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Steven Brian Sutherland

Angel Studios: A New Era of Purpose-Driven Storytelling in Hollywood

10/28/2024

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​In an industry often dominated by blockbuster franchises and massive studios, Angel Studios has emerged as a refreshing force in faith-based, purpose-driven entertainment. Their commitment to powerful, truth-centered narratives is not only reshaping what’s possible in Hollywood but also impacting millions around the world.

As someone who began my journey in faith-based films, starring in "Ashes of Eden" and "Surrender," and now stepping into a supporting role as one of the main antagonists in the upcoming "Wild Faith Christmas," I’ve been profoundly moved by Angel Studios' approach to storytelling. I admire their work because they prioritize heart, impact, and authenticity—qualities I’ve always aimed to reflect in my own career and they do it with a professional approach.

One of Angel Studios' most impactful projects is "Sound of Freedom," a film that tackles the heavy, real-life issue of human trafficking. Starring Jim Caviezel, this intense and moving film brings to light the heroic efforts of those fighting against modern-day slavery. It doesn’t shy away from the darkness of the subject but still delivers a message of hope and action. This type of courageous storytelling is exactly what the world needs more of, and Angel Studios does it with grace and urgency. It’s one of those films that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Perhaps Angel Studios' most well-known project, "The Chosen," has revolutionized how biblical stories are told. As the first multi-season series about the life of Jesus, it offers a fresh, intimate portrayal of Jesus’ life and the people who followed him. What makes "The Chosen" truly special is how it humanizes these iconic figures, making them relatable which is how I would expect them to be in real life. The show has gained a massive global following, and its success has proven that audiences crave content that speaks to their faith and values. It’s not just about religion; it’s about stories that resonate on a deeply human level on a professional level. 

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Atlanta premiere of "Sound of Hope" at Trilith Studios, where I met the director and producer, Joshua and Rebekah. Their passion and dedication to telling meaningful stories were palpable, and seeing the film on the big screen reinforced why Angel Studios would partner with them. Like many of their projects, "Sound of Hope" dives into heavy themes about adoption and love. It’s the kind of film that doesn’t just entertain—it calls for introspection, adoption awareness, inspiring viewers to be part of positive change. Angel Studios consistently chooses projects with a deeper purpose, and that’s something I admire greatly.

What sets Angel Studios apart is their ability to build community around their projects. They allow their audience to participate in funding and shaping their films and series through their guild crowdfunding. This model creates a deep connection between the content and its viewers, something truly unique in the industry.

As an actor, I’ve always believed that storytelling is one of the most powerful ways to inspire, and Angel Studios is doing just that on a grand scale. Their ability to take on difficult, often overlooked or controversial  topics while maintaining a message of hope is remarkable. I would love to collaborate with them on a future project. Their vision aligns with mine—a belief that stories should make an impact, inspire change, and above all, bring light into the world. Being part of a film or series that speaks to people’s hearts, like "The Chosen" or "Sound of Freedom," would be an incredible honor. I believe that God places us in the right opportunities to fulfill our purpose, and working with Angel Studios feels like a calling that could one day become a reality.

Angel Studios is not just making movies and shows—they’re crafting experiences that resonate with truth, hope, and purpose. As someone who believes in the power of storytelling to change lives, I’m excited to see what they’ll do next. And, who knows? Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to bring my passion for acting and my love for meaningful stories to a project with Angel Studios.

If you haven’t yet, I encourage you to check out "The Chosen," "Sound of Freedom," and "Sound of Hope." These are stories that matter, and I believe we need more content like this in the world today.

Trust God, 
Love The Fight, 
Love Life, 

Steven Sutherland 

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Character Development & Backstory

10/24/2024

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This isn't a cookie-cutter topic. Character development and backstory are always different for each role I've taken on. While there may be slight similarities, they vary depending on the character. For some, early childhood memories and experiences play a more significant role in shaping their current story. For others, certain relationships or situations from childhood influence behaviors in their adult life.

Character development has always been a bit tricky for me. I'm starting to accept that it's okay to draw inspiration from other actors' performances and adapt those ideas into my own approach. For example, I'm currently working on a character where I'm taking cues from Sam Rockwell's role in The Green Mile—little nuances and behavioral ticks, so to speak. Like how Jake Gyllenhaal gave his character a hard blink in Prisoners, or Brad Pitt's laugh in Fight Club, and Marlon Brando's confidence and swagger in On The Waterfront.
The most important thing for me is understanding what my character wants throughout the entire film and how that desire ties into each scene. One common mistake I notice among amateur actors is making a scene about themselves. It's NEVER about us; it's always about the other person. We never approach real-life situations thinking, "I want to look cool." Instead, it's more like, "I want THEM/HER/HIM to think I'm cool." It’s a subtle but crucial difference.

Another thing that helps me stay in character is finding a little quirk. Maybe it's a limp, being an avid smoker, or a subtle expression they always have. It's these small details that keep me grounded. In Ocean’s 11, Eddie Jemison’s character stabs his foot with a tack during a lie detector test to keep his heart rate steady while telling the truth. That "tack" serves as a reminder for me to stay in character. The hard blink, the expression, the tobacco chew, the lean in my walk—whatever that little inspiration is, it keeps me connected to the role. The rest follows suit.

It's always fun and interesting to do the work—building your backstory, your inner dialogue, your overall and scene objectives. Then, when you're on set, mixing all that with the other actors—who have hopefully done their own work—you see how it all affects your character. You might be the garlic, and they're the pepper, blending into the movie, which is the soup. It all mixes beautifully.

I had a rough childhood, which has been both a blessing and a curse in my acting. I’ve got a lot of pain to draw from, and that’s been a real asset as an actor. I often use my father in some way to motivate my characters. It's always about love. It's always about trying to fill that hole that's been left open in my life. Not that it’s healthy to dump all my emotions out on set, but it’s the small nuances that help. I ask myself: What did my old bedroom smell like? What color was the living room in my father’s house? How did I feel when he first came home from work? I use those memories to create depth in my character.

I'm always learning, always exploring. There's really no wrong way to approach character development as long as your performance tells the truth. The audience can always sense when something is fake; it screams on camera. There was a study where two actors were filmed. The first was told to look at a table and imagine someone they loved dead on it. The second actor was told to just focus on the patterns and imperfections of the table. When the audience was asked which gave them more feeling, they all said the second actor. The first actor was pretending—trying to imagine something they hadn’t experienced. The second actor was simply being real. That’s the essence of acting. Find the truth in the moment. Let the audience fill in the rest.

Robert De Niro is a big advocate of this philosophy, which is why the phrase "be in the moment" is so popular among actors. It’s often misunderstood, but it means exactly that—just be in the moment.

That's what I would tell future actors: Don’t make it about you. Be in the moment and find ways to tell the truth. Be honest and portray the character through your own lens, in a real and authentic way.
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Love God,
Love Life,
Love the Journey.

Steven Sutherland




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Returning to My Acting Roots in Wild Faith Christmas

10/15/2024

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I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve booked an exciting role in the sequel to Wild Faith--Wild Faith Christmas. This time, I’m stepping back into the 1880s, portraying a coal miner with a fiery spirit. While I can’t reveal too much about the film just yet, I can say I’m ecstatic to be back on set with familiar faces like DJ Perry, Shane Hagedorn, and Melissa Anschutz.
It’s been a while since I’ve focused on acting. After breaking my hand and hip, I had to put my career on pause to concentrate on financial stability. During that time, I bought a house and married my amazing wife, Tris Sutherland—some of you may know her as Tris Marie.
The last project I worked on was Time Boys 2, a period piece set in both the 1920s and modern day. The film has been in post-production for a while now, but I’m hoping we’ll see some footage soon so I can share a sneak peek with you. In it, I play Benjamin Hawkins, a 1920s gangster seeking revenge on the family who stole his father’s invention.
Once we wrap filming for Wild Faith Christmas in Alpena, Michigan, I’ll be seeking new representation and updating my headshots to dive back into my acting roots. I’m both excited and a little nervous about what’s ahead, especially balancing acting with work to keep the bills paid—homeownership does that to you!
Stay tuned for press releases and updates on my upcoming projects. There are a few other things in the works that I’m excited to share when the time’s right.
Just a quick update for now.
Love God,
Love Life,
Love the Fight,
Steven Sutherland
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