Rising Stars: Meet Debbie Su of Los Angeles / OC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Su.

Hi Debbie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the Philippines. We didn’t have a lot of money, so a lot of my entertainment was through reading hundreds of books, writing my own stories, and playing in nature. When I was 11 we moved to Metro Manila, and for college I went to Ateneo de Manila University, graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Information Design, and a minor in Creative Writing. I worked in graphic design after that. I had always wanted to work in the film industry, but I put it aside in order to save up money and plan my next steps.

On a visit to San Francisco for my 25th birthday, the opportunity arose for me to enroll in Laney College, where I could take film classes. After one semester in Laney, I transferred to Los Angeles City College. LACC was a turning point in my career, and I would highly suggest taking classes at a community college for anyone who wants a faster track into the film industry. Most of my crew on all my sets were from LACC as well, and are all professionals in their own expertise. I found my love of producing and directing at LACC, and I received much support from my professors and the school.

It was also through LACC that I met David Zucker through an internship that turned into becoming one of the founding members of MasterCrash, David’s comedy course on spoof.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No road in the film industry is truly smooth. I know I couldn’t replicate my own journey if I had to do it all over again. There were so many people I met along the way who helped me in my career. Sometimes you just have to take every opportunity you can and you may find yourself in the perfect place. Tracing my journey to where I am today seems straightforward, but there was a lot of anxiety about what was going to happen next at any given moment. Because you can’t predict any of this. We say that if you want to be in the film industry, you have to love high stakes gambling. And you’re gambling on yourself, most of the time.

The one thing I’ve learned and I’m trying to practice is this: believe that what you want will come to you, and it will. Somehow, some way. And also this: putting too much pressure on a dream, causes it not to come true. Keep dreaming, but don’t let it become bigger than you.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As a writer/producer/director I have several projects under my belt. I wrote/produced/directed five short films of my own. I have produced and directed three music videos and two lyric visualizers for the solo debut album of pop singer motherfather. I am also part of the founding team of MasterCrash, David Zucker’s comedy course on spoof. I have produced several episodes of David’s podcast, Naked Comedy. I have also produced and directed for several colleagues.

The project I am most proud of currently is Gaymen, a music video featuring motherfather, Michael Feinstein, Liza Minnelli, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of LA. I produced and directed this music video, including finding the crew and planning logistics. It was a very cheerful set and the final music video reflects the joy from the day of filming.

A part of what sets me apart is that I am a voraciously curious learner. Although I initially wanted to be a writer, I fell in love with directing and producing. I have a working knowledge of cinematography, lighting, audio, production design, and editing. Because of this, I have been able to find crew members who are masters of their craft. I am a creative who understands the importance of logistics. Therefore my crew and I have been able to achieve magic even in tight time restraints and indie budgets.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Growing up, we didn’t have any cable and we weren’t allowed to watch television except for a family movie on Mondays. Our family became very good at entertaining each other and ourselves. One of my favorite childhood memories is lying on a bed with my parents and my two sisters, watching the glass-paned windows on the opposite end of the room. It would be nighttime and only the light outside the window was on. The moths would come, drawn to the light, and the lizards would follow, drawn to the moths. In hindsight this memory of a moth buffet may be quite brutal, but as a kid we just had fun placing bets on who would go next.

That’s the one that sticks out to me today. Tomorrow, it could be something else. I appreciate my parents for nurturing strong imaginations; and it is them to thank for my having such a charming childhood.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.debisu.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debisufilm/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/debbiesuwrites/