We recently sat down with the highly inspirational and talented actress Debora Giannone about her thoughts on acting and performing, what inspires her the most and who she would really love to work with. Here’s what she had to say:
Please introduce yourself to the readers and how and when did you first get into performing?
Hello. My name is Debora Giannone. I am originally from Italy and Switzerland now living in LA. I did my first play when I was very young around 6 years old and after that, I was always acting out Disney songs in my room and I remember that’s when I felt most alive. When I was 12 years old, I had a teacher who introduced me to acting and cast me in his play. I loved going to rehearsals expressing myself and moving around.
What inspired you to get into this industry?
To me, it was very clear that I wanted to become an actress because I wanted to take the audience on an emotional journey. Whenever I went to the movies and watched the people around me being affected by the scene they were experiencing, I felt that’s what I wanted to do. I loved it. I noticed that they allowed themselves to open up more and let themselves be vulnerable. I knew acting was my opportunity to remind others to be open in our hearts through storytelling.
What kind of background have you had in performing?
I started out in theatre when I was 12 years old. Twice a week we would do classic pieces like Shakespeare and Brecht. I started taking Method Acting Group classes and after that, I also had a private teacher where we would study scenes. In Los Angeles I attended a two year acting conservatory (American Academy of Dramatic Arts) where we mostly did theatre but also acting for the camera; as well as studying with Anthony Meindl (scene study, cold read), Lesly Kahn (Comedy) and Gerry Katzman for Stand Up Comedy. Then there’s life -Life teaches me a lot every day and I believe that translates into my acting. Training never ends which I love.
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
My favorite role was about a young woman who goes to therapy and complains about her relationship. The movie is a dark comedy and she complains and complains until the therapist who is male loses it in the office. He’s an acclaimed therapist but it turns out he actually had the worst dating history himself. That’s where the turning point happens. As my role, I become his therapist. Hence the movie title “Therapy Showdown”. I loved it because it shows that we can all go crazy when it comes to love, what is love really? The fact that we wear a mask to impress someone else never turns out well and that deep down we all yearn for the same.
What has been one of the biggest achievements in your career so far?
I got to work on Paolo Sorrentino’s (Academy Award Winning Director for “La Grande Bellezza”) in the new movie “Youth”. It’s always fun to support your own cultural background.
What projects do you have coming up?
In LA, I have a feature film coming out that talks about reality and perception – a little bit like the Matrix. I am really excited about this one – but can’t share more at this point because of non disclosure. Then I am also working with some directors in Switzerland and Germany on some projects.
Who would you most like to work with?
The Wachowski Brothers, Wes Anderson, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, Paolo Sorrentino, Jill Soloway, Mitchell Hurwitz and Miranda Hart.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue working as an actress/writer/director internationally as well as in Europe. As well as working in film and TV, I am writing my own scripts; which I will direct as well. Additionally, I am a photographer and I have some photo series in the works about sexual mutilation and femininity in the modern society. Essentially I want to create movies that inspires society for the better. I also want to travel and see the world; my main destinations right now are India, Japan, Bali and Australia.
What is your advice to aspiring performers?
My advice is to focus on what you love about acting and remember that. I remind myself when I get a script why I chose to do that and get to know yourself. All the sides of you and try not to judge them. What you judge in yourself you will judge in a character and therefore limit your ability to go full out. Experience life and have a life next to acting. Be proud of yourselves and know that what you bring to the table is unique. Develop a strong sense of self. Create your own art – whether it’s writing or shooting something. Be persistent. Be present. Listen. Have fun.
