Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devin Reeve. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Devin thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)
The best investment I’ve ever made was investing in myself and directing all my efforts towards accomplishing my goals. Early in my career I had my side hustles as a bartender and club promoter at some of Hollywood’s hottest night clubs. I would work till 4am and during the day I would do the usual actor hustle of acting classes, auditions, write terrible scripts (because I didn’t know how to write yet), submit to agents, etc. For years it was a great system that provided me with a great income and the flexibility that I needed; plus it definitely left me with a lot of interesting stories. However, one night it all changed. We were about 2 hours into our event, the music was rockin, the dance floor was crowded and everyone was having a great time. But, for me I suddenly found myself no longer wanting to be there. I felt empty and unsatisfied with what I was doing. There something else was craving my full attention, so I left my own event and drove out to Malibu. While sitting by the ocean I meditated and envisioned a new life for myself. All I kept thinking was I didn’t move to LA to work in the service industry. I needed to make a drastic move in order to level up. It was at that moment I realized that the time had come for me to put all my energy towards my real career. To do whatever was needed to set myself up to succeed, because storytelling is my passion, it’s what drives me and what I do best. After that night my life changed for the best as I said goodbye to the club world never to return.
Devin , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hello all you amazing readers. First, I’d like to say thank you for taking time out of your day to read this article. Peace, love and happiness to you all.
For starters I’m a proud member of the Producers Guild of America, Television Academy and SAG-AFTRA. As an Actor, Producer and Writer I love telling great stories. Stories that have heart and take the audience on a journey of emotions. I want the viewer to leave the experience saying, “that was f@#king great”. To me that’s the greatest compliment I can get and the moments I’m most proud of, so whether you’re in need of an Actor, Producer or Writer I’m here to add value to any production I’m a part of.
I grew up acting in plays and I worked for a production company in Atlanta during my senior year of high school and early days of college, which is where I was first introduced to the physical side production. The producer I worked for at the time gave me the best advice I’ve ever gotten. He said, “I know your goal is to be a successful actor but learn to produce and write as well. Doing so will give you longevity in your career” and he was absolutely right. I’m grateful for those past experiences as they helped lay the foundation for the career I have today and planted the seed for me to start my own production company, which I did in 2016.
I started Innovate Productions, LLC with the philosophy of “If one does not begin with the right attitude, there is little hope for the right ending”. Over the years I’ve seen many companies take advantage of their clients, while the producers simply didn’t give a shit about the quality of work they were delivering. They just wanted the clients’ money and to move on. My goal with Innovate was to not only create a company that specializes in the creative and physical side of production, but to build a company with integrity. I always want my clients to feel valued and respected and I’m proud to say that is exactly what I’ve built.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
I believe there are 3 key factors…We have to keep the creative arts in schools. We need to encourage and empower the kids of today to explore their creativity without the fear of judgement. As a creative I support creative freedom and expression regardless of who the person is. We all have different taste in art and we have to respect that.
2nd, get off the couch and go to the movie theatres for all your movie experiences, not just the big popcorn blockbusters. Go see smaller films, go see indie films, visit your local art galleries and go see local plays or local bands. Support the local artist and expand your mind by discovering new things.
And last, let’s all remember that we need to spread love, respect and kindness even when we disagree. Everyone is not going to have the same views in life and that’s okay. Our world is full of amazing people and we are all unique, but the one common factor we all share is we want to feel loved, heard and respected.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Oscar, Emmy and a First Look deal with a studio, so if you’re an executive reading this let’s talk.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.innovate-productions.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinreeve/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DevinReeve
- Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1229748/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_0_nm_8_q_devin%2520reeve
Image Credits
Main photo: Brooke Taffet Lether Jacket photo: Sean Kara Casa Grande photo: Albert L. Ortega Suit photo: Jonny Marlow The rest of the photos were taking by my amazing wife.