Check Out Danielle DeVaughn’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Danielle DeVaughn.

Hi Danielle, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into film was unexpected. I was going to school for Sociology to become a dean or work in some capacity of higher education. However looking over my life, I’ve always had a camera in my hand or a notebook and pen jotting down my ideas along with a plethora of poetry and skits. During my leisure time I was making earrings out of whatever I had scattered around. I digress, that just popped in my head – well actually it’s all relative to the question because my story started far before 2018. I’ve been creating for as long as I can remember. The year that changed everything for me though was 2017. I went through my personal plights in February that year and fast forward to February of 2018, I was scouted at my school for a play. I had to take some electives to transfer that Winter, so I took Theatre 11 Fundamentals of Acting, a beginner’s class I thought would be fun.

My old professor Christine from Theatre emailed me during finals trying to get me to audition for the play and I was hesitant initially because up until this point, the only acting experience I had was her one class. This particular production was only a three month prep in comparison to the typical 6 months students got to prepare ‘3 one act plays’ and basically all that means is we had 3 months to learn the play, there was three separate plays in one act, one act meaning we shared the stage on opening night. I ended up auditioning after one of my finals. Christine called in some directors and that was that. There I was with practically zero acting experience pouring everything I had into my character Tunde who was a 9-year old Nigerian human trafficking victim. It was intense; you could imagine my grown adult woman body at the tender age of 24 -honey!!! Playing a 9-year old with the Nigerian accent hahaha. The play turned out phenomenally! We did an amazing job. I remember Christine telling us afterwards all the praise we got from the Dean of the College- stating our play was the best acting she’d seen from the department.

The experience was one of those things that are hard to put into words you know, but I’m sure people can relate. I remember on opening night receiving no applause from the audience and thinking for a second “umm did I forget my lines or did they not like it” but it was an experience for all of us in that theatre. I mean how often do you get to see social problems such as human trafficking blunt in your face like that? We know it exists unfortunately, that dark side of humanity full of exploitation and corruption. The audience didn’t know how to respond, it’s like when a movie is over and you’re not sure whether to clap or not yet because you’re just sitting there shook. Backstage, we were certainly feeling all kinds of different emotions but yeah, it was life-altering. My paradigm completely shifted after the play, I fell in love with the entire production experience. Immediately after I took a video production class and a playwriting class. I immersed myself in all things production. I sent emails to strangers and one door led to another. I began researching and networking. I got one of my first big PA gigs simply by being in the right place at the right time. I ended up at this party one night in Hollywood and met some crazy talented directors, writers, producers and actors, some famous some coming up. One of the producers by the name Nasir Ferebee gave me that big PA gig at Complexcon in November of 2019.

Prior to that job, I was working as a PA for small short films, commercials, music videos-some paid some not. I was helping my friend Raj with his company ‘The Set Live’ as a Creative Director and 1ST AD on live music events and music videos. Things started taking off for that business and we’ve been working at Dame Dash Studios filming since last year in 2019. Everything just fell into place so seamlessly and till this day, it still feels that way. I joined Issa Rae’s Patreon, which was a game-changer for me. I have been able to connect with other creatives and gain work opportunities like my current position now at HBO. I’m working on ‘ A Black Lady Sketch Show ‘ Season 2. The stranger I emailed back in 2018 is this dope photographer and videographer named Jay Gunning who just recently gave me my first producing/directing job this November of 2020.

We successfully finished a campaign with the L.A County Registrar’s office and the commercial I produced aired on several networks. It was cool having my friends text me and tell me they just saw the commercial in addition to the billboards I’ve seen driving down the street. My friend Raj I work with opened his studio in Hollywood during this pandemic and I’m still working there, helping with the media side of things and being 1st AD. I’m writing a movie with a friend right now and I’m in post-production for my first documentary. There is so much going on! Talking about it all just made me realize! A very special thanks to Jimmy and Leanne who have been helping me with my documentary since September of 2019. This is my first film and it’s my baby! I can’t wait to share it with the world in 2021! That’s about it for now.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hmm, smooth road? So in the meantime between time I was homeless, I was robbed, I was broke, what else? hahahaaha I totally laugh at my own pain because it’s so humbling now and I have conquered so much in my life thus far. I am eternally grateful for the blessings and safety my creator and spirit guides have allotted me. They are the real OG’s and my bloodline is pure gold. All I can say is get up, you’ve got to get up each and every time life pushes and you feel shoved when your back is against the wall. It’s in those moments when your higher self shows up and redefines the narrative. We are the creators of our stories and I’ll leave you guys with that.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work can be found on my website at danielledevaughn.com. I am a multifaceted creator who specializes in all things creative and for the good. I direct and I write, I would say I specialize in that right now. I don’t know if I’m considered known yet since I’m kinda lowkey and behind the scenes. However, I am most proud of putting myself out there and not being paralyzed by the word failure. What sets me apart is my authenticity, my heart. I know that’s why within these two short years, I’ve been able to learn and grow as much as I have professionally. This industry can be cut-throat. I’m motivated by the beauty within the struggles of my people and our youth. Art is boundless and this is only the beginning of my journey. I look forward to the future and creating sacred spaces to teach and heal.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Sacred Woman – Queen Afua The Compound Effect- Darren Hardy Philosophers: Malcom X, Nipsey Hussle Youtube: “The Mindful Movement”. Novacvideo.org, Filmfreeway.com, Patreon.com/issarae, Artwithimpact.org,Filmindependent.org

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: danielledevaughn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xfesto/

Image Credits
Issa Rae x Danielle DeVaughn photo by Jorge Meza