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[0:01] Robert Bannon: Are you ready? It's The Roundtable with me, Robert Bannon.

[0:09] Robert Bannon: Welcome to The Roundtable, everybody. My name is Robert Bannon. You're listening to us on Broadway World over here on the Broadway Podcast Network, iHeart, Spotify, wherever you get your notice and work and news about artists and people talking about art.

[0:22] Robert Bannon: And my favorite, one of my, I never, DeMane, I never would have said I loved interviewing directors because they scare me. And because I also usually don't listen to them very well.

[0:33] Robert Bannon: But, that's why I don't do a lot of television and so I have my own show. But our next guest is incredible, has brand new episodes of some of your favorite works, has done movies, has worked with everybody from shorts to features to television.

[0:47] Robert Bannon: And now she's going to tell us about her incredible, amazing journey. DeMane Davis, welcome to the show.

[0:52] DeMane Davis: Thank you so much. Thank you so much for having me. And I do want to say, even though it's four months now, so congratulations on your 1,000th episode.

[1:03] Robert Bannon: Oh, thank you so much.

[1:06] DeMane Davis: So exciting. It's so great. And I know it's a labor of love and I know what it's like to keep at something. And what an achievement. That's huge. It's a big deal.

[1:16] Robert Bannon: Well, you know, when guests come on and they have checked me out, it scares me because I usually do this show, when people say, what's your trick? I say, I just think my mom's listening and no one else.

[1:28] Robert Bannon: And then when other people tell me that, I say, oh, now they know my crazy. Do you feel like to be in this business in general, there's a part of us that are either brilliant or crazy or both?

[1:45] DeMane Davis: You know, probably crazy. We try not to use the word crazy on the brilliant mindset. But I think, you know what it is? It's like that passion. Like, if you're an artist, you're going to do it anyway.

[2:02] DeMane Davis: You're going to do it anyway. That's what I think. If you're an artist, you're going to do it anyway. And I think that energy attracts energy. And so ultimately, people will see things and then you just want to make more art.

[2:16] DeMane Davis: So, yeah, I say that we can get, we get a little obsessed. We get a little, we get in it. We get deep down in the shag of the rug. You know, we're in there.

[2:27] Robert Bannon: So for people who may not know your whole journey, I believe you're like East Coast, Boston, New York saga story journey. But for people who don't know what makes, this is my question for directors, what makes someone want to be a director? Is it because you're bossy? Is it because you want to be in control? What is it that makes someone, I don't want to be in charge.

[2:54] DeMane Davis: But you are in charge. You have a brand. You're in charge of the show. You've got to, you know what it is? You have a particular set of skills. You have a particular perspective that you want to get across and you present yourself in a certain way.

[3:12] DeMane Davis: And, you know, look, I think as a director, I think some people are bossy and some people do want to boss people around. I think I was told I was bossy when I was young. Yeah, I was. But I think it's about, for me, I consider being a director as you're a vessel.

[3:29] DeMane Davis: And just this information is flowing through you. And if you're fortunate enough to be on a set to get to direct, you get to work with so many people, just hundreds of people, hundreds of artists. They're all artists, all these crafts people who have incredible skills and then they all contribute.

[3:46] DeMane Davis: And so then I'm just kind of like guiding it. And you get a great script. You know, you get something written by Enkichi Okoro-Carroll or Michael Grassi or Sarah Saidi and you've got this like, oh, my God, now I get to help tell the story with 200 people.

[4:03] DeMane Davis: So, yeah, so I fell into it a little bit because I always write. I'm a writer. I used to want to be a journalist early on. And then I was like, oh, the news is kind of a bummer. I don't know if I want to do that all the time.

[4:18] DeMane Davis: And that was back in high school. And then I have journals. I have like 80, no, I think I have about 90 journals now. So I've always been journaling since I was like 12 years old. And then I worked in advertising as a creative director and a copywriter.

[4:36] DeMane Davis: And so that's like you're telling little stories short form. And then I went to visit my niece and she had photos of her friends up on the wall, but she also had all these funeral programs. And I was like, what is this?

[4:50] DeMane Davis: And in the course of a year and a half, she had lost four close friends to violence. And I was like, I got to do something. What can I do? I'll make a movie. And that's just it was before the Internet was the Internet. And I didn't know what a through line was, but I knew what a strategy statement was from advertising, which is kind of like a through line, sort of like the driest headline you could write.

[5:09] DeMane Davis: And I started writing. My art director partner at the time was like, what are you doing? I'm like, I'm making a movie. I want to be involved. I'm like, OK, you can come in. The producer at the agency was like, what are you guys doing? We're making a movie. Brought him in so I could get all the equipment and all the graphics and all the different things needed. And then we went forth and that movie got into Sundance.

[5:29] DeMane Davis: And that was Black and White and Red All Over was the name of it. And it's only available on VHS, which the kids don't know what VHS's are these days.

[5:51] Robert Bannon: And then you start to get grants and be able to put work out and get your, you know, Showtime and BET and all these different and then television comes calling. But what I what I'm fascinated by, I'm not just saying this because Domaine is a very fancy director who has a television show that could hire Robert Bannon at any moment.

[6:19] Robert Bannon: And I'm saying this in the sense of when you go to acting school, a good acting teacher says the actor's job is to do the vision of the director, is to execute the vision of the director.

[6:31] Robert Bannon: They have a vision and you are the person, the light, the image, the moment to listen to what she says or her AD says. Or if you're like me and you never get a fancy part, some page drags you out of some room somewhere and you never see Domaine. She's hidden behind a camera.

[6:47] Robert Bannon: But you go in there and you do their vision for an actor. A lot of young actors I teach musical theater, I teach acting are intimidated. I joked about being intimidated by a director. When you're a young actor on your set, what is the best way to handle the director and their vision?

[7:02] DeMane Davis: That's a great question. I think the the best actors are they're just open. You just have to be open to the idea of other perspectives. And as a director, I feel very much like even though I have an idea for how I want the scene go to go in the rehearsal, I'll say, you know, I envision that you would be here and you would be here.

[7:27] DeMane Davis: There's the door. You know, you've got to pick up your bag so we could put that in this general direction. And I'm thinking of camera right in the most economical way to shoot it or what the visual theme is, because every episode that I direct, I give a visual theme. So it's there if you want to look for it.

[7:43] DeMane Davis: And then I'll say, but I'm open. So let's take a look at it. And then people sort of go in and, you know, look like the gaffer might say, you know, if there's a I can put a little key light here. For me, the best idea wins on set. So I think if you're just open and you don't come to the table with with ideas, but not like this is the way it has to go, because it never goes the way it's supposed to go.

[8:10] DeMane Davis: You know, there's like all of a sudden someone's doing construction across the street. All of a sudden, when I worked on Self Made with Miss Octavia, I call her Miss Octavia, with Miss Octavia Spencer, we had construction.

[8:25] DeMane Davis: We had construction, there was construction across the street, we're in the factory set wrong location. And she was like, where's it coming from? And she and I and the and the first AD marched out of that location to the construction across the street. She was in full, like, you know, full, full 1900s garb. And she went over there and she was she was like, baby, can you come out? Can you come out to pray for a minute? And she was like, I will pay you.

[8:52] DeMane Davis: All we need is a half an hour. If you just stop right now. And they stopped. And you know, she's absolutely incredible. But we'll talk more about her. But things are going to go wrong. And then you realize, oh, that actually went kind of right.

[9:09] DeMane Davis: And so you just have to have a plan, but be prepared to throw that plan out of the window and be open. So you're not so holding on to it so tightly, the material or the emotion so that you can make way for other people to bring themselves to it. And then you all you make the scene.

[9:27] Robert Bannon: Make the scene. If I was Octavia Spencer, I'd bring my Oscar with me on set every day. I would just live with me in my bag. It would just be like, what y'all got to say about that?

[9:36] DeMane Davis: Straight up.

[10:06] Robert Bannon: What makes you say, yes, I want to invest this part of my life with this story?

[10:12] DeMane Davis: Yeah, I think that it's it just has to be an incredible story, an incredible character. Something that I haven't maybe seen before arranged in a way that's that's new. I'm really fortunate in that in working in television.

[10:28] DeMane Davis: I've, you know, had the honor to a lot of the shows that I worked on, I already watched and I love them. And so I, you know, I already knew. I'm like, come on, you know, Annalise Keaton. Come on in. Come on in, Miss Viola.

[10:43] DeMane Davis: And so, you know, I I'm looking for that. And then I start to I start to see it. And the sooner I see it, the more I know. OK, I like I'm into it. You know, it's kind of like I always say that great writing makes me want to write.

[10:59] DeMane Davis: If I'm reading a really, really good book, sometimes I'm like, oh, that reminded me of this thing. I'm going to go write this down. And if it's really incredible, I don't even want to put it down. I just keep reading. And that's how I feel about the script. Like, I'll start to see things in my head. I'll start to think of a visual theme.

[11:15] DeMane Davis: I'll start to imagine where the camera might be. I'll start to imagine what they're wearing. And then I'm in it. And once I'm in it, I'm I'm sold.

[11:23] Robert Bannon: Oh, and the rest truly is history. So you talk about getting to work on television. Ava DuVernay comes to you about Queen Sugar. And then does it happen truly like Queen Sugar happens?

[11:39] DeMane Davis: And then you talk about how to get away with murder. You just talked about Annalise Keating, which was my favorite show, maybe of all time. And then you Station 19 and you and the rest. And then we talked about Self-Made and Oscar Spencer. The ball roll or is it their breaks? Is it scary? Is it overwhelming when you get the opportunity to go to these sets or you work with people that you may have already been watching their show and you've been a fan or admirer of their work? What's it like for you?

[12:05] DeMane Davis: Yeah, it's so. So I always say Ava DuVernay put me in the rocket ship. You know, she gave 40 female directors their careers. She saw that there weren't many women directing in television. And she as the story goes, and I know as it's told, she said to Oprah when they were doing Queen Sugar, she's like, I want to hire all women for this. What do you think? And Oprah said, I think that's great.

[12:31] DeMane Davis: So I was one of those women who got the call. Initially, she she slipped into mediums on the Twitter's saying asking if I had any scripts because she was opening up the writers room for Queen Sugar. And I was like, yeah, I happen to have a couple of scripts. I'd just entered the Sundance episodic labs. Sundance Sundance Institute has an amazing array of labs for.

[12:57] DeMane Davis: You know, I think that the most important thing is to really understand the story that you're telling and to make sure that you are honoring the characters and the world that they live in. I think that’s the foundation of everything. When I approach a project, I really try to immerse myself in the material and understand the nuances of the characters and their journeys.

[13:25] DeMane Davis: Collaboration is key. I love working with writers, producers, and actors to create a cohesive vision. It’s important to have open lines of communication and to foster an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. That’s how you create magic on set.

[13:55] DeMane Davis: I also think it’s essential to be adaptable. Things can change quickly on set, and you have to be ready to pivot and make decisions that serve the story best. It’s a balance of being confident in your vision while also being open to new ideas and suggestions.

[14:25] DeMane Davis: Directing is such a multifaceted role. You’re not just telling the actors what to do; you’re also managing the crew, working with the cinematographer, and making sure that everything aligns with the overall vision. It can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding.

[14:55] DeMane Davis: I’ve had the privilege of working on some amazing projects, and each one has taught me something new. Whether it’s a small indie film or a big network show, there’s always a lesson to be learned. I think that’s what keeps me passionate about this industry.

[15:21] DeMane Davis: I also love the opportunity to mentor emerging talent. I think it’s important to give back and help the next generation of filmmakers and directors. I remember how challenging it was for me when I was starting out, and I want to make that journey a little easier for others.

[15:44] DeMane Davis: The landscape of television is changing so rapidly, and it’s exciting to be a part of that evolution. There are so many diverse voices and stories being told now, and I think that’s crucial for the industry. It’s about time we see a broader representation of experiences on screen.

[16:14] DeMane Davis: I’m particularly proud of my work on shows like "Queen Sugar" and "How to Get Away with Murder." Those projects really pushed boundaries and allowed for deeper storytelling. I think it’s important to challenge the status quo and to tell stories that resonate with audiences on a personal level.

[16:44] DeMane Davis: As a director, I strive to create a safe space for actors to explore their characters. I want them to feel free to take risks and to really dive into their roles. That’s when the best performances happen.

[17:14] DeMane Davis: I also believe in the power of collaboration with the crew. Every department plays a vital role in bringing a story to life, and I make it a point to involve everyone in the creative process. It’s a team effort, and when everyone is aligned, the end result is something truly special.

[17:42] DeMane Davis: I think one of the biggest challenges in this industry is breaking through barriers. As a woman of color, I’ve faced my share of obstacles, but I’ve always believed in my vision and my voice. It’s important to keep pushing forward and to advocate for yourself and others.

[18:12] DeMane Davis: I’m excited about my upcoming projects, especially "Brilliant Minds" and "Ride or Die." They both offer unique perspectives and stories that I think audiences will connect with. I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been working on.

[18:42] DeMane Davis: Ultimately, it’s about telling stories that matter. I want to create work that inspires and resonates with people. That’s what drives me every day as a director and producer.

[19:12] DeMane Davis: I think the key to success in this industry is perseverance. There will always be challenges, but if you stay true to your passion and keep pushing forward, you can achieve your goals. It’s about believing in yourself and your vision.

[19:40] DeMane Davis: I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve met along the way. Each experience has shaped me as a director and as a person, and I look forward to continuing this journey.

[20:08] DeMane Davis: I hope that by sharing my story, I can inspire others to pursue their dreams in this industry. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it when you’re doing what you love.

[20:36] DeMane Davis: Thank you for having me on the show. It’s been a pleasure to share my journey and insights with you. I hope everyone tunes in to "Brilliant Minds" and "Ride or Die" when they premiere!

[21:06] DeMane Davis: Remember, storytelling is a powerful tool. It can change perspectives and bring people together. Let’s keep creating and sharing our stories.

[21:36] DeMane Davis: I’m looking forward to what the future holds and to continuing to push boundaries in the industry. Thank you for this opportunity to share my thoughts.

[22:06] DeMane Davis: It’s been great to connect with you and discuss the importance of storytelling and collaboration. I appreciate the platform to share my experiences.

[22:36] DeMane Davis: Let’s keep the conversation going and continue to uplift each other in this industry. Together, we can create amazing work that resonates with audiences everywhere.

[23:04] DeMane Davis: I believe that every story has the potential to make an impact. It’s our job as creators to bring those stories to life and to ensure they are told authentically.

[23:32] DeMane Davis: Thank you again for having me. I’m excited for what’s next and can’t wait for everyone to see the projects we’ve been working on.

[24:02] DeMane Davis: Let’s keep pushing the envelope and striving for excellence in our work. The future is bright, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.

[24:32] DeMane Davis: I hope everyone enjoys the shows and finds inspiration in the stories we tell. Thank you for your support!

[25:00] DeMane Davis: Until next time, keep dreaming big and pursuing your passions.