Columbia Pictures Ups DeVon Franklin To SVP Production
(Culver City, July 31, 2012) – DeVon Franklin has been named Senior Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures it was announced today by Doug Belgrad, President of Columbia Pictures, to whom Franklin will report.
In his new role, Franklin will find, develop and supervise production of commercial material geared towards the urban and faith-based markets. He will work with all of the film divisions within the Sony Pictures umbrella. His next project will be the film adaptation of the New York Times Bestseller, Heaven Is For Real.
The promotion recognizes the executive’s success supervising such hit films as The Karate Kid, Jumping the Broom, and the highly anticipated film Sparkle, starring Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks.
Franklin will continue to work on Columbia Pictures franchise titles such as The Karate Kid, Masters of the Universe and After Earth.
“DeVon has been a huge contributor to our development and production team since joining the studio in 2005,” Belgrad said. “We are proud to recognize his achievements with this promotion. DeVon is positioned to capitalize on his unique skill set, experience and relationships and will further define Sony as an industry leader in telling stories for a diverse audience. His focus will complement the outstanding work being done by the Screen Gems and Affirm Films divisions.”
Since joining Sony Pictures, Franklin has helped to oversee such hits as The Pursuit of Happyness, Hancock, and Seven Pounds, all of which starred Will Smith and saw enormous worldwide success as well as the hit film 21, starring Kevin Spacey.
An ordained preacher and published author who last year wrote “Produced By Faith,” an inspirational and motivational self-help book chronicling his outlook on life and reflecting upon his experiences in the entertainment industry, Franklin joined the studio in 2005 from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures, where he served as an executive, shepherding such projects as Be Cool and Beauty Shop.
He began his career as an intern for Will Smith and James Lassiter at Overbrook Entertainment.
Franklin earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Cinema-Television from the University of Southern California.
This is awesome. Congrats to him. All the success in those difficult markets
So happy for DeVon! This couldn’t have happened to a better guy!
Way to go, bro!!! It is so nice to see an executive of color rise in Hollywood. That the person shining in the sun happens to be DeVon — smart, gregarious, spiritual, sartorially elegant, and a veritable Renaissance Man who effortlessly dons the hats of high-powered corporate exec/successful book author/Christian preacher– makes this promotion even more divine and sweet.
So congrats, DeVon. Onward and upward! Now THIS is a guy who is such a positive role model for young people these days. And he’s married to the wonderful and beautiful Megan Good, too? Can I get an Amen?!
DeVon is all those things. It’s just too bad he’s so besotted by the Christianity myth. Maybe that’s why he’s so good at development — his capacity for the suspension of disbelief is enormous.
Oh dear. Gotta throw in the backhand somehow, huh?
spaghetti monster, I had a chance to hear DeVon speak and met him briefly. Truly a class act and an inspiration to those with faith. Could it be that his Christian faith and beliefs helped form him to be the great man that you profess he is? Didn’t think of that did you?
I feel sad for you.
This is a positive story. It’s GREAT to see a devout African-American Christian (like me) in such a high position.
Nice to see a man can keep his principals and his faith and still rise in Hollywood.
Congrats DeVon!
AMEN & AMEN!!!!
Devon is a great guy…long way from his Handprint days….well deserved my friend, David.
Wait! Did any say he’s a genius yet?
Great guy! Great opportunity! Well deserved! DeVon is one of the most talented executives in all of Hollywood, among all of the studios, I just wish he wasn’t limited to the “urban” and “faith-based” markets. All in all, he’ll do an outstanding job in any genre!
“Limited to the Urban and Faith-Based Markets.”
Respectfully, I think you are looking at this in a limited way.
This is an opportunity to define what an “urban film” can be. We’ve seen the Tyler Perry films. And that’s one direction, market and moneymaker. Now there is potentially another avenue for “Urban” films. Variety!
If Columbia is actively trying to explore the “urban” market this is a great sign.
Congratulations to Mr. Franklin. I read his book and think he’s a great role model for anyone.
DeVon is a class act who walks the walk and has great taste
Well deserved!
Is it possible to keep faith and remain the same especially in places like Hollywood? I don’t think so, to Mr Devon much is required of you to get out of babylon while it is still day because night is fast approaching. As a remnant you got a message to tell to the world so as to hasten the Lord’s day. Revelation14;7-13…..
Hollywood is not a right place to be in these last days my brother get out of that place and be yee separate. May God bless you.
He’s right where he belongs, believe me.