Exclusive Interview: Vernon Davis Shares Exciting Details of His Role in Please Don’t Feed the Children

From conquering the gridiron to lighting up the silver screen, Vernon Davis has seamlessly brought his signature adaptability to his thriving decade-plus career as both an actor and producer. Best known for his performances in projects including Chariot, A Day to Die, and Gasoline Alley, Vernon’s transformative portrayals have made him one of the most sought-after talents in the industry. He’ll next be seen in Destry Allyn Spielberg’s feature directorial debut, Please Don’t Feed the Children, and graciously took time while filming to give us the inside scoop on what audiences can expect!

PC: You are going to star in the highly anticipated film, Please Don’t Feed the Children. Can you share some insights about your character and the project? What drew you to it?
Vernon: The feature is an apocalyptic thriller that follows a group of orphans heading south in search of a new life after a viral outbreak ravages the country’s adult population, only to find themselves at the mercy of a deranged woman harboring a dangerous secret.

I play a character who has been infected by the virus.

As for what attracted me to the project? First and foremost, it’s an honor to be part of Destry Allyn Spielberg’s feature directorial debut. She undoubtedly has an incredibly bright future in film. Who wouldn’t want to be a small part of that inevitable success? Additionally, with Downton Abbey’s Michelle Dockery in the lead, the cast is loaded with talent.

With Destry at the helm of an inspirational cast, a phenomenal script, and an amazing team in front of and behind the camera, Please Don’t Feed the Children will keep moviegoers on the edge of their seats, and the conversation going well after the movie has ended.

PC: What has it been like getting to collaborate with Destry and share in this moment?
Vernon: I’ve been very fortunate to work with some incredible people early in my acting career, and this is no different. I’m beyond excited to be part of Destry’s directorial debut. She’s an amazing young filmmaker who has a deep understanding and appreciation for the art of cinema. I think she’s one of the most exciting directors working today. She’s new. She’s fresh. She’s bold. She has great influences. To see her work is truly a gift for all involved. I hope to do more movies with her.

PC: You’re a multifaceted talent. How has your work behind the scenes impacted the way you approach your work as an actor, and vice versa, particularly in how you interpret scripts and characters like the ones you play in Please Don’t Feed the Children?
Vernon: Adaptability is key! Whether in front of or behind the camera, you need to adapt. Casts change, scripts change, directors change. When you’re open to new ideas and willing to take risks, you can create more authentic performances that truly capture the essence of your character. Adaptability also allows you to collaborate more effectively with your fellow cast members.

PC: The film is an apocalyptic thriller. How does that genre affect your preparation?
Vernon: Honestly, my approach was the same as any other project I’ve done. Preparing for different roles involves an in-depth study of the character’s struggles, conflicts, and emotions. This process allows me to channel the characters and bring truth to my performances. For this particular project, I researched the genre by watching zombie movies and shows, paying close attention to various nuances and using them as inspiration for the development of my own character.

PC: Filmmaking is such a collaborative medium. How have you and the cast started to build the bond and chemistry needed for this project?
Vernon: Through rehearsal. Before filming, we rehearsed quite a bit together, and it was during those rehearsals that we built our bond and developed our chemistry. I’m a firm believer that rehearsing is one of the main keys to success and a crucial part of creating a bond between cast members. Getting to know and work with this cast has been nothing but awesome!

To keep up with Vernon and Please Don’t Feed the Children, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Photo Credit: Manfred Baumann