Meet Deborah Correa | Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Deborah Correa and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Deborah, what role has risk played in your life or career?
This is a really interesting question. That saying, “no risk, no reward,” is true but up to a point. It actually annoys me when people throw it around. There is an important element of internal discernment that must be tapped into before making risky choices. I have taken risks I have regretted…many times. It’s the calculated risks that payoff with the best rewards. And it’s those, where I’m so glad I took the risk. For instance, traveling to Europe for a year abroad, moving to LA, shooting my film projects, having a baby…all risky decisions that have paid off in a valuable way. I think this relates to my industry as well. One example, is when it comes to freelance work and taking on certain projects. Risky, over-work with no reciprocal gain is not sustainable long term. I had to learn to leverage my experience and prove to myself that I am valuable. People reflect back to you how you value yourself.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

Directing was my childhood dream. So, directing The War Between is that dream come true for me. This has kept me very busy over the past year. We’re also developing our next film. It a WWII story that takes place on our homefront.

The War Between is a film that represents a flashpoint in our history that relates to now. The tragedy of war, of our civil war, shapes this story of friendship and survival. I want the audience to expect to experience a unique world from a tragic time in our history, where they can understand and connect with the humanity of the characters as if they were alive today.

I’ve also been freelance producing when I can. I’m producing a story that’s currently in development about a 21-year-old Army Ranger who was killed in battle on his third tour in Afghanistan. He was an organ donor, and not only did he save his sniper team, he saved four more lives with his kidneys, liver, and heart. His heart is still beating to this day. It is the true story of Corporal Benjamin Kopp.

I’m working with Ben’s mother Jill Stephenson and Ranger veteran and screenwriter Scott Gilbertson, on adapting Ben’s story into a film.

I’m also working on another documentary that tells the story of everyday Americans who step up and execute acts of service to save lives. These Americans are military men and women whose leadership and sacrifice, have impacted the course of history in tremendous – albeit often uncelebrated, ways.

None of this journey has been easy. I’m still figuring it out. But what I think has made all the difference is a new trust I have that life has my back. I have a desire and a passion to do this work and it’s something deep in my DNA and life supports that. The doubt, the fear, the stress and trauma of pursuing this career has been soul-sucking, and though I’ve learned from all of it, I think sometimes I didn’t need to be so hard on myself. The journey is what it is, it’s the never-giving-up that counts, coupled with learning to enjoy life. I was so determined to succeed, I took on suffering as a right of passage. Looking back, I don’t think it needed to be that way.

I want the world to know that we all need stories to understand our shared human experience and I want to be a part of telling those stories, stories that heal and bring us together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Los Angeles, there is so much to see and experience. My favorite spots are places I have collected over the years that I’ve lived here. Top places to visit would be: Venice; Butchers Daughter for lunch, Den Mother for a spa treatment and then shopping on Abbot Kinney. Topanga Canyon and dinner at the enchanting Inn of the 7th Ray, the LACMA and shopping at the Grove. The Getty, the Getty Villa and then dinner on Malibu Pier or Moonshadows. The Broad, the Academy Museum then dinner at the oldest spot in the city; Musso and Franks. The Hollywood Bowl for music and a fun night. Descanso Gardens, The Huntington Rose Garden for High Tea, Magnolia Blvd in Burbank, any of the studios – then take in the view over dinner at Castaway. I also love Santa Monica for shopping and a walk along the beach, then dinner or brunch at Rose Cafe. If you have kids, Universal, Disney…the Beach! There’s so much to do, I could create a kid-friendly list too. Top coffee shops are Intelligentsia in Los Feliz or Abbot Kinney, Black Elephant in Burbank, Andante in Silverlake…

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to Ron Yungul, the writer and EP of The War Between. He is the first person who gave me a real shot at proving what I could do as a Director, and trusting me with his story. On top of being my business partner and collaborator, he has become a mentor and a friend. This experience and opportunity is one that I have been wanting for a very long time. I think my readiness and the timing of this story came together at the perfect time. I’m am forever grateful for this opportunity, I feel like I was finally able to spread my wings.

Website: https://www.thewarbetweenfilm.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deb_directs/

Other: https://www.instagram.com/thewarbetweenfilm

Image Credits
Evan Jake Cohen for The War Between LLC Chris Scott for Film Tucson