FORMER FOOTBALL PLAYER NOW CHRISTIAN FILM MVP
Portrait shot of Dean Phillippi, left. Insets: Top row left to right, service veteran Dean Phillippi wearing his Vietnam uniform, a sports card (front and back) featuring him as a member of the Washington Generals and his role as Judge Beckon in the film "The Answer." Bottom row left to right, the cover picture for the film "A Soldier's Gift" and appearing in the Pilot made for TV series "Knight's End."
▶ INTERVIEW BY KEVIN SCOTT COLLIER
It’s hard not to notice a Christian man of the caliber of Dean Phillippi. He’s done just about everything in life, but would be the first to tell you that he is just getting started. He’s officially retired, but he’d also inform you he’s never been busier.
The award-winning, SAG-eligible actor is a testament to the full potential of achievement. While most actors would name their agent, probably an unrecognizable chap, Dean Phillippi’s is well-known. It’s Jesus Christ.
A service veteran, stage actor, lifestyle model, and former professional football player for the AFL’s Washington Generals, Dean Phillippi has cleared the goalpost many times, and scored countless touchdowns for God. Based on his career in TV, motion pictures, and even commercials, Mr. Phillippi emerges as a Most Valuable Player.
I personally am astonished at this patriot and talent. He’s everything a hero requires, but a gentle giant is he. Engaged in acting since high school, his mission performing his craft has pledged a commitment to appearing in inspirational, faith-based, and straight up Christian film productions.
I hear God has seen all of Dean’s films, and that’s an audience made in Heaven. I began by asking him about roles he frequently has been seen in that have something in common.
CM: I see your film career has developed into playing roles of persons in authority. What is it about you that producers and directors see you as authentic in these roles?
DP: I was a vice president in real life and held management jobs most of my professional career, before acting; perhaps that authoritative personality still is with me. But most important, to get cast in these roles [you must]: speak with authority, speak as if you know you’re in command, your stance and demeanor when speaking, and your expression [must be] authoritative. It’s not just speaking lines, but speaking lines with influence, strong statements, and that you’re speaking knowing that what you’re saying is a statement of authority!
CM: You won a Best Dramatic Actor award for the 2013 short film With Bloodshot Eyes, which you produced. What are the components that make for a good actor?
DP: For me personally, a well-rounded component to be a good actor is the combination of acting, being authentic, being the role/person that you’re cast to be, good body language, saying your lines appropriately, being relaxed, and being presentable on screen!
CM: Obviously your passion for acting in Christian films would top the list of genres. But you also mention action films, historical films and true story films. Which of those would come in second place, and why?
DP: I am drawn more towards “True Story Films,” because they are, in most cases, inspirational. If a film is presented or advertised as a true story, I love to watch those.
CM: Explain how Christians work in mainstream projects and that it’s okay. The general public perception is that Christians should only make faith-based films. I mean, how can you make any difference with others if you are only preaching to the choir? There must be examples during your long career that a little bit of Dean's faith rubbed off on someone in a Hollywood flick.
DP: I speak proudly and very outspoken that I love doing faith-based films, and that is my aggressive goal in life right now, and directors and crew members that I work with get inquisitive and want to know more, so I hope what I share with them is rubbing off onto them, because I share that info everywhere I go on film projects, commercials and even print shoots.
CM: When it comes to accepting roles in mainstream projects, what is your range of standards?
DP: I avoid a film project if it is R or even PG rated, depends on the film, purpose and value of the film; (i.e.: is the film bringing across a good message), but in a difficult situation, such as many films this year are on “Child Kidnapping, women that are harmed,” if it is presented with a good end, no cussing, no obscenity, I review the script first, before I respond.
CM: Tell us a little about your work as a BSA Chaplain/Assistant Scoutmaster, and how it is life-changing for youths.
DP: Currently a BSA Chaplain/Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 101 here in North Florida for almost 15 years now. I was trained on the “PRAY” Program, along with Wood Badge for Scouting, and teach the PRAY Program for all faiths. It was a learning curve for me, since our troop had around 70 scouts, all with different religions. To get the Merit Badge for the PRAY Program, the scouts had to do several chores related to God, Family and Life, state their reasoning for their faith with God, and how to carry it on through their life. This program introduces scouts to God, and how important and life-changing it is in their life that God is their center focus (with life in general, jobs, careers, marriage, family, and being a mentor to all those around them).
CM: You once played for the Washington Generals in the American Football League. How did that competitive sport influence your spiritual walk and figure into later professional achievement?
DP: My football coach allowed me to be the prayer warrior for the team. We prayed over games, health, well-being, and how we, as adults, should be mentors to those watching us, following us in life. Football played a big role in my life (teamwork, i.e. praying together), believing in myself, being able to mentally ignore the challenging teams that can say, or do, things to hurt you, and stay focused on your role in life, and ignore all negativity. The sport made me walk more spiritually and certainly played a role in my professional life!
CM: You served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Many would think times like this strengthens your faith, what say you?
DP: I joined the Navy during the Vietnam War draft. Yes, it was scary, since it was like a lotto, and if you were selected, you were drafted, and went straight into the Army or Marines, and most likely right into battle. I know man creates his own wars, not God, and I felt then as I do today, that God always looks out for us, he does not want war, but mankind tends to have them over land, money, government, politics and etc.
To this day, I am losing Vietnam veteran friends due to Agent Orange, a chemical that was to harm the enemy at war, yet it was exposed to all our troops as well, on ship, land and in the air. It took 50 years to prove that this cancer was related to Agent Orange, but many veterans have passed already without VA government support that they should have earned.
In times like today, we have learned [from] these tragedies and are doing better, but the main factor is the wars that occur, so YES, it certainly makes me pray harder and strengthens my faith that all will do well, in the end, by the grace of God!
CM: Is there a lot of faith-based productions occurring in the Sunshine State?
DP: I wish more faith-based films were done here in North Florida, yes, I am signed on for two, they are still in funding stages, but other than that, I have to travel to do faith-based film projects.
CM: But even on a mainstream project, you are presented with an opportunity to influence others about faith. What are some experiences you had with this?
DP: I did a faith-based film with strong messages, and the director of the film was a non-Christian, and by the end of the filming, and as he was doing all the editing and hearing the words of wisdom about God he, in fact, came in one day during our last filming shoot, at the church, asked for forgiveness, and wanted to walk in faith with God.
CM: Producers can become more receptive?
DP: A few of the directors in North Florida are seeing my work, and now want to open up categories in local film festivals for faith-based projects. They see how the films are getting recognized, such as: Summer of ‘67 (I play a Vietnam War Lieutenant), and this film has, and still is, winning awards across the country, Losing Faith (I play Pastor Robert Cobb), which won several awards this year, and The Answer (I play Judge Beckon) is winning awards, and a few others. And I am seeing more interest here, locally, to do these faith-based films.
They thought that these films would be preaching or reading scripts, but they are not, they are good, beautiful stories, and how their faith turned to the God, of wisdom, blessing, guidance and strength.
CM: Explain in the simplest terms how acting can differ between making a TV commercial, a TV show, or a movie? What's the general formula here?
DP: For films and TV shows, you never look at the camera. For commercials you do. Formula is preparation; for a commercial you study looking at a camera and saying your lines. I’ve done live plays, and TV shows sometimes have a live audience, so preparation is important.
CM: Do you see in recent years a more receptive public to faith-based TV/movie projects?
DP: Yes, most definitely. I give a lot of thanks to the Kendrick Brothers, since they are spearheading promoting, and producing inspirational films.
It shows at the box-office. Many independent filmmakers are producing more faith-based films now, since I see them in a majority of the film festivals, as well as I see now that they have added categories for “Inspirational and Faith-Based Films,” which is awesome!
CM: Regardless of what mainstream Hollywood pushes, explain how the demand for family entertainment remains.
DP: The mainstream wants films that they can sit and enjoy with their family, and especially if you have young children, to sit with them and perhaps the film may be inspirational to them, as well as it is for the adults.
People want more family-oriented films, inspirational films that make you believe, make you feel good, make you think. We just have too many films today that are “R” rated with violence, cussing, and we need to get away from this, and provide more inspirational films for our younger generation in order to have a better society, and belief in God!
CM: Thank you for your time, and we’ll keep up with you in the movies!
DP: Thank you and God Bless!
It’s hard not to notice a Christian man of the caliber of Dean Phillippi. He’s done just about everything in life, but would be the first to tell you that he is just getting started. He’s officially retired, but he’d also inform you he’s never been busier.
The award-winning, SAG-eligible actor is a testament to the full potential of achievement. While most actors would name their agent, probably an unrecognizable chap, Dean Phillippi’s is well-known. It’s Jesus Christ.
A service veteran, stage actor, lifestyle model, and former professional football player for the AFL’s Washington Generals, Dean Phillippi has cleared the goalpost many times, and scored countless touchdowns for God. Based on his career in TV, motion pictures, and even commercials, Mr. Phillippi emerges as a Most Valuable Player.
I personally am astonished at this patriot and talent. He’s everything a hero requires, but a gentle giant is he. Engaged in acting since high school, his mission performing his craft has pledged a commitment to appearing in inspirational, faith-based, and straight up Christian film productions.
I hear God has seen all of Dean’s films, and that’s an audience made in Heaven. I began by asking him about roles he frequently has been seen in that have something in common.
CM: I see your film career has developed into playing roles of persons in authority. What is it about you that producers and directors see you as authentic in these roles?
DP: I was a vice president in real life and held management jobs most of my professional career, before acting; perhaps that authoritative personality still is with me. But most important, to get cast in these roles [you must]: speak with authority, speak as if you know you’re in command, your stance and demeanor when speaking, and your expression [must be] authoritative. It’s not just speaking lines, but speaking lines with influence, strong statements, and that you’re speaking knowing that what you’re saying is a statement of authority!
CM: You won a Best Dramatic Actor award for the 2013 short film With Bloodshot Eyes, which you produced. What are the components that make for a good actor?
DP: For me personally, a well-rounded component to be a good actor is the combination of acting, being authentic, being the role/person that you’re cast to be, good body language, saying your lines appropriately, being relaxed, and being presentable on screen!
CM: Obviously your passion for acting in Christian films would top the list of genres. But you also mention action films, historical films and true story films. Which of those would come in second place, and why?
DP: I am drawn more towards “True Story Films,” because they are, in most cases, inspirational. If a film is presented or advertised as a true story, I love to watch those.
CM: Explain how Christians work in mainstream projects and that it’s okay. The general public perception is that Christians should only make faith-based films. I mean, how can you make any difference with others if you are only preaching to the choir? There must be examples during your long career that a little bit of Dean's faith rubbed off on someone in a Hollywood flick.
DP: I speak proudly and very outspoken that I love doing faith-based films, and that is my aggressive goal in life right now, and directors and crew members that I work with get inquisitive and want to know more, so I hope what I share with them is rubbing off onto them, because I share that info everywhere I go on film projects, commercials and even print shoots.
CM: When it comes to accepting roles in mainstream projects, what is your range of standards?
DP: I avoid a film project if it is R or even PG rated, depends on the film, purpose and value of the film; (i.e.: is the film bringing across a good message), but in a difficult situation, such as many films this year are on “Child Kidnapping, women that are harmed,” if it is presented with a good end, no cussing, no obscenity, I review the script first, before I respond.
CM: Tell us a little about your work as a BSA Chaplain/Assistant Scoutmaster, and how it is life-changing for youths.
DP: Currently a BSA Chaplain/Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 101 here in North Florida for almost 15 years now. I was trained on the “PRAY” Program, along with Wood Badge for Scouting, and teach the PRAY Program for all faiths. It was a learning curve for me, since our troop had around 70 scouts, all with different religions. To get the Merit Badge for the PRAY Program, the scouts had to do several chores related to God, Family and Life, state their reasoning for their faith with God, and how to carry it on through their life. This program introduces scouts to God, and how important and life-changing it is in their life that God is their center focus (with life in general, jobs, careers, marriage, family, and being a mentor to all those around them).
CM: You once played for the Washington Generals in the American Football League. How did that competitive sport influence your spiritual walk and figure into later professional achievement?
DP: My football coach allowed me to be the prayer warrior for the team. We prayed over games, health, well-being, and how we, as adults, should be mentors to those watching us, following us in life. Football played a big role in my life (teamwork, i.e. praying together), believing in myself, being able to mentally ignore the challenging teams that can say, or do, things to hurt you, and stay focused on your role in life, and ignore all negativity. The sport made me walk more spiritually and certainly played a role in my professional life!
CM: You served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. Many would think times like this strengthens your faith, what say you?
DP: I joined the Navy during the Vietnam War draft. Yes, it was scary, since it was like a lotto, and if you were selected, you were drafted, and went straight into the Army or Marines, and most likely right into battle. I know man creates his own wars, not God, and I felt then as I do today, that God always looks out for us, he does not want war, but mankind tends to have them over land, money, government, politics and etc.
To this day, I am losing Vietnam veteran friends due to Agent Orange, a chemical that was to harm the enemy at war, yet it was exposed to all our troops as well, on ship, land and in the air. It took 50 years to prove that this cancer was related to Agent Orange, but many veterans have passed already without VA government support that they should have earned.
In times like today, we have learned [from] these tragedies and are doing better, but the main factor is the wars that occur, so YES, it certainly makes me pray harder and strengthens my faith that all will do well, in the end, by the grace of God!
CM: Is there a lot of faith-based productions occurring in the Sunshine State?
DP: I wish more faith-based films were done here in North Florida, yes, I am signed on for two, they are still in funding stages, but other than that, I have to travel to do faith-based film projects.
CM: But even on a mainstream project, you are presented with an opportunity to influence others about faith. What are some experiences you had with this?
DP: I did a faith-based film with strong messages, and the director of the film was a non-Christian, and by the end of the filming, and as he was doing all the editing and hearing the words of wisdom about God he, in fact, came in one day during our last filming shoot, at the church, asked for forgiveness, and wanted to walk in faith with God.
CM: Producers can become more receptive?
DP: A few of the directors in North Florida are seeing my work, and now want to open up categories in local film festivals for faith-based projects. They see how the films are getting recognized, such as: Summer of ‘67 (I play a Vietnam War Lieutenant), and this film has, and still is, winning awards across the country, Losing Faith (I play Pastor Robert Cobb), which won several awards this year, and The Answer (I play Judge Beckon) is winning awards, and a few others. And I am seeing more interest here, locally, to do these faith-based films.
They thought that these films would be preaching or reading scripts, but they are not, they are good, beautiful stories, and how their faith turned to the God, of wisdom, blessing, guidance and strength.
CM: Explain in the simplest terms how acting can differ between making a TV commercial, a TV show, or a movie? What's the general formula here?
DP: For films and TV shows, you never look at the camera. For commercials you do. Formula is preparation; for a commercial you study looking at a camera and saying your lines. I’ve done live plays, and TV shows sometimes have a live audience, so preparation is important.
CM: Do you see in recent years a more receptive public to faith-based TV/movie projects?
DP: Yes, most definitely. I give a lot of thanks to the Kendrick Brothers, since they are spearheading promoting, and producing inspirational films.
It shows at the box-office. Many independent filmmakers are producing more faith-based films now, since I see them in a majority of the film festivals, as well as I see now that they have added categories for “Inspirational and Faith-Based Films,” which is awesome!
CM: Regardless of what mainstream Hollywood pushes, explain how the demand for family entertainment remains.
DP: The mainstream wants films that they can sit and enjoy with their family, and especially if you have young children, to sit with them and perhaps the film may be inspirational to them, as well as it is for the adults.
People want more family-oriented films, inspirational films that make you believe, make you feel good, make you think. We just have too many films today that are “R” rated with violence, cussing, and we need to get away from this, and provide more inspirational films for our younger generation in order to have a better society, and belief in God!
CM: Thank you for your time, and we’ll keep up with you in the movies!
DP: Thank you and God Bless!
Films dean phillippi has been part of produced DURING the past year
The Birthday Wish: (Currently filming): Faith Based Film, Role as GOD, filmed in Deland, Florida.
Seri: Faith Based Film. Role as Nick, filmed in Palm Coast, Florida.
Season of Sacrifice: Independent Film, Role as Father Jacob, films in St. Mary’s Georgia.
The Answer: Faith Based Film, Role as Judge Beacon, filmed in Savannah, Georgia.
Jesus the Christ: Faith Based Film, Role as Lead Pharisee filmed in Orlando, Florida.
La Famiglia – Italian Life: Independent Film, Role as Father Michael, filmed in Mount Dora, Florida
D.O.A.: Feature film remake of the 1949 Oscar winning film in black & white, Role as Detective Bell, filmed in St. Augustine, Florida
Octagona: Independent film, Role as Captain Phillips, filmed in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dean Phillippi is signed for a few more projects that cannot be mentioned since they are in funding stages.
Seri: Faith Based Film. Role as Nick, filmed in Palm Coast, Florida.
Season of Sacrifice: Independent Film, Role as Father Jacob, films in St. Mary’s Georgia.
The Answer: Faith Based Film, Role as Judge Beacon, filmed in Savannah, Georgia.
Jesus the Christ: Faith Based Film, Role as Lead Pharisee filmed in Orlando, Florida.
La Famiglia – Italian Life: Independent Film, Role as Father Michael, filmed in Mount Dora, Florida
D.O.A.: Feature film remake of the 1949 Oscar winning film in black & white, Role as Detective Bell, filmed in St. Augustine, Florida
Octagona: Independent film, Role as Captain Phillips, filmed in Jacksonville, Florida.
Dean Phillippi is signed for a few more projects that cannot be mentioned since they are in funding stages.
