DeMane Davis – Brilliant Minds

By: Malasha Parker

Q) How would you describe yourself, DeMane Davis, as a director and producer?

A) I’m a director, producer and human who is curious. (Alarms tend to go off when I’m in museums because I often get too close – I want to see the brushwork, touch the sculptures.) I love people and their stories (I think if you love storytelling, you must.) This job is literally making art with a bunch of creative people. I mean, how lucky am I? Learning how to inspire a talented crew and get everyone excited and creating that work – that scene, episode, show, those moments – together is exhilarating. It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever had.

Q) What inspired you to become a Director/Producer?

A) Writer, Producer and Director Ava DuVernay (ORIGIN) saw something in me and gave me an the incredible opportunity to be a Producing Director on “Queen Sugar” (Array/OWN.) I’m forever grateful. It’s a job that encompasses everything I love! I make sure the writer’s vision from page to screen is what was intended, that the show has visual continuity and I’m boots on the ground – there for each to department to help them get what they need for the season to come. I check in with people, think ahead to avoid potholes and, most of all, make sure the crew and cast have a voice and feel like they’re thriving professionally. At least that’s my definition of what I do. One of my favorite parts is witnessing an empty sound stage become a character’s home or office or…I’ll never forget seeing the high school go up when we were filming “Naomi” (Array/CW) —that was a set!

Q) “Brilliant Minds” recently premiered What has the immediate feedback been like for you and the cast?

A) It’s being received really well! Initially we had over nine million viewers. People seem to be responding positively to a doctor who actually takes the time to listen and isn’t quick to prescribe medicine and move on. Dr. Oliver Sacks, whom our show is based on, wanted to demystify mental health. He was the person who saw someone having a tough time and approached them versus looking the other way. The creator of our show, Michael Grassi, said when you see someone with a broken arm you know that person is in pain. If they’re struggling with groceries or opening a door, you might help them. When someone is having a mental health crisis, often there isn’t a visual marker of what they’re enduring. It can become easier to label and/or dismiss them. But that person still needs and deserves help. That’s what Oliver Sacks did and what Zachary Quinto (who plays him) does so beautifully on screen. I’m excited for viewers to see the creativity of each director who had the opportunity to illustrate what the patient is experiencing. When Michael Grassi (and pilot director, Lee Toland Kreiger) created the show they wanted viewers to be transported into the head, heart and mind of the patient. It’s really the only way to know how they’re feeling because they don’t have a broken arm – cast or cane – to indicate their struggle. Helping, treating the patient instead of the disease, finding a way for them to move forward? That’s what Dr. Oliver Sacks would do. As a viewer you’re going to experience really exciting and imaginative storytelling that makes you feel what each patient is feeling. I don’t think there’s been anything quite like it in a TV series.

Q) Describe the casting process and how you all decided on who would fit into these roles?

A) The main cast was already decided upon when I came on board but, like any Director or Executive Producer, I had a say in the new roles each episode. For the episodes I directed, episode 3 in particular, getting Steve Howey in the role of Wyatt was just…beyond. He was transcendent. That scene in the bar, I teared up when we were filming it. This is an actor who loves to play, takes a quick breath in between takes and then dives back in wholeheartedly. He brings his all. Every. Time. We worked with Rapaport Baldasare Casting/LA and Buchan Knight Casting/Toronto and they were both stellar. We’d get emails loaded with amazingly talented people and inevitably one of us would respond thanking them for the incredible selection of artists that were submitted. I can’t talk too much about casting for the finale but same thing… 😉

Q) I love the series “Found.” You have directed two episodes from Season 1 and you are also directing in Season 2. How did you approach filming those first two episodes and what can you tease about what you have in store for Season 2?

A) Oh, thank you! I haven’t yet read the script for the episode I’m slated to direct in the second season so I can’t speak on it, but I can tell you that so far this season has been outrageous! I #LiveTweet every episode while I’m watching the show on NBC and the “Found” Family online always says, “My heart is beating out of my chest and it’s only been five minutes!!!!” The storytelling from Showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll and the writers is chef’s kiss! They grab you and don’t let go! When Nkechi and I were talking about what the pilot would be I said these are people who are always on the go, always moving because they each have trauma and if they sit too long they’ll have to face it, think about it. Also there’s someone missing so there’s no time for sitting! It moves fast and it’s emotional and sometimes panic inducing! I don’t yet know what techniques I’ll be bringing to my episode, but I think it’s safe to say that handheld is on the menu for sure!

Q) You wrote and directed one of my favorite Kerry Washington films Lift. Tell us what that experience means to you now.

A) Oh, thank you! I look back and I’m just proud to have made a film in my hometown of Boston with so many people I had worked with in the New England advertising community – including my commercial production family, Sweet Rickey. I’m happy the film still resonates. And I grin regularly at having the incredible fortune to work with Kerry Washington in her first leading role. What she has and is doing in this industry is astounding. I’m so grateful.

Q) You have a long list of achievements and projects that you have participated in or produced. What do you look for when deciding to sign on to a project?

A) I look for something that moves me and gives me knowledge or solace. Something that will ultimately bring me to a positive place. “Found” highlights the massive number of missing people the world doesn’t look for – Black, Brown and Indigenous Girls, Trans People, the Elderly – these are the people who don’t make it to the top of the news cycle. Of course, that comes wrapped in a dynamic story about Gabi, played electrically by Shanola Hampton, who was abducted herself and what she thought she had to do to do help others (Spoiler, she kept the person who abducted her, played by a menacing Mark-Paul Gosselaar, in her basement!). So, there’s drama and action and you’re left gasping (The second Season 2 episode directed by Crystle Roberson Dorsey had me yelling at the TV!). But then there’s the knowledge about who goes missing and how we must keep an eye out for all people. “Brilliant Minds” is heartfelt and pounding as Dr. Oliver Wolf and his team of interns try to solve the mysteries of the brain. The medical conditions are real and some are based on actual cases Dr. Oliver Sacks handled. There’s intrigue – flashbacks tell us something happened in Oliver’s past – and he uses the information gleaned there to help him in the present day. There isn’t always a cure, but they always make sure the patient finds a way forward. It’s a great ride that makes you understand what it’s like to walk in the shoes of someone who is struggling mentally. If that can give those struggling hope and encourage those around them to have patience? Well, for me personally, then I think I’ve done my job in helping to bring the series to life.

Q) After directing your own projects, Ava DuVernay’s series’ and Shondaland works, what kind of projects do you want to work on in the future?

A) I have been honored to get to work with the amazing creators you mentioned. I always say that Ava DuVernay put me in the rocket ship! I pinch myself regularly! I have been fortunate in that every show I’ve had the pleasure of directing or producing has been a show I would watch. I was already watching “How to Get Away with Murder” and “Station 19” before I received the call to direct. With “Station 19,” it honestly wasn’t until I landed there after legendary Executive Producer Paris Barclay gave me the lay of the land that I realized- Oh yeah- this show has a lot of female firefighters in it– it’s like, I didn’t THINK about that, you know? I just watched and felt and wept at and loved and cheered (and sometimes yelled at) what they did. I’m sure there are firefighters who felt seen by that show. Maybe some girls became firefighters because of it. I know people who now personally post information regularly about missing people on their social feeds after having watched “Found.” I hope after watching “Brilliant Minds” people will give those with mental issues grace. My intent is to continue working on and creating shows that do what these shows did and are doing. That’s everything to me.

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on?

A) Nothing I can speak of yet, but give me a little time to tie some things up and circle back – I’ll tell you all!