David Boris Schaefer is a Swiss-Croatian actor, model and singer-songwriter born in Basel, Switzerland. He is recognized for his roles in films such as Lads in the City (2019), Into My Ears (2018) and Eleven (2018). Before his acting career, Schaefer spent a decade as an international model for prestigious brands like Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein and Vogue Mexico. Under the stage name David Deen, he achieved success as a singer, performing with the pop band Culture Box and collaborating with DJ Mike Candys. Schaefer continues to build a diverse and dynamic career in entertainment.
You’ve had a diverse career spanning acting, modeling and music. How do you balance these different creative pursuits?
I always say that with good planning, anything is possible and it’s all about collaboration and effective communication. I learned that. When I started in a Disney band, I didn’t know that I would be an actor or an international model one day. Everything is possible. I try to go with the flow. I am grateful; I love art and it’s my passion. Whenever I can, I do it, and I feel happy, as if I’ve been at home. Film, fashion and music have given me so many valuable experiences and fun over the years that I can only say thank you. I am eternally thankful.
As a model, I travelled the world, as an actor, I learned more about myself and others and as a musician and singer, I got closer to expressing also more of who I am in a very deep sense. Also, I realized that fashion, film and music are all connected. The world is small; entertainment can be a village.
For example, I was at a photographer’s event I was invited where I met actor friends from London I used to hang out with. It’s an exciting industry full of learning and ups and downs, which is character-building.
Your acting credits include films like “Lads in the City” and “Eleven.” What drew you to these projects and how do you approach character development?
After years working as an international model, I moved to London. In London, my acting career began and I am forever grateful for it. I had to learn all from scratch, no posing into the camera, ignoring the camera, the opposite we did in modeling.
In fashion, the camera is your best friend. You often flirt with the camera to get the right shot; we call it in fashion money shot.
I started with small student films and other smaller projects before I was fortunate to self-submit at that time to a casting director and film director in London who cast me as a Russian gangster in a gangster movie which I then went with him to Cannes to promote the movie and also did a TV series with him for Nigeria, in UK is called “Lads in The City”.
People stopped me in the streets and said I saw you in Nigeria in a movie. Haven’t you done the movie “Return Of The Don”? It was a nice feeling.
Later, I was cast in a WWI movie and had the pleasure to play a German lance corporal, which was a very memorable and humbling experience. We had a beautiful movie premiere in London.
It was super cold on set in January, but we had an amazing time, cast and crew and everyone.
When I prepare for characters, I do a lot of research, for example, for the Russian gangster character I played and learned some Russian sentences, because that was part of my dialogue, next to English dialogue. It was a challenging but fun role to play. My character’s name was Artem Chernakov. I spent time with Russians in London and tried everything to get the character as close as possible to how I imagine him.
For the WWI movie, I asked my older friends and people I knew, who told me more than I knew about the WWI movie. I bought books about the WWI movie and I watched many war movies in preparation for it. I also watched old documentaries.
I recorded my scenes and watched every move I made. I lost weight to look like the character the director and writer were imagining. I also got a haircut, so I look like the soldier they imagine for the movie.
I had to completely separate and be a boy who was young and naive and didn’t want to go to war. He just had no other option, sadly. Those boys were maybe 19 to 20, if I remember right. Naturally, I am a big guy, 6’4’’ and also have broad shoulders, which was in fashion often a problem, my height and body, because the clothes, for example, in Milan, are often sample size but often very small.
In different markets, I worked over the years, but I never worked every day like some models. I often had jobs where I would fit with my profile more like magazine editorials or commercial work, where they looked for bigger guys or more muscular types of guys. High fashion models are usually much slimmer than me.
Also, in movies, the camera depends on which angle it rolls in order to make you look bigger or smaller. I always try to prepare for my characters, even if that means hitting the gym more or losing weight. I love it.
As a former international model for brands like Hugo Boss and Calvin Klein, how did that experience influence your transition into acting?
I always say that without modeling, in my case, I may never have had the chance to end up in acting. My Disney band and modeling kick-started my career, which I am very grateful for.
My first modeling trip was actually to Greece for 3 months, amazing times living near the Acropolis. I miss the times and the people and the good food.
I also learned how to move in front of the camera, how to walk for fashion shows or just in general, to fix my posture or how I carry myself. Modeling really helped me in acting.
Also, my life experiences living in so many model apartments around the world with different people and characters helped me to be more of the person I am today and adapt fast to different situations and environments.
Also, I try to accept myself and other people. We are not perfect and I always say a work in progress; we are learning daily from our mistakes and things we do.
Of course, acting is not modeling and I was studying books and also went to different acting schools, took classes like the Identity School Of Acting in London or I took improv classes in LA or in London at the Actors Centre at that time.
A great part-time drama school I can recommend is Identity School of Acting.
Especially for actors and individuals who work on the side, normal jobs like catering I did in London.
I think empathy and compassion are very important and being vulnerable is important as an actor.
I always say nothing beats life experiences to become a good actor and we all have our individual experiences.
Can you tell us about your time as a member of the pop band Culture Box? What were some of the highlights of performing across Europe?
I was fortunate to be cast as a member of the band Culture Box and loved living in Cologne, Germany.
I never thought I would make it into the band because there were so many incredibly talented singers at that time in Cologne during the casting.
Why did they choose me, I thought?
One of the most amazing highlights, next to choreography training, are interviews, autograph signings and concerts. I think a huge highlight was when we were invited to the famous Spenden marathon. A charity event or when I had a concert in a stadium, which was an amazing and once-in-a-lifetime experience. I sometimes watch the videos on YouTube and that feels so surreal.
We had so many amazing moments as a band, but also some challenging ones, which were part of the business. For example, I had a high fever and was weak and had no one to make me a tea. Everyone was busy and living their own lives in their free time, which was understandable. I was used to being alone later, even more as a model, you travel alone most of the time and find ways to be happy with your solitude.
So, you learn a lot in fashion, modeling and music or acting or traveling. I think you develop a much stronger character over time.
Your solo music career includes tracks like “That Girl.” How would you describe your musical style and what inspires your songwriting?
I am very proud of this song, “That Girl,” because it’s my first solo single with my amazing producer team, Harvey Grey Music. “That girl” was written by amazing USA songwriter Edwin Balder and produced by Neil Harvey & Caitlin Grey. I am grateful to have such experienced people on my side. I think that song is almost tailored to me and the style I love.
When I heard the song for the first time, I felt like it was really made for me. It’s a pop-rock song; my producers can describe the song style maybe better than I can.
“That Girl” is a dynamic track showcasing pop/rock and acoustic undertones, edgy beats and a powerful, uplifting chorus. I love that style because I grew up with it and saw Bon Jovi, Bryan Adams and other incredible artists live in concert.
Pop rock or acoustic music is something I have always loved. I also wrote over the years songs myself, but I never really released them for my solo records. Maybe who knows in the future.
There are so many great songwriters like Edwin Caitlin and Neil Harvey in my team, who write better songs than I do. English is also not my first language. I am Swiss Croatian.
You’ve worked with renowned DJ Mike Candys. How did that collaboration come about and what was it like working on “All Around the World”?
I think working with Mike Candys, such an established dance artist, producer DJ, was a very special experience. I always loved his music and when I heard that I was able to work with him on “All Around The World”, I was very happy.
I was always famous for knocking on doors or emailing people to hopefully get my shot or opportunity. The same happened with Mike. One day, I emailed him and he replied. A few days later, I was in his music studio.
You never know when opportunity knocks, so keep emailing and networking. We worked on multiple projects and songs together. One email can change everything and one phone call can always be proactive. I remember singing the song in my normal voice in the studio. Chest voice is called.
Range-wise, it was right for the chest voice; it was more for a female singer. I said I have a strong, powerful falsetto if you want to use this voice. He said, “Let’s try” and I did it. Falsetto is the high voice that many use, like Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and others.
He loved it and we did the song in my falsetto voice. It was one of those moments and songs I never forget and it opened me a lot of new doors gratefully in the dance industry as a singer before. I worked with many national and international producers and DJs more in the background.
Standing at 6’4″ (1.93m), how has your height impacted your career in modeling and acting?
As I previously mentioned, starting modeling was for me, as for my first agent, who discovered me, not easily, due to my height and build.
We had to find ways to tell the clients he’s very tall, but he fits the normal sample size clothes if it’s not Paris or Milan fashion week. For 17 years, I never worked in Paris, maybe due to my height and build.
I had so many negative answers from clients and agencies on castings, which I understand now. At that time, I didn’t think so much and thought they had a personal problem with me until I learn it’s business.
Maybe your nose is not right, your build, your look could be anything, I’ve probably heard it all and it’s the nature of the business. Not every job is for you and not every door will open.
For example, I went many times to Milan for fashion week but I never booked a show in 17 years or had a campaign shoot or something like that. I was always too tall and big.
Only until my agent at that time sent me to South Africa, China, Malaysia and other places that I started building my modeling book, the portfolio with pictures. One model agent once asked me, “David, you don’t work much. Why are you giving up?”
I said, I’m not a person who ever gives up. I overcame being sick as a child and many other things in life. Maybe I will quit when I have my fragrance campaign, I laughed.
He laughed too and said sarcastically and ironically, “Wow, that’s one of the smallest jobs you can have in fashion. You’re so humble, David”. We both laughed. He knew I was ambitious, but also knew it’s not easy to book me for fashion work. If I love something, I can’t quit.
Acting was much easier because finally my height and build were more welcomed for the characters I played and also my strong character or personality, some model agents told me, I had was more welcomed.
Overall, I had a great career so far, I’m thankful, of course, I still want my fragrance campaign.
As someone with Swiss and Croatian roots, how has your multicultural background shaped your artistic perspective?
I think interestingly and diversely. I grew up in a family where we always supported each other. I have two older brothers who are very successful in life, with what they have achieved. I am proud of them even if we don’t see or talk to each other often because we are all busy. I tried to learn from them and looked up to them.
Also, my parents are amazing. My mother, Croatian, and my father, Swiss, were both responsible for the character I am today. I have both nationalities in me, one is more diplomatic and one more emotional, but that helps me in my art.
I always had my own mind, maybe also because after being sick as a child with a heart defect, this shaped me for life and my character. I take nothing for granted and every new day is a gift. I was close to death and I’m thankful I overcame this sick childhood and am still walking this earth.
My belief in God got stronger and stronger over the years. I experienced things in life that I sometimes think, how did I overcome all this? I have friends from all backgrounds and belief systems and we often do philosophical discussions about how they see the world and things.
I believe it’s important to have self-belief and my belief in God. A friend sometimes jokes who knows me very well. He says David, you’re unbreakable. I wouldn’t say that but I can take a lot.
I try to see everything as an experience, good or bad.
I always let it out in martial arts; if I have a bad day, the kicking and punching bags are my best friend. Speaking of it, I am going in a bit to work out with a friend.
You’ve been involved in projects addressing bullying awareness. Can you share more about your passion for this cause?
After being sick as a child with a heart defect, I was often in hospitals and away from school.
Kids thought I had just found an excuse and I got bullied in school. It was not such an easy time for me and my parents. Later, I got stronger and beat up the kids who bullied others. I changed two schools because of my behavior.
Maybe I compensate for my anger because I was sick as a child. Since I was a kid, I have had a sense of justice and it often got me in trouble helping others. I always protected the weaker ones.
Later, I learned Muay Thai from a family member and boxing, which gave me a lot of confidence and power over the last 20 years doing martial arts. I never use it, only in self-defense situations.
I walked away from so many situations because I knew no one really wins in a fight. Peace is more important and if you can communicate, you can solve many problems with conversation and good psychology.
I do stand up against bullying and think it’s important that we find ways to eliminate this, especially from schools. Because I experienced it myself, kids can be brutal to their young mates and often don’t know it better. Parents and teachers are also important in finding ways to prevent this from happening. Mental health for everyone is important, for kids and adults.
What’s next for David Boris Schaefer? Are there any upcoming acting roles, music releases or other projects you’re excited about?
I just got new representation by Enorama Talent Agency manager Thanasis Psilopoulus, who’s gratefully submitting me already to some great projects.
I am excited and feel something is coming shortly that will fit my profile. I also work on a second book project after writing a memoir during the pandemic.
The memoir I am currently rewriting is for a commercial release. People from the industry I know, friends in Hollywood, advise me to change it more into a motivational book for others to learn from.
My men’s health cover and being sick as a child is a contrast that many would find motivational. I’m not a book writer, I just discovered recently my passion for writing.
I don’t know how to write a book, what format, etc. I did have some help from a friend with formatting.
I have co-written and co-produced a short film called “Into My Ears” and am working on a second short film, this time a comedy.
I just recorded my brand-new solo single, “Brave,” which will be released in the coming weeks with Harvey Grey Music and I also shot a new music video for “Brave”.
Another magazine publishing will come shortly. I love being busy and creative.
No one has a crystal ball to see what projects might come in, but it’s exciting in entertainment or art; anything is possible.
Thank you so much for having me. It was a real pleasure sharing my journey with your readers.