By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Fans of urban film may be familiar with the work of Davan Holt. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, Davan Holt is another bootstrapper, pulling himself up inch-by-inch. Davan Holt is best-known for his independent film, Jury of our Peers, and his films have featured a few big names.
Among the people Davan Holt has had the chance to work with on his movies includes former Disney Channel and “The Game” star, Drew Sidora. While Davan Holt has had the luxury of having big names in his films, it is nothing but his hard work and the quality that lures viewers. He has a lot of work laid out.
Davan Holt recently took time out to talk to Hip Hop Vibe about his growing filmmaking career. During the interview, Davan Holt spoke about his Jury of our Peers film, the filmmaking career path as a whole, and his future goals. He spoke on everything that led him to this current moment.
Read the entire interview below:
What made you pursue a career in filmmaking? I was a cameraman in the Army. That was my first experience making a short film. Later in school, I developed a passion for writing. Couple that with a natural love of good movies and television series, and it was meant to be.
This is one of the most-difficult businesses to find success in, how have you managed to find your success? Everything involving my career has been a major blessing. Talent only takes you so far. It is imperative that you find good people to work with. People have liked what I bring to the table writing and developing projects.
Without giving up too much, can you tell us about Jury of our Peers? Jury of our Peers will put you in the space while watching a movie where you ask yourself, ‘what would I do in that situation?.’ It’s about friendship and human nature with a touch of mystery. Being my first film, especially as an indie, the audience had to be able to relate to and care about the characters.
For those who have not watched the film, what are they missing? They’re missing a good independent movie filled with excellent young talent that audiences are already familiar with such as Drew Sidora, Dorian Missick, Angell Conwell, and Bryce Wilson. A compelling story about young people who find themselves in such a bad situation that everything they believe in is challenged. Especially they’re faith and loyalty; right and wrong in the big scheme of things.
Will there be a sequel for this film? That was the original plan but things happen. I’ve written the sequel and am currently shopping it to new producers. After watching, that’s usually the first question viewers ask. They say, “you can’t end it like that, we have to know what happened to _____ and why.” I’d love to give it to them. The characters have grown and their job of delivering justice is far from over.
Obviously, when thinking black film, people automatically go to Tyler Perry, what is your opinion on him and his work? I love Tyler Perry. His story is an inspiration to us all. Dreams can come true and they do. To the people who want something different; make it.
For your next film, will you be angling to have a big name actor starring? Our current project, Upside Down, features some great local talent like Nelson Davis and Katrina Howell. We are actively shopping some of my other works to big names with the help of Gigi Harville and Major Paul, of The Paul Harville Group, and Tristian Turner and Cicero Leak from the TLS Agency. I’m looking to work with good people who are talented regardless of their level of success.
What message are you ultimately hoping to get across with your films? My only message is to tell entertaining stories. Ones that we discuss with our families and friends after watching.
Do you see yourself jumping into doing television or web television? Yes, television definitely. I’ve already developed a couple television series and intelligent game/reality shows.
Can you give us your Facebook and Twitter so fans can follow you? Yes, of course, and thank you for the interview. Good luck on all endeavors.
www.facebook.com/DavanProducerScreenwriter
@davanholt
