On this week’s show I interview an inspiring film executive and author, DeVon Franklin.
DeVon Franklin is a rarity: an African-American studio executive at the forefront of Hollywood’s hit machine. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Production for Columbia Tristar Pictures, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment, making him one of the youngest individuals in that position in the industry. He recently oversaw the remakes Sparkle, starring the late Whitney Houston in her last on screen role, and The Karate Kid, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, which grossed over $350 million worldwide. He also worked on The Pursuit of Happyness and Hancock both starring Will Smith, as well as the faith-based hit Not Easily Broken, and the family comedy, Jumping the Broom starring Angela Bassett and Paula Patton, both produced by Bishop T. D. Jakes. He was formerly a studio executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) where he worked on John Travolta’s Be Cool and Queen Latifah’s Beautyshop, and got his start as an intern for Will Smith and James Lassiter.
In addition to his entertainment industry pursuits, DeVon is also a preacher, a motivational speaker, and the author of Produced By Faith, a how-to-guide about pursuing your career without compromising your faith. He’s appeared on CNN, Fox News, NBC and was a featured guest on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday on the Oprah Winfrey Network. He has also been featured in Essence, Ebony, Jet, and Black Enterprise magazines, among many others.
A graduate of the University of Southern California, DeVon was recently named by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 35 executives under 35 and one of the top 10 industry impact players by the NAACP. He sits on the boards of Film Independent and American Black Film Festival. He is from the San Francisco Bay Area and lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Meagan.
“WOW… I get it now”… I KNOW ITS late but I just ‘Had to Comment’
This is the missing piece of my life jigsaw puzzle. This interview was honestly one of the BEST I have ever seen. I was introduced and inspired by Natalie through a friend and Facebook, we were scheduled to meet before at her Birmingham Conference but I had a car crash. (Gods way of telling me off I realise for being ‘hell bent’ on doing things ‘my way’) perhaps. The time was right now obviously and I drove through the night from Scotland to meet Natalie @ 09:00 on Monday in Rugby for a breakfast meeting. She was truly inspiring and gave me some great advice and tips about being me and trusting Gods Plans.
Natalie is truly a remarkable lady and we connected with our life stories. What a ‘natural’ interview you both had, it was great.
De Von Franklin, I do apologise I have never heard of you before, however your interview definitely has struck some ‘massive chords’ with me. It is so good that I’m going to have to watch it several times more to take out its ‘full meaning’ for me. Well De Von Franklin you have just gone and hooked yourself a ‘new fan’, what a guy you really are, so honest, helpful and glowing with your faith and wisdom, it truly radiates through the screen. One day I hope that faith glows from me and that we get to meet. You are so positive and radiate warmth and reassurance. You ooze confidence, faith and self belief De Von Franklin, and what I think is amazing to that you both talk freely of The Lord. I believe in God, and I know about ‘Devine Intervention’ as without which I would not be here to comment:-) x
Thank you Natalie once again for your time on Monday, and for giving us such an inspiring, genuine, creative, positive interview… It’s been MY PLEASURE to watch, listen and learn from YOU BOTH. I look forward to reading your book De Von Franklin… I’m gonna use a little of my 40th Birthday Money from my Foster Mum… Well she said “Use it for something special for yourself for once Maureen, now promise me” Natalie & De Von… This was because I used ‘My Christmas Money’ making Christmas Day Special for a Homeless Lady, clothing her and taking her ‘out’ for a 5 Course Meal, it was FUN and one of the best I’ve had to date too:-) x
Keep up the great work Natalie and thank you kindly De Von Franklin for sharing your wisdom.
May God Keep You Blessed Both of You:-)
Your newest fan
Maureen Portman