s less formal, statistical or historical, and more fun and engaging. The show sees me – the Island Girl – travel to some of the most beautiful islands around the world, bringing an entertaining and light-hearted perspective while showcasing the best each destination has to offer – for example famous landmarks, wildlife, cuisine, festivals, beaches, attractions, nightlife and hotels.
The show will launch internationally at the end of this year as an eight part series. So far, my crew and I have filmed in several spectacular islands including Barbados, Singapore, Sri Lanka (which will be a two part episode) and the Maldives. The series will also feature European islands such as Greece. Filming is still ongoing and to me, it feels like a never-ending holiday!
I am thrilled to have fantastic sponsors and supporters – including SriLankan Airlines, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and Sri Lanka Tourism – as well as many others across the islands we’ve visited so far.
Q: What inspired you to create a children’s character who explores Sri Lanka in your Ruby adventure series, which features the island’s wildlife, culture and landmarks?
A: I wanted to create a bold and authentic protagonist in little Ruby – someone children of all backgrounds could connect with and enjoy following on adventures across our beautiful island.
Growing up, I didn’t see characters like myself in books. Sri Lanka is so rich in history and beauty, it was the perfect setting for magical and meaningful adventures that celebrate identity, belonging and our wonderful culture.
Q: You’re in talks with animation studios in LA to adapt the Ruby adventure stories into a feature film and TV cartoon series. Could you share some of the creative progress and vision behind this project?
A: I’m thrilled about this as it has been my vision for so long. It’s an exciting phase – I am working with character builders and animators from leading animation studios in Los Angeles. We’re developing a visual style that captures the vibrant cultural authenticity of our island and its landmarks, and we’ll be casting diverse voices to bring the characters to life.
We aim to create cartoon episodes – and eventually, a feature film – that are both compelling and engaging, bringing little Ruby’s cultural adventures to life for young audiences everywhere.
Q: Why was it important to you to feature a mixed race girl as the central character in your children’s books?
A: Diversity and representation really matter. I wanted children from all over the world – especially those from mixed or multicultural backgrounds – to see themselves as heroes in the stories they read.
Ruby’s character encourages curiosity, courage and pride in who you are and where you come from.
An Academy Award winning actor I once interviewed told me that when choosing a movie role, you never know if people will love it at first – you just take the leap! It’s like throwing paint on a wall and hoping it sticks
Q: As a woman of colour working in competitive industries, what barriers have you had to break through – and how did you navigate them?
A: I’ve certainly faced obstacles – from being underestimated and dismissed, to experiencing subtle forms of prejudice.
It hasn’t always been easy but I leaned into my authenticity; it’s what set me apart, helped me strive harder and build strong alliances. I used every ‘no’ as fuel to keep going. Creating my own platforms was also a powerful way to take control of my narrative.
Knowledge is power as they say, and I’ve found that to be true throughout my career
Q: What advice would you offer young creatives from multicultural backgrounds trying to break into the media or literary world?
A: First and foremost, you must thoroughly research the market you want to break into. Knowledge is power as they say, and I’ve found that to be true throughout my career.
Networking is also crucial – attend media and literary events because you never know who you’ll meet or what opportunities may come from it.
And embrace your ethnicity as a strength; use it to make yourself stand out and be noticed through your work.
Q: Which of your upcoming projects are you most excited about at this moment?
A: To be honest, all of them. I have my hands in many pies, as they say; and I love the variety of creativity.
I focus on one, then move on to the other. Like a conveyor belt, my brain never stops thinking and creating.
Q: Do you still feel deeply connected with Sri Lanka? And in what ways do you keep that connection alive while living in LA?
A: My identity, my heritage and the blood running through my veins are Sri Lankan – and always will be.
Being born in Sri Lanka and spending my earliest years there is something I will always cherish. I carry a deep sense of pride in my roots, our culture and beautiful island, no matter where in the world I live.
Q: So what’s next for you? And will Sri Lanka continue to be at the heart of your storytelling?
A: Next is my travel show Island Girl, which will launch on TV at the end of this year. I’m also working on an animated adaptation of my Ruby adventure series set in our tropical island of Sri Lanka, while continuing my weekly entertainment show Right on LA! with Ruby Lovell, which airs out of Los Angeles.
An exclusive for LMD International is that I will also be launching my new fashion line under the label Love Ruby.
I already wear many of my own creations on my shows, and I’ve had so much interest from celebrities and viewers that I’m taking the leap into launching a full collection this year.
I carry a deep sense of pride in my roots, our culture and beautiful island, no matter where in the world I live
