Filipino filmmaker Debbie Su is making early strides in Hollywood, collaborating with spoof comedy pioneer David Zucker. This comes just months after completing her cinema production certificate at Los Angeles City College (LACC).
Su, 28, from Cagayan de Oro, earned a certificate in cinema production at Los Angeles City College (LACC) earlier this year. A former Ateneo de Manila University scholar in information design, she worked as a graphic designer before saving enough to pursue film in Los Angeles.
“When I was younger, we had the Lord of the Rings disc set with the behind-the-scenes features, and I would watch those way more than the actual movies,” she said. “To be really part of a film, you have to do so much more than just write.”
At LACC, Su gained experience as a production assistant with Film Independent and joined the Disney Production Assistant Initiative, which makes her eligible for Disney projects. She also received a Golden Globe Foundation grant to finish RIP in Peace, a 13-minute dark comedy about grief.
Still on its festival run, the short has been nominated and awarded at Indie Short Fest, Venezia Shorts in Italy, Hollywood Shortsfest, and the Independent Shorts Awards.
Another short, America is Amazing, Mom, about homesickness, won Best Cinematography at the Dreamanila International Film Festival in 2024 and screened at the FilAm Creative Film Festival.
Su’s latest break is with Zucker, whose credits include Airplane! (1980), The Naked Gun (1988), and Scary Movie 3 (2003). What began as an internship became a production role for MasterCrash, Zucker’s new online platform teaching his 15 rules for spoof comedy.
“I’m a producer and director on the course,” Su said. “We planned out the lessons, shot the content, and I edited the videos. David has a movie in early pre-production, Star of Malta, and I’m excited to work with him on it.”
Zucker praised her contributions. “Debbie is a crucial member of our MasterCrash team,” he said. “She has a knack for production and direction and doesn’t settle for less than excellent.”
Beyond MasterCrash, Su is producing and directing Enmeshed, a web series created by Rix Messenger. The pilot, co-produced by Su, features Kim Rhodes of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Supernatural.
Two years after only glimpsing the Hollywood sign from her campus, Su is now building her career in the industry.
“My ultimate dream is to win an Oscar for something that has proper representation of Filipinos,” she said. “But if I can just keep creating beautiful things that matter and not have to worry about money, I’ll be happy.”
Information about MasterCrash is available at www.mastercrash.com.
