Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devan Renea. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Devan, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I didn’t find my purpose, but rather–it found me. It began within the walls of my elementary school library. I was a drama, film and TV geek for about as long as I can remember. I was the type of kid that would walk around the neighborhood taking pictures with my then disposable camera in Black and White because I thought it looked more cinematic. Looking back, I was always a filmmaker, even before I was old enough to fully understand and appreciate the process, but it was—in my blood, and from early on I always looked for opportunities to express that interest and creativity.
I was also always an avid reader and writer, and my elementary school library was my safe haven. It was there I wrote my first story, “What Ever Happened to Arrogant Anna Adams”, loosely based on someone I really knew. The kind school librarian, who had noticed and tried her best to nourish my thrust for the arts, entered the story into our local county wide “write a book” contest, and it WON! On the heels of that momentum, the librarian then suggested that the story be made into a short film for the subsequent short film competition. I was elated, and it was truly the birth of something special. With her guidance, I adapted the short book into a shootable script, which looking back was major to only be in the 5th grade. A crew of my cohorts was assembled, and I played Anna, the story’s main character. Shot in the duration of one day, within the walls of my elementary school, I had become an actor, writer, and producer. It was then I knew I would be a filmmaker when I grew up. Years, later while studying film at Full Sail University, I watched the movie—which at the time was shot on VHS, but my HD Production lab instructor was kind enough to assist me with converting my priceless VHS into a DVD. I both laughed and cried while watching it, and was so grateful my mom had encouraged me to hold onto my early attempts at filmmaking as a keepsake. Both the book and movie have become a reminder of just how far I’ve come, but more importantly a clear indication of what I was divinely put on this earth to do.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I was born to be a creative. I practically came out of my mother’s womb reciting monologues. As a kid and eventually a teenager I wanted to be an actress, so I was a natural drama geek with an unyielding passion to be an over achiever. Growing up, most teenagers covered their walls with hip-hop posters, mine were covered with certificates and achievements of both my artistic and academic accomplishments. By the time I was thrust into adulthood and went to college, my passion had risen to writing—which eventually led to a natural aptitude for producing. I conquered receiving a theatre arts A.A. and bachelor’s degree in film, and quickly gained entrance into the real world of entertainment by way of induction into the prestigious Emmy’s Television Academy Internship Program. I was fortunate enough to intern for Warner Horizon Television, which at the time was the subsidiary cable division of WB TV. To say I worked hard that summer would be an understatement. In short—I worked my ass off knowing I only had two months to make something shake in L.A. So, by the end of the summer, I had two job offers, one of which was to remain at Horizon in an entry level office position. I was thrilled, and for the next three years I was indoctrinated into the world of Warner Bros.; learning the players, the protocol, and strategic positioning which would be required to take my career to the next level. I simultaneously obtained my M.F.A. in creative writing while working at Horizon, and shortly after was granted my first seat in a Hollywood writers’ room. I left Horizon to take a position as the showrunner’s assistant on the hit long running OWN drama serious, “Queen Sugar”, which was produced in conjunction by Oprah Winfrey and Ava Duvernay. From there, my career was a whirlwind of writers’ rooms on various shows, which forced me to work even harder. I learned the realities of creating television shows and my acumen subsequently grew. After laying the foundation as a support staff member of a slew of writers’ rooms, the universe provided me with the chance to write for another OWN Network drama series, entitled “Delilah”. Overnight I was upgraded from just being the script coordinator on the show, which was in itself also a difficult job, to writing two episodes of the show, including the season finale. Seeing my name within the top of show credits was an unbelievable feeling, and a reminder that the metaphoric blood, literal sweat, and countless tears had not been in vain.
My career shifted when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and like most people, I was forced to pivot. That is when I grabbed myself by the bootstraps and became the CEO of my own company, Boss Up Production. I launched a multi-platform production company that ultimately allowed me to monazite the various skillsets which I had become expertly skilled at executing. My company offers luxury event planning for industry events, script and story development, and in house producing of low budget content creation. Thus, the Devan Rene brand was born and stamped when my company launched in 2021. My clients depend on me to provide them with expert evaluation of their material, plan their next Hollywood event with seamless ease, and even produce and shoot their next big project. In a nutshell, I wear several hats, and my brand is reflective of my multi-hyphenate talents and gifts. What sets me apart from other business owners and fellow artists, is my ingenuity, resourcefulness, and my unyielding passion for always representing both my clients and myself with the utmost class, creativity, and commitment. I may not always have every answer, but through my wealth of experiences, I’ve learned to master the art of commanding the space while navigating the ship with a seasoned acumen.
I am most proud and excited about my philanthropic endeavors because I believe in giving back to others the way so much was given to me. I had the pleasure of residing as the Co-Chair President of the Black Employees of WB, where I worked tirelessly to aide in strengthening diversity throughout all of warner media for nearly seven years. I’ve had the pleasure of being a mentor to organizations like WB Mentoring Program and HBCU in LA Internship Program. I also discovered my talent for teaching through my work as a filmmaking and screenwriter instructor for organizations like Kids in the Spotlight, Hurston Wright Foundation, and EmpowHer Institute. These opportunities have allowed me to discover the priceless gift of teaching others to “fish” for their dreams by providing them the invaluable knowledge, which has been bestowed onto me throughout my career. I am most proud of being rewarded for my years of excellence and commitment to one of my alma maters, Full Sail University. In April of 2023, I was inducted into their prestigious Hall of Fame, and this achievement has consequently allowed me to be a beacon of hope to so many creative hopefuls. When a student reaches out to me to congratulate me and ask advice on the cultivation of their career success, I feel the most immense fulfillment knowing that my journey is a testimony to keep the faith.
I’ve recently added the hat of director to my resume by writing, producing, and co-directing the upcoming short film, “Village Treasures”, hitting the film festival circuit in 2024. I have also decided to relocate to South Africa to continue my pursuit of teaching film and screenwriting, and to also be an asset to the entertainment arena here in Johannesburg. I’m currently in the pre pro stages of producing a documentary, through my company Boss Up Productions, centered on the perceptions of both the Black American and African experience, to hopefully challenge preconceived stereotypes, shatter myths, and inform viewers. I hope this film will inspire necessary conversations and strengthen growth and understanding between Black and African viewers, while educating other races of the malignant impacts of systemic racism. So, along with writing, producing, and instructing; I now feel an overwhelming sense of pride knowing that the brand I’ve been working to build my whole career continues to inspire others, and no amount of money could ever produce this sentiment. I want my fans and followers to know that my humble beginnings combined with my willingness to tenaciously pursue my dreams, have made me a force to be reckoned with. There is no imitating this level of passion and no faking this amount of talent and energy. I am the REAL deal and I’m only just getting started!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I would say my humility, passion, and commitment have been most impactful throughout my journey. My humble beginnings taught me humanity for others. My passion is what continues to propel me toward my goals despite adversity, and my commitment to my divine purpose has grounded me. These qualities have afforded me the ability to steadfastly hold onto my dreams with courageousness, creativity, with just a twist of crazy—fore you have to be a bit mad to sometimes chase the impossible. It is with that same madness I’ve been able to propel myself forward–even through the most uncertain of times because I remember that I’ll NEVER go wrong on the right road—and if I’m in the pursuit of my dreams, then I can rest assure my road is divinely aligned. So, my advice would be to hold onto the knowledge that you’re already halfway to your goal if you have a made up mind, because a made up mind is indeed half the battle. So, always remember it is a journey and NOT a destination, and try as you might to stop, breathe, and appreciate the path along the way.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
I would say the recent death of my mother, Brenda Joyce Martin, has been my greatest obstacle as of late and quite frankly—my entire life. She passed in June of this year, shortly after my induction into my alma mater, Full Sail University, Hall of Fame ceremony. I was fortunate enough to be able to dedicate my award to her, she was there to proudly witness it, and that memory lives on as the greatest moment of my life; now sadly clouded by my endless grief. My mother was my biggest fan, greatest champion, and my fearless shero. She was an incredible singe mother who sacrificed everything for my sister and I. I owe everything I have and will ever be to her. I am forever changed by her absence in my life. I can only hope that in time I will be able to cope with this devastation, as anyone who has ever lost a parent knows it is not something you can ever get over—but rather—something you eventually hope to be able to live with. Her death has greatly affected my creative energy, so I’m currently still in the trenches of trying to overcome this devastation.
My grief has taken me all the way from Los Angeles to South Africa, in an attempt to both soothe my angst and to separate me from the constant reminder that she is no longer here. I’ve been on a bit of an emotional and spiritual journey that has provided me clearer insight on what is actually most important; while also soul searching for what is next. I’m learning that setbacks come in all forms, shapes, sizes, and can occur at the greatest or even the worst moments of your career. My face had just been on a billboard, as I had reached a life milestone when I achieved Hall of Fame, but that mile marker was metaphorically hit by a Mack truck when my mom died shortly thereafter, and no amount of high praise is going to bring her back. So I’m trying as much as I can to arm myself with the knowledge and acceptance that the world is unpredictable and most times unfair. So, I instead focus my energy on accepting what I can’t control, while still trying to fight to change and improve what I can—while I’m still here. Her death reminded me that nothing is forever. So, for as much as we can–we should be grateful for all the moments “in between.” Beginnings are usually scary, endings can be sad, but it’s the middle that ultimately counts. It’s what you do, the memories you make, and the mile markers which are achieved in the middle that really matter. And right now I’m somewhere in the middle of the next chapter, taking it one ocean breath at a time; hoping I’m endowed with the strength of the greatest person I’ve ever known and loved to propel me through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justdevanrenea.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justdevanrenea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drenea1/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devan-renea-44b5b537/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/devanrenea?lang=en
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5339362/
Image Credits
Photographer & Creative Director: Igumbi https://TheCreativeDirector.mypixieset.com/
