Career, Motivation, and Representation with Dev Patel

Notes:

        
Dev Patel's Journey into Acting: Dev shared how his hyperactivity, nurtured by his mother's encouragement, led him to acting. His pivotal moment came through an unexpected audition for Skins, which his mother discovered in a newspaper. This opportunity eventually opened the door to his role in Slumdog Millionaire and his acting career.

Career Challenges and Early Experiences: Dev discussed the nervousness and struggles he faced while working on Skins, admitting that he was inexperienced and had difficulty reading scripts. However, with the guidance of directors and growing confidence, he began to understand and embrace acting.

Representation and Building His Own Table: Dev emphasized his passion for advocating underrepresented voices in film. He expressed that he doesn’t just want a seat at the table; he wants to create the table, empowering underrepresented communities by telling their stories, like in Lion and Monkey Man.

The Importance of Agility and Collaboration in Filmmaking: Dev highlighted the unpredictable nature of filmmaking, using examples from Monkey Man, where resourcefulness and adaptability (such as using his iPhone for shots) were critical to overcoming challenges. He stressed the importance of collaboration in film, from crew members to actors.

Personal Growth and Passion: Dev spoke about focusing on personal passion rather than external validation. He shared how his motivation comes from his inner child and a desire to create films that resonate deeply with him, rather than trying to chase trends or please others. He encouraged others to pursue what they are deeply passionate about, regardless of external pressures.