Joseph D. Josselyn is the producer at Deaf Missions. He graduated with a BA in Television at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., in 1997, with a desire to produce and direct films and be a cinematographer. In 2003, he married Nicole and they have five children—two of the oldest children are Deaf and adopted from Liberia. During his college years, Joseph produced six comedy sitcom episodes and a 40-minute film. After graduation, he made short clips for Gallaudet TV department before moving to California to work for DawnSignPress, a sign language publishing company. In 2006, he joined Deaf Missions in Iowa to produce various media resources, including “The Bible: American Sign Language Version.” He co-produced and directed “Dr. Wonder’s Workshop”—a television series for children that has been featured on various broadcast networks. He produced and lensed the “Book of Job” feature film in 2017 and produced and directed “Uncondemned,” a short film in 2019. His passion is creating high-quality creative films in sign language (“Deaf Cinema”) that engage the Deaf community to know more about Jesus.
The CEO of GUM Vision Studio, Michael Davis is also a creative director who creates inspiring films by acting, directing, and filming. He has more than 20 years of experience in the entertainment business, traveling the world performing in theaters, appearing in television and films, and working as an emcee and host. His acting portfolio includes roles in a Broadway smash hit of Deaf West Theater's “Big River,” Fox’s “Boston Public,” CBS’ “Cold Case,” ASL Film “Gerald,” “Dr. Wonder's Workshop,” “Sign World TV,” “The Wild Zappers,” “The West Side Story” in Japan and many more. The wealth of experience in acting has built his knowledge and skills in cinematography. Michael continues to pursue opportunities with passion in the entertainment world. His deepest passion is acting, but he has also become a filmmaker full-time so he can utilize his talent on the other side of the lens and create more opportunities for Deaf people, especially people of color. His journey has brought him to work collaboratively on several projects with Deaf Missions including serving as the director of photography and producer for JESUS: a Deaf Missions Film.
Chad Entinger is, first and foremost, a follower of Jesus. He and his wife Glory are blessed with six children: Shekynah, Corban (married to Emma), Davan, Jadon, Lujah, and Selah. A graduate of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., Chad has served with Deaf Missions, an international Christian mission organization headquartered near Omaha, Nebraska, for 25 years, including the last 17 as the Chief Executive Officer. Chad's heart and passion is for all Deaf people to see and know Jesus. Along with Deaf Missions, Chad believes the most effective way to communicate the Gospel with Deaf communities around the world is through sign language—their native, heart language.
Gideon Firl is a multifaceted person with a heart for God. He has been acting his entire life. As a Deaf person, God has graced him with an opportunity to perceive the world through a microcosm which is his Deaf community. He earned his bachelor’s in biology with a theater arts minor from Gallaudet University in 2019. Gideon loves Deaf people from all over the world, especially India. He acknowledges the Deaf community lacks accessibility to biblical wisdom that is prevalent among hearing people: “Sign language is when you see Jesus instead of just hearing Him, and in that, Jesus is manifest in the eye of the beholder.” Gideon is a proud husband to Colleen Firl, who happens to be a gorgeous and talented interpreter. They reside in New York with their corgi McGregor.
Miles Barbee is a versatile actor whose career spans both stage and screen, including his Broadway debut in “Spring Awakening” and portraying the inspiring Dummy Hoy in the baseball film The Silent Natural. He has also showcased his talent in various short films, demonstrating his commitment to authentic storytelling and his ability to bring characters to life with depth and emotion. With a passion for his craft and dedication to excellence, Miles captivates audiences with his versatile performances, including his portrayal of Peter in JESUS.
Ryan Schlecht is a seasoned theatre professional with 25 years of experience, including a Tony® for his ensemble role in Deaf West Theatre’s “Big River.” He played Bill Sikes in Deaf West Theatre’s “Oliver,” which won the L.A. Ovation Award for Best Musical Revival. Other nominations came for notable performances in Seattle’s theatrical productions “Sound” and “ASL Midsummer Night’s Dream.” He has worked extensively with interpreters and actors in Seattle and Oregon Shakespeare Festival productions and serves as sign language consultant for the Apple TV+ miniseries, “Foundation.”
Joseph Pfaff started copying actors as soon as he began watching TV as a youth. He was involved countless play productions and talent shows in school. His favorite play performance was in “Goya: Casa de Sordo” at Gallaudet University. He acted in a translation project that was converted into a movie called Book Of Job. He is father of three with his beloved wife and enjoys playing chess and racing in his free time.
