We recently connected with DEAN PHILLIPPI and have shared our conversation below.
Hi DEAN, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
Faith Based Christian Film Projects
ANSWER ME
MEMORIES LAST A LIFETIME
THE RIDE
BEARINGS
EXPOSED
AMRAK MY NEW FAMILY
DON’T SAY MY NAME
THE BIRTHDAY WISH
SEASON OF SACRIFICE
LA FAMIGLIA – ITAILIAN LIFE
NEITHER DO I CONDEMN THEE
CONNECTED AT THE HEART
SUMMER OF 67
THE ANSWER
PLEASANT VALLEY (Pilot)
THE CHRISTMAS BEACON
(Pilot)
THE HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER
LOSING FAITH
CHRISTMAS WEDDING BABY
MUSIC VIDEO / FILM
HE’S LOOKIN AT YOU KID
HEAVEN’S WONDERLAND
THE LADY ST. JOHNS
I SURRENDER
USE ME
NO HOPE
DEAN, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Dean Phillippi is an Award-Winning American SAG-Eligible Actor / Senior Lifestyle Model, who has done: (100+ TV, Feature Films, Independent Films, Short Films, Music Videos, Live Theater/Stage/Dance Plays, and 40+ National and Local Commercials, and Print Modeling Shoots). He is Multi-Talented and driven; Dean Phillippi is originally from Washington, Pennsylvania and has appeared in numerous Television, Major and Independent Film Productions including: “Don’t Say My Name”, “The Answer”, “The Birthday Wish”, “Counter Intelligence”, “Replica”, “Reality Rob with Rob Schneider”, “The Christmas Wedding Baby”, “With Blood Shot Eyes”, “Grace of Our Father”, “Losing Faith”, “Season of Sacrifice”, “The Race”, “La Famiglia – The Italian Life”, “Summer of 67” just to name a few, and many more. “Best Dramatic Actor Award” for the film “With Bloodshot Eyes” as a U.S. President at the Southeast Regional Film Festival.
“Best Adult Actor Runner-Up Award” for the films: “Losing Faith”, “The Answer”, “Counter Intelligence” and “With Bloodshot Eyes” at the Southeast Regional Film Festival.
“Actor Award” for the film: “The Season” at the Praising With the Stars Faith and Power Worship Center.
Nominated to be in the Christian Film Database for his work in Faith Based Films.
Film Awards: “Losing Faith” Short Film as Pastor Robert Cobb (Best Inspirational Short Film), “Summer of 67” Feature Film as Vietnam Veteran Lieutenant Officer (Best Picture, Best Director), “The Answer” as Judge Beacon (Best Inspirational Feature Film), “He’s Lookin’ at You, Kid” Music Video as Grandfather, “In Utero” Feature Film Role as Police Officer Mancini – “Runner-up for Best Original Film” at the Southeastern Regional Film Festival.
Dean has done acting since High School, and became very active in Acting/Modeling since 2005. His goal in acting is to be involved in Inspirational films, Christian or Faith Based Films, and was cast and played in several roles such as: (God, U.S. President, Doctor, Pastor, Priest, FBI Agent, Policeman, Judge, Military Captain, Airplane Captain, Government Official, Court Official, Police Chaplain, Manager, TV News Anchor, Grandfather and a variety of other roles), and still interested in pursuing roles of these types. Dean comes to acting with a desire to share and encourage Gods word and to do Inspirational or Faith Based Films. Dean Phillippi loves acting and has a sincere passion in acting. He has trained and worked professionally in acting for over 10+ years! His dream work is to act in Christian Films, Action Films, Historical Films and True Story Films.
Dean is currently a BSA Chaplain/Assistant Scout Master n North Florida BSA. As a BSA Chaplain, he teaches several Christian courses for BSA Scouts and has earned a prestigious award; (God and Service Award) and (Square Knot Award).
Dean played Professional Football for the (AFL)American Football League Washington Generals, Eastern Seaboard League; (1972 – 1982) as a defensive back. Dean was recognized and honored for setting a league record of interceptions in one game that still stands. His coach was a strong Christian and allowed Dean to lead the team in prayers and Christian outreach.
Dean enlisted into the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War Era as an Aviation Computer Management Professional.
Dean attended Jacksonville University, Universal Personnel Airlines School, Dale Carnegie Institute of Technology studying Computer Management Classes, and Acting Classes. He got a job in 1982 at BCBSFL, as a Certified Professional Manager and worked there until his retirement in 2010, and then with J.P. Morgan Chase until 2012 as Vice President over Business Analytics Area, and currently continuing to full time as an Actor/Senior Lifestyle Model. Since his retirement in he has put 100% into acting.
He has been blessed in many ways and gives God full credit for all the great blessings that God has given him and is a very proud Christian. – Motto – “Don’t Let Life Get the Best Out of You, (YOU) get the Best Out of Life!” – Favorite Bible Verse – John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
ACTOR Page: https://www.facebook.com/DeanPhillippiSR.Actor?fref=ts
IMDB Page: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6157578/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Christian Film Website: http://www.christianfilmdatabase.com/profile/dean-phillippi/
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
In the film industry, remember, there are (The Good, The Bad and the Ugly). I have had to deal with all these in my career, so always, always do some background research on anyone that is casting, to ensure that they are legit, and worthy to work with! If they promote pay, role, IMDB Credit and anything else, ensure that this is in a document that you approve and sign on.
1.) Enroll and attend acting classes!
2.) Get a personal (Actor/Actress/Crew Member) Card.
3.) Get professional photos done to put on your resume and personal card.
4.) Get a professional resume done for yourself.
5.) If cast for a commercial or film, always memorize your lines professionally, show up on time, and be prepared well in advance for any job that you are cast in. Being professional, will get you more work, and great recommendations, and perhaps awards!
6.) Decide on what your goals are in the film industry; (Commercials, Film, Print or all three).
7.) Signup on to Online websites such as (Actors Access, IMDB Pro, Casting Networks, Casting Frontier), for casting opportunities.
8.) You are your own business, so promote yourself, market yourself, and network with a lot of people in the industry!
9.) Find the right casting agency in your local area, and research them to see if they are a good fit for you.
NOTE: Some agencies only do Commercials, and some do both Commercials and Films).
10.) If cast in a project, ensure that you get a clear document that states; (The role, the pay, the rate they get, IMDB, location, time and in most cases (LOI, NDA and if SAG, SAG documents).
11.) Do your own background check on anyone that is casting to ensure that they are legit.
12.) In this career, take your work professionally, regardless of if it’s a short film, print shoot, whatever role it is, since you will be recognized for your professionalism.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Doing Christian Faith Based Films, and sharing God’s messages in these films, for those seeking help from hurt in their lives. 
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.facebook.com/DeanPhillippiSR.Actor/
- Instagram: deanphillippisr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DeanPhillippiSR.Actor/
- Other: IMDB Page: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm6157578?ref_=hm_nv_mp_profile ACTOR FILM DEMO REEL – https://youtu.be/4hmtP6_iCLU
Image Credits
Anthony Paderewski – Photographer