Today we’d like to introduce you to DeVonte Brown.
Hi DeVonte, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My career began in 2014 as I was graduating college with a degree in Film and Video Production. I started out as a Production Assistant on local commercials, eager to get my name out in Kansas City. Along the way, I soaked up everything I could from larger productions and applied those lessons to my own projects—shooting short films, music videos, and weddings with whatever resources I had.
On May 1, 2015, I took a leap of faith and quit my 9-to-5 job at Five Guys Burgers and Fries to pursue filmmaking full-time. From that point on, there was no turning back—I had to grind harder than ever. Over the years, I worked my way up through the commercial market, spending about four years as a Production Assistant and six years as an Assistant Camera. During that time, I continued creating my own work, building a network of collaborators and friends, and constantly sharpening my craft.
Today, I’m a full-time Director and Cinematographer; I’ve shot over 20 short films and 2 feature length films, and just last year I got to Direct my first feature “Break The Cycle” which included Vivica Fox, Cuba Gooding Jr., Loretta Devine and more. The grind hasn’t stopped—it’s just evolved.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being your own business is never easy—trading in a 9-to-5 for a 24/7 job means the pressure is all on you. Beyond the early challenges of learning the process and figuring out what works, one of the hardest parts is finding people you truly trust. Filmmaking is such a vulnerable medium, so it’s important to be surrounded by people who make you feel safe but can also call you out when you’re wrong or when there’s a better way to approach something.
One of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is the process of moving up the ladder. No one’s going to usher you into that next step—it’s something you have to claim for yourself. You have to say, “Hey, don’t call me for that position anymore. I’m ___ now.” That decision can mean less work for a while, and that’s scary. But the truth is, if you’re really good at one position, people will always want to keep you there. Sometimes you have to take that risk to grow into the next version of yourself.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Director and Cinematographer. When I’m directing, I focus on working closely with actors to draw out the performances we need, shaping the creative direction of each project from start to finish, and maintaining clear communication across the team.
As a cinematographer, I collaborate closely with my department leads, sharing the creative conversations I’ve had with the director and translating those ideas into lighting plans, camera movement, and composition that support the story.
I’m probably best known for directing the Kansas City Chiefs’ Black History Month Campaign in 2023, which was a major milestone in my career. But what I’m most proud of is a short film I made with friends called Now What? — a project that reminded me why I fell in love with filmmaking in the first place, and honestly sparked my rise into directing more.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m on social media — hit me up on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn. You can also reach me through my website at www.devontebrown.com. I’m always down to grab coffee and chop it up.
Eighty percent of this business is networking, so I like to get to know people a bit before we suit up and create together. The best way to support me is by spreading the word or bringing new opportunities my way — but as we all know, that’s not the only thing that keeps the lights on; so paid work is always appreciated.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.devontebrown.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devonte_m_brown/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/devonte.brown.372/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonte-brown-8a71a264/
- Other: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/sydney-sweeney-zendaya-dave-bautista-films-2024-afm-hot-list-1236047549/
