March 27, 2025 • 24 mins
Episode 136 - Faith-Based Films and Acting Insights
The podcast episode is part 2 of a discussion between host Matt Chastain, and Debby Gerber, an actor from Switzerland who studied at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in California. Debby talks about how being a Christian affects her acting and Hollywood's evolving acceptance of faith-based content, and discusses her upcoming film releases 'Somewhere Else' and 'Beyond Belief.' The interview also delves into the nuances of acting, the importance of good dialogue, and the collaborative spirit required on set. Debby offers insights on what actors need from directors and the significance of treating everyone on a film set with respect and kindness.
Highlights Include:
- The Impact of Faith on Acting
- Faith-Based Films and Hollywood
- Challenges and Changes in Christian Films
- Upcoming Faith-Based Film Releases
- Beyond Belief (Petra)
- Acting Technique, and Working with Directors
- Advice for Writers
- Collaboration and Respect
Bio:
Debby Gerber has built a dynamic acting career in the U.S. after moving from her native Switzerland. She studied at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting in Los Angeles, where she graduated from a two-year program. Her acting journey began with smaller roles in student and indie films, gradually evolving into appearances in TV series and major movies.
Debby has been featured in notable productions like Chuck Lorre’s Sitcom B Positive, Glee, NCIS, Teen Wolf, and Gangster Squad.
She had a supporting role in Hope for the Holidays, playing the younger version of Oscar-nominee and Golden Globe Winner Sally Kirkland’s Character.
She also just wrapped production as the female Lead in ‘Beyond Belief’, a faith-based coming of age movie featuring the band Petra as well as a supporting role in ‘Somewhere else’ alongside Cameron Arnett and Karen Abercrombie (War Room, The Forge). Both movies are hoping to have a theatrical release in 2025.
Debbie’s Links:
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4282021/
https://debbygerber.com/
https://www.instagram.com/debbygerber/
https://www.facebook.com/debbyjgerber/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCl2zKvMUBaLoPwmYhwuqHsw/videos
Editing by Michael Roth
FAFF Association Online Meetups: https://faffassociation.com/#faff-meetings
Screenwriters Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat
Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V
VIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.
It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Matt (00:00):
Alright, welcome to another episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast.
My name is Matt Chastain, your humble hostand, um, we are back with Debbie Gerber, uh, an amazing actor who just has such a cool story coming from Switzerland.
Basically stumbling upon the StellarAdler Academy of Acting, the greatest acting school, probably all of California, if not, uh, all of of the United States, and just really growing a, a pretty awesome career.
(00:27):
So, Debbie, thanks again for joining us.
Debby (00:29):
Oh, thank you so much for having me.
Just happy to be here.
Matt (00:32):
Yeah, it's fun.
So, uh, we're gonna get into, um, Ithink that the last episode really led us well into you talking about your own personal transition, kind of into the, the more faith genre of, feature films.
But you know, I had an acting coach ona couple episodes ago and brilliant guy, and, he kind of led us to a conclusion that being a Christ follower we have to, and you as a preacher's kid yourself, you kind of practice setting aside your own ego, practice dying to self.
(01:02):
Practice Again, it's just, it'sall about killing your own ego.
And, and some of us arebetter than that at others.
Some of you people are betterthan that than I am, obviously.
But I, it feels like to me, thatreally sets you up for being a better actor when you can set your own ego aside, set your own perspective aside.
Um, and obviously we have to adoptChrist's perspective that also allows you to adopt the perspective of the character whom you're playing.
(01:26):
So have you found that to bethe, case being a Christian makes you a better actress?
Debby (01:30):
I actually think so not just a better actor, obviously a better human, but also, um, it's just for me specifically, it helped me so much being okay with, you know, whenever something doesn't work out, whenever you're auditioning for roles and they're not happening, um, I. I think because I'm a Christian, because I'm a believer, you know, certain roles God has meant for me and certain roles are not meant for me.
(01:54):
So it is now so much easier forme to just accept how things are and move on and just be happy.
You know, I think a lot ofactors tend to be very unhappy.
Um, maybe, I wouldn't say unmotivated,but they, it's almost like sometimes they don't really have a goal, you know?
Unless it's just to becomebig and famous and whatnot.
I think for me, my goal truly is.
(02:16):
To just be me, just remain who Iam, but tell God-honoring stories, stories that matter, and gosh, if our stories can change a person's life, you know, like if they meet Jesus for the first time because they saw your film, I mean, I. It's so powerful.
It's so incredible.
(02:37):
So I do think we have, you know, suchamazing tools available to us and it's on us and how we use them, and why we use them, and for what reasons we use them.
Yeah, it changed a lot for meonce I realized I wanna really tell God honoring stories.
It changed how it lookedat everything basically.
Matt (02:57):
I love that.
I love that you had mentioned kindof in your specific questions to ask here you, you put the phrase.
Faith-based films taking over Hollywood,which I think a lot of us in the, in the, a lot of Christians in the faith-based industry, I don't know that we have that positive a view on it, but it sounds like that the industry really is changing and, and our films are becoming more accepted.
And you, yourself as a, as aworking actress, are able to step into this genre and, and not become a pariah in the industry.
Debby (03:25):
Yes, ab, absolutely.
I definitely, like I said, my, inthe previous episode, I definitely feel like Hollywood is opening up its gates for faith-based content, for faith-based films, good content with good meaning, God honoring stories.
I. It used to be a taboo.
It used to be you do not talkabout Jesus, you do not talk about God, especially as an actor.
(03:45):
You don't dare say that you are aChristian or again, you would be canceled.
Hollywood would not work with you.
Now it's quite the opposite.
Um, the chosen open up that door, and nowthere's actors doing, uh, advertisement and commercials for that hallow app, even though I believe it's more of a Catholic prayer app, I believe.
But nevertheless, there'snow famous people coming out.
(04:07):
Advertising this app sayingthat they're Christian.
I'm just like amazing peoplethat have would've never come out five years ago, you know?
So most definitely, um, Hollywoodis opening up its doors for all of us giving us a platform and for just allowing these stories to be told that the servant needs to be told.
Matt (04:28):
I think contrary to popular belief.
There are really goodChristian films being made.
Well, obviously now that we've gotthe chosen, like you said, Jesus revolution's a bunch of 'em, but, but I think outside of the, the choir, so to speak, and we've been preaching to the choir for a long time and I think there have been Christian movies for years that have been good, but, I don't think the outside world has recognized that.
(04:50):
But now maybe they are.
Debby (04:52):
I agree.
I think there is, uh, years and years agoyeah, there were maybe some good movies out there, but a lot of Christian film, because we were lacking funding, tended to not have the best quality, not have the best, you know, camera, whatever, and maybe not even the best actors.
And it was just kind of more cringey.
And that's why Hollywood waskind of laughing at us bud.
Goodness gracious.
(05:12):
Seriously, our production valuehas gone up so much over the last few years in faith-based film.
I also just saw, uh, gosh,I'm blanking on the name now.
Both the Family of the SmallBones for, uh, king Country.
That film that came out lastyear was also like an incredible, incredible movie and won awards
Matt (05:29):
can only imagine
Debby (05:30):
Uh, no.
Um, I watched it twice, so I, I shouldknow, but it's the story of the, the family from, uh, the two brothers to uh, for King Country, their, family coming to, to us and, and I'm totally blanking on
Matt (05:42):
I
Debby (05:42):
It's
Matt (05:42):
about that
Debby (05:43):
Yeah.
You probably know what I'm talking about.
But that was such a powerful movie aswell and, um, made waves, you know, so.
yes, there is more funding now.
I think too, like we're gettingmore funding for Christian films so that we can produce more quality films and are not getting laughed at for having poor quality films.
Even if the story's amazing, sometimesit was just lacking quality and people would just not wanna watch it, you know?
(06:07):
But now I. If we have a bit morefunding, um, and really professional people that, you know, know their craft, not just your family and friends.
And yes, you need to work with your familyand friends, but also know your craft.
Study your craft.
You know, be proficient at what you do.
And if, if you come together and putall your heart into it, you will have an amazing movie that will move an audience.
Matt (06:31):
That is the goal.
And, and I'll stand by this, I think KirkCameron, who's been in Christian movies for 25 years is a phenomenal actor.
So we've, we've always had, some goodtalent, in and around the industry.
I wanna hear more about the, because youhave two, not one, but two faith-based film releases coming up in 2025.
So
Debby (06:48):
actually probably three.
Matt (06:50):
three, why not make it four?
Let's shoot another one
Debby (06:53):
actually May, maybe four, but the other one's a series, so,
Matt (06:56):
Well, let's talk about each of those.
I want to dive into these great movies.
Debby (06:59):
Yeah, so I did shoot, well, three of them I shot last year.
One of them I am shootingactually next month.
Uh, but it's planning to bereleased hopefully later this year, if not early next year.
Uh, but the first one is, somewhereelse that is a faith-based film directed and written by my friend Martin Samuel.
And that is starring, um, CameronOrnette and Karen Abercrombie, who are obviously geniuses in what they do.
(07:23):
And it was.
Such a huge blessing and honor for meto be working with both of them and, and really just meet them and talk with them, you know, and kind of pick their brains a little bit on set, both for an amazing blessing to work with.
But yeah, that film, we'recurrently looking for distribution.
We're hoping, um, we're gonna findsomething later this year so that we can have theatrical release.
This is a, a film about a deaf girl and.
(07:46):
The Christian parents really strugglingwith that and kind of almost blaming God, you know, like, why did you give us a daughter who is deaf?
And that is a very hard topic.
Things happen, obviously, thatthe girl acts out because of she's not being accepted by her family and things like that.
So it's just takes,takes an unexpected turn.
I'll say that's a very movingcar breaking film, I would say.
Matt (08:10):
That's all in the apologetics category.
'cause it almost deals with.
A question, why does Godallow so much suffering?
Debby (08:17):
And even to the point of like, did he do this?
You know, which obviously opens up a hugediscussion of like, why would God do this?
And I'm like, he didn't do this.
Well, you know, that's,that's the whole point, right?
That's the discussion of like,why do these things happen and how do we as Christians deal with it?
So that is I think, an amazingfilm and again, hopefully coming out later this year.
The other one is Beyond Belief.
(08:38):
that one we filmed last year for likea month or five weeks in the Chicago area, more Woodstock in Chicago, and uh, that one's directed by Johnny Meyer.
It's a more of a coming of age film.
Um, it does include the music fromPetra, the Christian rock band, Petra, and obviously they're older now and this film is set in the sixties and seventies.
(09:02):
So Petra, the band is in the film,but not the current members obviously, because it wouldn't make sense.
Matt (09:08):
Now those guys are probably in their sixties or seventies.
Debby (09:11):
Yes they are.
And they're wonderful.
And they actually came toset and we met them all.
But like, so obviously for itto make sense, they themselves could not be in the movie.
But we cast, you know, but we cast peoplethat looked like them when they were in their late twenties and early thirties.
And uh, this is the first film everthat Petra has allowed to use their music on because they believed so much in the story of this film.
(09:36):
Um, it's a beautiful filmabout a teenage boy who.
A wannabe rock star andI was a huge Petra fan.
And, um, he's trying to run amarathon and while he's running a marathon, he's hearing God's voice.
And that's kind of where it starts.
And it's just a beautiful.
Family movie, really it's about the,the bond of a family faith, but then also struggling with faith.
(10:01):
You know, when traumatic things happen.
Again, almost same with somewhereelse of like, what do you do when something traumatic happens in your life?
What do you do with that as aChristian, how do you handle it?
Um, so that question gets asked as well.
And then a big question in thismovie is when you hear God's voice, what do you do with that?
Do you act on it?
(10:21):
Do you ignore it?
Can you hear it?
Are you listening to it?
So yeah, it's a lot of that and it'sjust a really beautiful motivating, obviously family friendly movie that I think a lot of families would enjoy.
Matt (10:33):
That's exciting.
I've gotta see that one.
I remember going to a Petra concertwith my youth group in Macon, Georgia in 19 88, 89, something like that.
I don't know.
They were hairband big eighties hairband.
It was.
Debby (10:46):
And they're so good.
And I will say, um, I have to say Idid not know them before this movie.
You, they kind of performed my
Matt (10:53):
you're young.
Yeah.
Debby (10:54):
but, but once I booked the film, obviously I was listening to their music and they're really, really good, like incredibly good.
I actually really enjoyed their
music,
Matt (11:03):
musician.
There's another, film that Ithink got a little overlooked, um, several years ago called Electric Jesus about this, uh, Christian
Debby (11:13):
heard of it.
I didn't see it, but I heard of it.
Matt (11:15):
Yeah, A buddy of mine, Caleb Hoffman, plays the drummer in that band.
Um, but it's got Kevin from theoffice a lot of other folks.
But yeah, I would, uh, like allthese, the, the Christian movies, you know, in the music genre,
Debby (11:28):
Yes.
Matt (11:28):
going over all these bands we used to all listen to growing up.
That's, that's pretty
Debby (11:31):
I love it.
Matt (11:33):
So, uh, that's exciting.
You have a lot going on right now interms of, uh, Christian movie releases.
Um, we'll all go see those movies.
I, I wanna dive a little deeperjust into getting nerdy, get real nerdy in terms of acting.
Um, I, I always try to ask an actorthis, 'cause I, as a director myself, I, I, learn my craft through actors.
(11:54):
And so I always wanna know as an actor,what do you want most from a director?
Debby (12:00):
I honestly feel like every director obviously is very different personality wise, directing style wise, so I tend to try to get to know the director and his directing style and work with him or her, like I'm, I'm not set in a certain way of like, this is how I need things to be done.
Matt (12:21):
You don't fit in Hollywood at all then.
Debby (12:23):
No, maybe not.
I don't know.
No, I hope, I hope I'm easy to getalong with because yeah, it also depends on the role very much.
Sometimes I feel like I tend toprefer to do it my way first, you know, and then see what the director wants me to do and adjust that way.
Sometimes I like to touch base withthem ahead of time and really heavily talk about the character and roles, because I'm not quite sure of where they want this to go, you know?
(12:49):
So I need more of their input.
So it honestly depends on theproject, depends on the film, depends on the character I'm playing and depends on the director.
I don't have a one-on-one ofthis is how I do it every time.
Um, I guess I'm flexible in that sense.
but one thing that I will saythat I've learned over the years, um, that has become very important to me is when there is.
(13:11):
A somewhat dramatic scene, you know, whereit's very emotional or sad or to a point where you have to get to a certain place.
And that is not always easy.
Obviously I've learned that I need tostand up for myself and that I need to request for time and quiet, you know?
'cause that can be very,very difficult on a set.
Obviously, when you have like 50 ora hundred people running all around you and setting up their lights and whatnot and people screaming at each other and you're trying to get into character, and yes, maybe you have a green room, but maybe you don't.
(13:40):
So when you're like in betweensetups and you're trying to stay in character, then I would be like just kindly asking, you know, can people just try to keep it down a little bit?
Maybe don't ask me what I want for dinner.
You know, like, don't ask questionsthat are not needed right now and kind of give, leave me alone.
Give me my time.
And then what I think is important is,and I've learned that actually from.
(14:03):
Oh my gosh, I'm blankingon people's names.
Uh, Eastwood, director, actor.
Thank you.
Clint Eastwood.
Um, I did background on a film that hedid, so that's what I learned from him.
What he does is he counts down 3,2, 1, and then he tells the actors to just go whenever they're ready.
There is no action, there is no
cut, and he will roll cameras.
(14:24):
It can be 10, 15 seconds of quiet.
And when the actor is ready they go.
And when I saw that, that's reallywhen I was like, oh, wow, I get it.
Now, obviously that's also goinginto money because when you roll for 15 seconds, that you know can be expensive maybe depending on the camera you're using.
Um, but for emotional scenes orwhatnot, I now do tend to tell people, if you can start rolling and I will go when I'm ready.
Matt (14:49):
I find that the directors tend to be one of two things.
You're either an actress'sdirector or you're
a DPS director.
Right.
And a DPS director.
I found, I was associate produceron the film and I, I watched the director and he was so concerned with his cameras and angles and they were choreographing everything and that was kind of the dominant kind of ethos of the set and as if actors are supposed to just do your thing.
(15:11):
But we had to tell 'em, Hey man, just.
Calm everything down a littlebit and let your act 'cause this, you were very dramatic scenes.
Then just let your actorsdo their thing as well.
Don't forget about them.
Right.
K Be, be respectful of whatthey need to do to, to kind of get into that hypnotic state.
So, so good for
Debby (15:27):
yeah, yeah.
Matt (15:28):
For sure.
Another thing I'm always curious aboutwith actors is, you know, this is kind of a a broad question probably, but what's the, your favorite roles to really sink your teeth into?
what gets you excited as an actor?
Debby (15:40):
Honestly, the role that our chess played in Beyond Belief.
Was a dream role it, andit sounds, maybe not.
When I just say what it is,it's gonna be like, oh really?
Because yes, it was themom, you know, the wife.
But there's probably so much more to it.
And the scenes were justso beautifully written.
they were so rich and so much backstorythat came out through those scenes, and you, you really saw the bomb the family had with what they were saying and how they were acting.
(16:10):
It was just that to me, likeI kept saying to the writers and my director, I was like.
I love every singlescene I get to play here.
And I don't say that about everymovie I do, every single scene.
I was like, this is so powerful.
This is so beautiful.
It's so meaningful that it wasjust really a joy to dive into that.
Um, every single take, every single time.
It used to be when I startedout more, I loved to play characters that were so not me.
(16:38):
Like I was yearning and looking for allthe character roles, you know, for the druggie, for the alcoholic, for like the abusive mom and whatnot, just to.
Almost like challenge myself, you know,and see what I can do and what I really can't do, where my borderers are, I guess, limitations are, and really also wanting to, you know, really look ugly and just nasty and just all the things.
(17:02):
And I got to play thoseparts and it was so fun.
It was so cool to dig my teethinto that and understand.
Understanding those people, you know,understanding where, where they come from.
And that may be my social, workbackground, you know, because I have such a love for people that, you know, are going through things that are, that have it rough in their life, you know?
And I have such a love for those peoplethat I was like, I, I wanna dig into their history and wanna understand where they come from, why they are who they are now, like what happened in their past that.
(17:34):
Made them become who they are andwhat can help them to get out of this.
So that still is one of my passions today.
It's just now happens that I booka lot of wife and mom roles, which is, I'm totally okay with that.
Um, but yeah, those were gold.
Like those kind of roles werelike really, really fun to
Matt (17:51):
At least you get to play the.
Young mom, like the mom of, of babiesand young kids, uh, I'm getting the like,
Debby (17:56):
I mean, I will, I will say my kid and beyond belief.
He's a bit older.
He, he is in the film.
He's supposed
to be 15 in real life.
He is 23, so,
Matt (18:08):
Yeah, I'm getting with a gray
beard.
I'm
getting cast as dad of older teenagerand college student, which is like, ugh.
Debby (18:14):
there you go.
But hey, I'm like, if I booked
Matt (18:16):
Exactly,
Debby (18:17):
so,
Matt (18:18):
I wanna go back into one more thing real quick because I think a lot of people listening to this are, uh, aspiring writers, maybe aspiring directors, but writers specifically.
And, and I I do think one good bitof advice for writers if you're writing a, a, a screenplay is to, as you say, write something that the.
Actor is going to love, right?
Something that's really going to give theactor a, a lot to do, a lot to dig into.
(18:43):
So do you have any of, any advicefor writers, from the perspective of an actor, um, things they can do, things they shouldn't do, that really help you as an actor open that script and go, this is juicy.
Gimme more.
Debby (18:57):
Gosh, I'm gonna try not to offend
Matt (18:59):
Oh, no, no, no.
This is the last partof the second episode.
This is the offensive partof the podcast, so go for it.
Debby (19:05):
Oh goodness.
Just write good dialogue, man.
I've read some really tremendousscripts, but I've read a lot of crappy scripts, and that's just because the dialogue doesn't go deep enough because the dialogue is very much on the surface or even cheesy or.
Not important enough.
Um, we have to be able to digdeep, you know, and uncover who these characters are.
(19:29):
Yes, in some Scripts, it is up tothe actor to create those characters.
'cause you cannot say everythingand cannot write everything.
So it's on us to create that past.
But it's also interesting foran audience to know more about those characters and about their history and again, why they are.
Who they are today.
But for me it's gosh, better dialogue.
(19:51):
Like on beyond belief.
I had some really, reallywonderful dialogue.
And it wasn't just your regularconversations, it was, you know, talking about things you don't necessarily wanna talk about.
Um, not shying away from topics goingdeep, really not being afraid of going deep, um, and uncovering things.
I dunno if that helps at all, but
Matt (20:10):
I would guess writing in subtext I think helps an actor act
Debby (20:13):
Yes.
Yes, totally.
Matt (20:15):
rather than so blatantly expositional.
Debby (20:17):
Yeah.
I don't know if that helps at all, but
Matt (20:19):
I mean, it really helps everybody.
'cause you talk about being on setand the, the magic of being on set really is from my experience, I. Is the collaboration when everybody on set, from the actor to the director, to the craft services person, when everybody's ego is gone and we're all working together to do nothing but serve the story, that's when you kind of have that kind of magic buzz going around set.
(20:42):
And so that's kind of what you're, Ithink it sounds like you're, you're most attracted to in, this job.
Debby (20:47):
Absolutely, and I think for us actors, it is so important to know, it doesn't matter what kind of movie you're working on, but just to always remember that yes, it's teamwork.
Just because you're the actor doesn'tmean you're better than anybody.
It really isn't.
It is a teamwork and everysingle person on that set matters.
It doesn't matter what their position is.
(21:09):
I'm seeing that a lot in Hollywood.
'cause I've done a lot of background work.
You know, I've, I've seen a lotof PAs getting treated horribly.
I've seen background people gettingtreated horribly because some people think they're better than them.
Also in the faith-basedworld, it tends to happen so.
I think that's for me important andI really try to do that to treat everyone the same with a lot of respect and love and kindness and, you know, goes back to the Bible, treat thy neighbor how, how you wanna be treated.
(21:35):
I mean, if you wanna betreated horribly, go ahead.
Like, no, no.
But I would assume you wanna be treatednicely and with respect and with love, um, and with patience, you know, so be that.
Do that.
Matt (21:47):
That's a great place to end it.
Debbie Gerber, thank you so much.
This has been an absolute pleasuretalking to you and getting to, to, to know, uh, all about your world and thanks so much for sharing.
Debby (21:56):
Yeah, of course.
Thank you so much for, for caring.
Thank you so much forasking those questions.
I really appreciate it.
Alright, welcome to another episode of the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast.
My name is Matt Chastain, your humble hostand, um, we are back with Debbie Gerber, uh, an amazing actor who just has such a cool story coming from Switzerland.
Basically stumbling upon the StellarAdler Academy of Acting, the greatest acting school, probably all of California, if not, uh, all of of the United States, and just really growing a, a pretty awesome career.
(00:27):
So, Debbie, thanks again for joining us.
Debby (00:29):
Oh, thank you so much for having me.
Just happy to be here.
Matt (00:32):
Yeah, it's fun.
So, uh, we're gonna get into, um, Ithink that the last episode really led us well into you talking about your own personal transition, kind of into the, the more faith genre of, feature films.
But you know, I had an acting coach ona couple episodes ago and brilliant guy, and, he kind of led us to a conclusion that being a Christ follower we have to, and you as a preacher's kid yourself, you kind of practice setting aside your own ego, practice dying to self.
(01:02):
Practice Again, it's just, it'sall about killing your own ego.
And, and some of us arebetter than that at others.
Some of you people are betterthan that than I am, obviously.
But I, it feels like to me, thatreally sets you up for being a better actor when you can set your own ego aside, set your own perspective aside.
Um, and obviously we have to adoptChrist's perspective that also allows you to adopt the perspective of the character whom you're playing.
(01:26):
So have you found that to bethe, case being a Christian makes you a better actress?
Debby (01:30):
I actually think so not just a better actor, obviously a better human, but also, um, it's just for me specifically, it helped me so much being okay with, you know, whenever something doesn't work out, whenever you're auditioning for roles and they're not happening, um, I. I think because I'm a Christian, because I'm a believer, you know, certain roles God has meant for me and certain roles are not meant for me.
(01:54):
So it is now so much easier forme to just accept how things are and move on and just be happy.
You know, I think a lot ofactors tend to be very unhappy.
Um, maybe, I wouldn't say unmotivated,but they, it's almost like sometimes they don't really have a goal, you know?
Unless it's just to becomebig and famous and whatnot.
I think for me, my goal truly is.
(02:16):
To just be me, just remain who Iam, but tell God-honoring stories, stories that matter, and gosh, if our stories can change a person's life, you know, like if they meet Jesus for the first time because they saw your film, I mean, I. It's so powerful.
It's so incredible.
(02:37):
So I do think we have, you know, suchamazing tools available to us and it's on us and how we use them, and why we use them, and for what reasons we use them.
Yeah, it changed a lot for meonce I realized I wanna really tell God honoring stories.
It changed how it lookedat everything basically.
Matt (02:57):
I love that.
I love that you had mentioned kindof in your specific questions to ask here you, you put the phrase.
Faith-based films taking over Hollywood,which I think a lot of us in the, in the, a lot of Christians in the faith-based industry, I don't know that we have that positive a view on it, but it sounds like that the industry really is changing and, and our films are becoming more accepted.
And you, yourself as a, as aworking actress, are able to step into this genre and, and not become a pariah in the industry.
Debby (03:25):
Yes, ab, absolutely.
I definitely, like I said, my, inthe previous episode, I definitely feel like Hollywood is opening up its gates for faith-based content, for faith-based films, good content with good meaning, God honoring stories.
I. It used to be a taboo.
It used to be you do not talkabout Jesus, you do not talk about God, especially as an actor.
(03:45):
You don't dare say that you are aChristian or again, you would be canceled.
Hollywood would not work with you.
Now it's quite the opposite.
Um, the chosen open up that door, and nowthere's actors doing, uh, advertisement and commercials for that hallow app, even though I believe it's more of a Catholic prayer app, I believe.
But nevertheless, there'snow famous people coming out.
(04:07):
Advertising this app sayingthat they're Christian.
I'm just like amazing peoplethat have would've never come out five years ago, you know?
So most definitely, um, Hollywoodis opening up its doors for all of us giving us a platform and for just allowing these stories to be told that the servant needs to be told.
Matt (04:28):
I think contrary to popular belief.
There are really goodChristian films being made.
Well, obviously now that we've gotthe chosen, like you said, Jesus revolution's a bunch of 'em, but, but I think outside of the, the choir, so to speak, and we've been preaching to the choir for a long time and I think there have been Christian movies for years that have been good, but, I don't think the outside world has recognized that.
(04:50):
But now maybe they are.
Debby (04:52):
I agree.
I think there is, uh, years and years agoyeah, there were maybe some good movies out there, but a lot of Christian film, because we were lacking funding, tended to not have the best quality, not have the best, you know, camera, whatever, and maybe not even the best actors.
And it was just kind of more cringey.
And that's why Hollywood waskind of laughing at us bud.
Goodness gracious.
(05:12):
Seriously, our production valuehas gone up so much over the last few years in faith-based film.
I also just saw, uh, gosh,I'm blanking on the name now.
Both the Family of the SmallBones for, uh, king Country.
That film that came out lastyear was also like an incredible, incredible movie and won awards
Matt (05:29):
can only imagine
Debby (05:30):
Uh, no.
Um, I watched it twice, so I, I shouldknow, but it's the story of the, the family from, uh, the two brothers to uh, for King Country, their, family coming to, to us and, and I'm totally blanking on
Matt (05:42):
I
Debby (05:42):
It's
Matt (05:42):
about that
Debby (05:43):
Yeah.
You probably know what I'm talking about.
But that was such a powerful movie aswell and, um, made waves, you know, so.
yes, there is more funding now.
I think too, like we're gettingmore funding for Christian films so that we can produce more quality films and are not getting laughed at for having poor quality films.
Even if the story's amazing, sometimesit was just lacking quality and people would just not wanna watch it, you know?
(06:07):
But now I. If we have a bit morefunding, um, and really professional people that, you know, know their craft, not just your family and friends.
And yes, you need to work with your familyand friends, but also know your craft.
Study your craft.
You know, be proficient at what you do.
And if, if you come together and putall your heart into it, you will have an amazing movie that will move an audience.
Matt (06:31):
That is the goal.
And, and I'll stand by this, I think KirkCameron, who's been in Christian movies for 25 years is a phenomenal actor.
So we've, we've always had, some goodtalent, in and around the industry.
I wanna hear more about the, because youhave two, not one, but two faith-based film releases coming up in 2025.
So
Debby (06:48):
actually probably three.
Matt (06:50):
three, why not make it four?
Let's shoot another one
Debby (06:53):
actually May, maybe four, but the other one's a series, so,
Matt (06:56):
Well, let's talk about each of those.
I want to dive into these great movies.
Debby (06:59):
Yeah, so I did shoot, well, three of them I shot last year.
One of them I am shootingactually next month.
Uh, but it's planning to bereleased hopefully later this year, if not early next year.
Uh, but the first one is, somewhereelse that is a faith-based film directed and written by my friend Martin Samuel.
And that is starring, um, CameronOrnette and Karen Abercrombie, who are obviously geniuses in what they do.
(07:23):
And it was.
Such a huge blessing and honor for meto be working with both of them and, and really just meet them and talk with them, you know, and kind of pick their brains a little bit on set, both for an amazing blessing to work with.
But yeah, that film, we'recurrently looking for distribution.
We're hoping, um, we're gonna findsomething later this year so that we can have theatrical release.
This is a, a film about a deaf girl and.
(07:46):
The Christian parents really strugglingwith that and kind of almost blaming God, you know, like, why did you give us a daughter who is deaf?
And that is a very hard topic.
Things happen, obviously, thatthe girl acts out because of she's not being accepted by her family and things like that.
So it's just takes,takes an unexpected turn.
I'll say that's a very movingcar breaking film, I would say.
Matt (08:10):
That's all in the apologetics category.
'cause it almost deals with.
A question, why does Godallow so much suffering?
Debby (08:17):
And even to the point of like, did he do this?
You know, which obviously opens up a hugediscussion of like, why would God do this?
And I'm like, he didn't do this.
Well, you know, that's,that's the whole point, right?
That's the discussion of like,why do these things happen and how do we as Christians deal with it?
So that is I think, an amazingfilm and again, hopefully coming out later this year.
The other one is Beyond Belief.
(08:38):
that one we filmed last year for likea month or five weeks in the Chicago area, more Woodstock in Chicago, and uh, that one's directed by Johnny Meyer.
It's a more of a coming of age film.
Um, it does include the music fromPetra, the Christian rock band, Petra, and obviously they're older now and this film is set in the sixties and seventies.
(09:02):
So Petra, the band is in the film,but not the current members obviously, because it wouldn't make sense.
Matt (09:08):
Now those guys are probably in their sixties or seventies.
Debby (09:11):
Yes they are.
And they're wonderful.
And they actually came toset and we met them all.
But like, so obviously for itto make sense, they themselves could not be in the movie.
But we cast, you know, but we cast peoplethat looked like them when they were in their late twenties and early thirties.
And uh, this is the first film everthat Petra has allowed to use their music on because they believed so much in the story of this film.
(09:36):
Um, it's a beautiful filmabout a teenage boy who.
A wannabe rock star andI was a huge Petra fan.
And, um, he's trying to run amarathon and while he's running a marathon, he's hearing God's voice.
And that's kind of where it starts.
And it's just a beautiful.
Family movie, really it's about the,the bond of a family faith, but then also struggling with faith.
(10:01):
You know, when traumatic things happen.
Again, almost same with somewhereelse of like, what do you do when something traumatic happens in your life?
What do you do with that as aChristian, how do you handle it?
Um, so that question gets asked as well.
And then a big question in thismovie is when you hear God's voice, what do you do with that?
Do you act on it?
(10:21):
Do you ignore it?
Can you hear it?
Are you listening to it?
So yeah, it's a lot of that and it'sjust a really beautiful motivating, obviously family friendly movie that I think a lot of families would enjoy.
Matt (10:33):
That's exciting.
I've gotta see that one.
I remember going to a Petra concertwith my youth group in Macon, Georgia in 19 88, 89, something like that.
I don't know.
They were hairband big eighties hairband.
It was.
Debby (10:46):
And they're so good.
And I will say, um, I have to say Idid not know them before this movie.
You, they kind of performed my
Matt (10:53):
you're young.
Yeah.
Debby (10:54):
but, but once I booked the film, obviously I was listening to their music and they're really, really good, like incredibly good.
I actually really enjoyed their
music,
Matt (11:03):
musician.
There's another, film that Ithink got a little overlooked, um, several years ago called Electric Jesus about this, uh, Christian
Debby (11:13):
heard of it.
I didn't see it, but I heard of it.
Matt (11:15):
Yeah, A buddy of mine, Caleb Hoffman, plays the drummer in that band.
Um, but it's got Kevin from theoffice a lot of other folks.
But yeah, I would, uh, like allthese, the, the Christian movies, you know, in the music genre,
Debby (11:28):
Yes.
Matt (11:28):
going over all these bands we used to all listen to growing up.
That's, that's pretty
Debby (11:31):
I love it.
Matt (11:33):
So, uh, that's exciting.
You have a lot going on right now interms of, uh, Christian movie releases.
Um, we'll all go see those movies.
I, I wanna dive a little deeperjust into getting nerdy, get real nerdy in terms of acting.
Um, I, I always try to ask an actorthis, 'cause I, as a director myself, I, I, learn my craft through actors.
(11:54):
And so I always wanna know as an actor,what do you want most from a director?
Debby (12:00):
I honestly feel like every director obviously is very different personality wise, directing style wise, so I tend to try to get to know the director and his directing style and work with him or her, like I'm, I'm not set in a certain way of like, this is how I need things to be done.
Matt (12:21):
You don't fit in Hollywood at all then.
Debby (12:23):
No, maybe not.
I don't know.
No, I hope, I hope I'm easy to getalong with because yeah, it also depends on the role very much.
Sometimes I feel like I tend toprefer to do it my way first, you know, and then see what the director wants me to do and adjust that way.
Sometimes I like to touch base withthem ahead of time and really heavily talk about the character and roles, because I'm not quite sure of where they want this to go, you know?
(12:49):
So I need more of their input.
So it honestly depends on theproject, depends on the film, depends on the character I'm playing and depends on the director.
I don't have a one-on-one ofthis is how I do it every time.
Um, I guess I'm flexible in that sense.
but one thing that I will saythat I've learned over the years, um, that has become very important to me is when there is.
(13:11):
A somewhat dramatic scene, you know, whereit's very emotional or sad or to a point where you have to get to a certain place.
And that is not always easy.
Obviously I've learned that I need tostand up for myself and that I need to request for time and quiet, you know?
'cause that can be very,very difficult on a set.
Obviously, when you have like 50 ora hundred people running all around you and setting up their lights and whatnot and people screaming at each other and you're trying to get into character, and yes, maybe you have a green room, but maybe you don't.
(13:40):
So when you're like in betweensetups and you're trying to stay in character, then I would be like just kindly asking, you know, can people just try to keep it down a little bit?
Maybe don't ask me what I want for dinner.
You know, like, don't ask questionsthat are not needed right now and kind of give, leave me alone.
Give me my time.
And then what I think is important is,and I've learned that actually from.
(14:03):
Oh my gosh, I'm blankingon people's names.
Uh, Eastwood, director, actor.
Thank you.
Clint Eastwood.
Um, I did background on a film that hedid, so that's what I learned from him.
What he does is he counts down 3,2, 1, and then he tells the actors to just go whenever they're ready.
There is no action, there is no
cut, and he will roll cameras.
(14:24):
It can be 10, 15 seconds of quiet.
And when the actor is ready they go.
And when I saw that, that's reallywhen I was like, oh, wow, I get it.
Now, obviously that's also goinginto money because when you roll for 15 seconds, that you know can be expensive maybe depending on the camera you're using.
Um, but for emotional scenes orwhatnot, I now do tend to tell people, if you can start rolling and I will go when I'm ready.
Matt (14:49):
I find that the directors tend to be one of two things.
You're either an actress'sdirector or you're
a DPS director.
Right.
And a DPS director.
I found, I was associate produceron the film and I, I watched the director and he was so concerned with his cameras and angles and they were choreographing everything and that was kind of the dominant kind of ethos of the set and as if actors are supposed to just do your thing.
(15:11):
But we had to tell 'em, Hey man, just.
Calm everything down a littlebit and let your act 'cause this, you were very dramatic scenes.
Then just let your actorsdo their thing as well.
Don't forget about them.
Right.
K Be, be respectful of whatthey need to do to, to kind of get into that hypnotic state.
So, so good for
Debby (15:27):
yeah, yeah.
Matt (15:28):
For sure.
Another thing I'm always curious aboutwith actors is, you know, this is kind of a a broad question probably, but what's the, your favorite roles to really sink your teeth into?
what gets you excited as an actor?
Debby (15:40):
Honestly, the role that our chess played in Beyond Belief.
Was a dream role it, andit sounds, maybe not.
When I just say what it is,it's gonna be like, oh really?
Because yes, it was themom, you know, the wife.
But there's probably so much more to it.
And the scenes were justso beautifully written.
they were so rich and so much backstorythat came out through those scenes, and you, you really saw the bomb the family had with what they were saying and how they were acting.
(16:10):
It was just that to me, likeI kept saying to the writers and my director, I was like.
I love every singlescene I get to play here.
And I don't say that about everymovie I do, every single scene.
I was like, this is so powerful.
This is so beautiful.
It's so meaningful that it wasjust really a joy to dive into that.
Um, every single take, every single time.
It used to be when I startedout more, I loved to play characters that were so not me.
(16:38):
Like I was yearning and looking for allthe character roles, you know, for the druggie, for the alcoholic, for like the abusive mom and whatnot, just to.
Almost like challenge myself, you know,and see what I can do and what I really can't do, where my borderers are, I guess, limitations are, and really also wanting to, you know, really look ugly and just nasty and just all the things.
(17:02):
And I got to play thoseparts and it was so fun.
It was so cool to dig my teethinto that and understand.
Understanding those people, you know,understanding where, where they come from.
And that may be my social, workbackground, you know, because I have such a love for people that, you know, are going through things that are, that have it rough in their life, you know?
And I have such a love for those peoplethat I was like, I, I wanna dig into their history and wanna understand where they come from, why they are who they are now, like what happened in their past that.
(17:34):
Made them become who they are andwhat can help them to get out of this.
So that still is one of my passions today.
It's just now happens that I booka lot of wife and mom roles, which is, I'm totally okay with that.
Um, but yeah, those were gold.
Like those kind of roles werelike really, really fun to
Matt (17:51):
At least you get to play the.
Young mom, like the mom of, of babiesand young kids, uh, I'm getting the like,
Debby (17:56):
I mean, I will, I will say my kid and beyond belief.
He's a bit older.
He, he is in the film.
He's supposed
to be 15 in real life.
He is 23, so,
Matt (18:08):
Yeah, I'm getting with a gray
beard.
I'm
getting cast as dad of older teenagerand college student, which is like, ugh.
Debby (18:14):
there you go.
But hey, I'm like, if I booked
Matt (18:16):
Exactly,
Debby (18:17):
so,
Matt (18:18):
I wanna go back into one more thing real quick because I think a lot of people listening to this are, uh, aspiring writers, maybe aspiring directors, but writers specifically.
And, and I I do think one good bitof advice for writers if you're writing a, a, a screenplay is to, as you say, write something that the.
Actor is going to love, right?
Something that's really going to give theactor a, a lot to do, a lot to dig into.
(18:43):
So do you have any of, any advicefor writers, from the perspective of an actor, um, things they can do, things they shouldn't do, that really help you as an actor open that script and go, this is juicy.
Gimme more.
Debby (18:57):
Gosh, I'm gonna try not to offend
Matt (18:59):
Oh, no, no, no.
This is the last partof the second episode.
This is the offensive partof the podcast, so go for it.
Debby (19:05):
Oh goodness.
Just write good dialogue, man.
I've read some really tremendousscripts, but I've read a lot of crappy scripts, and that's just because the dialogue doesn't go deep enough because the dialogue is very much on the surface or even cheesy or.
Not important enough.
Um, we have to be able to digdeep, you know, and uncover who these characters are.
(19:29):
Yes, in some Scripts, it is up tothe actor to create those characters.
'cause you cannot say everythingand cannot write everything.
So it's on us to create that past.
But it's also interesting foran audience to know more about those characters and about their history and again, why they are.
Who they are today.
But for me it's gosh, better dialogue.
(19:51):
Like on beyond belief.
I had some really, reallywonderful dialogue.
And it wasn't just your regularconversations, it was, you know, talking about things you don't necessarily wanna talk about.
Um, not shying away from topics goingdeep, really not being afraid of going deep, um, and uncovering things.
I dunno if that helps at all, but
Matt (20:10):
I would guess writing in subtext I think helps an actor act
Debby (20:13):
Yes.
Yes, totally.
Matt (20:15):
rather than so blatantly expositional.
Debby (20:17):
Yeah.
I don't know if that helps at all, but
Matt (20:19):
I mean, it really helps everybody.
'cause you talk about being on setand the, the magic of being on set really is from my experience, I. Is the collaboration when everybody on set, from the actor to the director, to the craft services person, when everybody's ego is gone and we're all working together to do nothing but serve the story, that's when you kind of have that kind of magic buzz going around set.
(20:42):
And so that's kind of what you're, Ithink it sounds like you're, you're most attracted to in, this job.
Debby (20:47):
Absolutely, and I think for us actors, it is so important to know, it doesn't matter what kind of movie you're working on, but just to always remember that yes, it's teamwork.
Just because you're the actor doesn'tmean you're better than anybody.
It really isn't.
It is a teamwork and everysingle person on that set matters.
It doesn't matter what their position is.
(21:09):
I'm seeing that a lot in Hollywood.
'cause I've done a lot of background work.
You know, I've, I've seen a lotof PAs getting treated horribly.
I've seen background people gettingtreated horribly because some people think they're better than them.
Also in the faith-basedworld, it tends to happen so.
I think that's for me important andI really try to do that to treat everyone the same with a lot of respect and love and kindness and, you know, goes back to the Bible, treat thy neighbor how, how you wanna be treated.
(21:35):
I mean, if you wanna betreated horribly, go ahead.
Like, no, no.
But I would assume you wanna be treatednicely and with respect and with love, um, and with patience, you know, so be that.
Do that.
Matt (21:47):
That's a great place to end it.
Debbie Gerber, thank you so much.
This has been an absolute pleasuretalking to you and getting to, to, to know, uh, all about your world and thanks so much for sharing.
Debby (21:56):
Yeah, of course.
Thank you so much for, for caring.
Thank you so much forasking those questions.
I really appreciate it.
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