Meet Kurt Devonshire | Producer/Writer/Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kurt Devonshire and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kurt, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
After making my first couple of short films, I knew that I wanted to start my own production company to create a place for the stories I want to tell to live. My parents both have their own businesses, so I guess it’s always been in my blood, but growing up it certainly wasn’t something I ever thought about. Part of that was because I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life after I quit playing football (soccer) in London. Everything changed when I discovered film.

Honestly speaking though, I did not envision that it would be this soon in my career but I am thankful that the pieces have aligned and given me the opportunity to start my production company, Fifth Dimension Productions.

It’s no secret that we are in a particularly turbulent time in our industry as creators, so this is not necessarily the most ideal time to be starting a venture like this in a city like Los Angeles. My best friend, who runs a very successful distillery in the UK, actually said to me that “owning your own business is like repeatedly punching yourself in the nuts”. I now know that to be true! But as a former athlete, that innate competitiveness and hunger for a challenge runs deep, so no matter what obstacles appear, I’m driven by the fact that there’s always a way to win, you just have to find out what it is, and keep plugging away until you do.

A big consideration in starting this company was the location. So, why LA? I’ve been familiar with LA for a while. I used to visit a lot as a kid and then I also did my Master’s in Screenwriting here too. In short, I have never lived in a place like LA. You can go into any coffee shop, bar, or restaurant and meet artists like yourself. The concentration of talented artists here is incredible. I love London, and I love New York City, but I knew LA was the only place I wanted to start this project.

In terms of Fifth Dimension Productions itself, my mentality has and will always be that I want to run a production company that reflects the way I would like to see content created in our industry. That starts from the selection of the stories Fifth Dimension wants to champion, but encompasses everything from the voices of the artists we want to amplify, to how people are treated on our sets.

The stories I want to tell are those that shed light on aspects of humanity that we aren’t always necessarily privy to or are not the most comfortable to discuss. Unheard stories. Stories that wouldn’t be necessarily considered as a blockbuster but are just as important, if not more so. I’ve been getting asked “What genre do you want your company to specialize in?” and for me, the story comes first, always. If it is a good story that fits into what Fifth Dimension stands for, it does not matter what genre it is. Right now we are in the process of developing three Feature Films in house and I am constantly on the lookout for more stories to add to our slate. I am always looking for writers and filmmakers with unique perspectives to collaborate with.

For me, starting this company is about having the opportunity to build something special, brick by brick. This is a tough industry to work in and succeed in. Nothing is just handed to you. We’ve all heard the stories, whether it be right place at the right time, or meeting the right person to collaborate with or work for that can elevate a career to the next level but I believe you make your own luck. There’s power in taking the steps to make your own break. That’s what I’m doing here.

The name Fifth Dimension was inspired by the idea that world around us is three dimensional. The fourth dimension is time. And the Fifth Dimension is where imagination and reality converge, a place where creativity thrives.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I feel like I was a little late to the party with my art. Growing up, all I wanted to be was a footballer (soccer player). That was my first love and I never imagined myself doing anything else. I was never interested in reading or watching tv during my childhood. I did love the cinema, but aside from that I was as far from an “artist” as one could be. It was only after I’d retired prematurely through injury that I discovered my art: filmmaking.

The part that excites me most about filmmaking is how you can touch peoples’ lives. During undergrad, I remember the first ever film I made and in keeping with most peoples’ first time entering the fray, it was not good at all (I didn’t even know you needed a script, I picked up a camera and just made it up as I went). That little film made the top 16 of a small competition at my University, and it was the greenest film to screen, to put it politely. BUT, I’ll never forget looking around the room and seeing people reacting to this piece of art that we’d made. Smiles. Gasps. The clutching of mouthes.

I’ll never forget the butterflies that started fluttering in my stomach, mostly because they were the same butterflies I used to get before stepping out to play in a big football match. Nothing else had ever come close to that feeling until seeing those reactions. In that moment, I’d found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. To quote Ethan Hawke: “Art is sustenance”. It’s important. It helps people. It heals people. And to be a storyteller, you have the power to inspire and support people, many of whom you’ll never meet. To me, that’s the magic of it. That’s why we do what we do.

Fast forward and I’ve made several short films since then. I’ve been to Cannes to screen a film. I’ve written several features. I’m working on several more. I’ve moved to LA. I’ve finally taken the step to start my own production company. I’m excited to be stepping into producing land, championing other peoples’ alongside my own. Like I mentioned before, I have a couple of feature films nearing the end of development and I am so excited for the people I am going to meet and work with out here in LA. It’s just the beginning…

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would 100% plan this whole itinerary around food. Off the top of my head, here are the spots I’d absolutely recommend:

Sonoritas Prime Tacos in Sawtelle, unbelievable Mexican food. Castaway, Burbank, for great food with a great view. Forman’s Whisky Tavern, Toluca Lake, for exceptional cocktails, a phenomenal smoky old fashioned, and a great atmosphere. Firefly, Studio City, for amazing food, late night drinks, and the best ambiance. I’d also have to throw in Los Amigos, Burbank, because I love the food and the friendly staff there, it’s always a great time!

Salt and Straw Ice Cream is mandatory if you like ice cream! I usually frequent the Salt and Straw in Studio City.

I would also say check out the Hollywood Fringe Festival. There are so many super cool little venues dotted around Los Angeles that out on small plays that are magical. Original stories, great acting, and just a brilliant way to spend an evening supporting other artists.

Wisdom Tree is my favourite hike. I love the view of the Valley from the top.

For beach days, Malibu is usually the go to. There are a few quiet beaches over that way with beautiful views. Speaking of Malibu, Cielo Farms Winery is brilliant. The wine, the view, and the atmosphere is worth every penny.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who have had a massive influence on my life who I would love to write about, but this
particular shoutout goes to my best mate, and the closest thing I have to a brother, Jacob Wilson. Without Jacob, I don’t know where I’d be.

We’ve been friends since we were teens and we’ve both been through thick and thin together. Most notably, just over a year ago, when I hit my rock bottom, Jacob picked me up, helped me get into therapy, and turn things around. As a guy, the stigma around mental health is huge, so to be supported through that was massive and I will forever be grateful to him for always pushing me to grow. Back then, a production company in LA was just a pipe dream, but step by step it became a reality, and he was there every step of the way, always encouraging me, and alleviating my self-doubt. He’s also been a fountain of knowledge for me on this journey starting my production company, as someone who has started his own business too.

To sum up: it’s really easy to be someones friend when they’re winning and in their moments of triumph. However, when life veers off course, teetering on the brink of disaster, it takes a real friend to buckle up alongside you and help steer you back to where you want to be. That’s Jacob all over.

Jacob runs an extremely successful distillery called The Henley Distillery, located just outside Henley-on-Thames in the UK, and the gin he makes is out of this world. So if you’re ever visiting the UK, schedule a Tour and Tasting or a Gin Experience at the distillery. It’s worth every penny. In fact, Jacob’s Henley Gin Classic Dry won best gin in the UK and many other awards! He’s one of the youngest Master Distillers in the country and I could not be more proud of him and all that he’s achieving. In November I got to see him marry the love of his life, Katie, who is an absolute gem. I’m twisting both their arms to come and visit LA soon!!!

Anyway, shoutout to you mate, and thank you for everything! Love ya!

Website: https://fifthdimensionproductions.com

Instagram: @kurtdevonshire

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurtdevonshire/

Other: I’m also a photographer and take headshots for actors, this is the IG: @headshotsbykurt

Image Credits
Jack Cook, Philip Shvartsman, Kushagra Jain, Byron Lyons, Michael Wharley.