Arts and Entertainment
Charlotte actor makes feature film debut |
Devin Bright, 7, in 'Woodlawn' |
Published Thursday, October 15, 2015 11:18 am |
Most 7-year-olds are enjoying second grade and playing with friends. However, Devin Bright is making his way to the big screen this week.
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Devin Bright, 7, makes his feature film debut in "Woodlawn," which opens nationally on Friday. |
Devin plays Cedric Nathan, younger brother of Tony Nathan, the protagonist in the Erwin Brothers film “Woodlawn,” a true story based on the experience of football player Tony Nathan, who in 1973 helped desegregate Woodlawn High School in Birmingham, Alabama.
The movie tells the story of Nathan’s high school career and recruitment to play at the University of Alabama for legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, played by Academy Award winner Jon Voight.
Devin said it was quite the experience getting the opportunity to act alongside the likes of Sherri Shepherd and Lance Nichols, who play Tony and Cedric’s parents.
Spending most of his life acting, Devin says having the opportunity to work alongside famous actors and travel are some of his favorite things about the business. He traveled to Birmingham to film the movie for about a month.
“It felt good,” Devin said. “I’ve been acting since I was about three, and I like traveling to new places.”
“Woodlawn” is Devin’s third film overall but his first feature. Devin, who auditioned for the film along with his parents Joseph and Nachael said they were ecstatic upon learning he earned the role.
“I was kind of excited,” Devin said.
A sentiment echoed by both his parents. Joseph Bright said Devin’s talent was discovered after he joined an acting class to deal with shyness.
“When he was 2 he was really shy, and someone suggested we put him in a drama class,” Joseph said. “After that class he really began to come out of his shell.”
Nachael Bright said she thinks it was easy to see that her son was talented, but once they began receiving feedback from professionals and talent competitions was when they really started to believe it.
“I think every parent has a sense of their child having a special knack, but when we really started getting the feedback from other individuals, professionals and those who’ve been in this business a long time we really started to believe what they were telling us,” she said.
When Devin isn’t acting are doing schoolwork he says he really enjoys playing soccer and flag football. He is also pianist.
“Woodlawn” opens nationwide on October 16. Devin attend the premiere in Los Angeles, and said he still hopes to see the film in Charlotte.
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