Born just outside Philadelphia, Steve Devlin grew up on the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania until he was seven when his family moved to Port St. Lucie, Florida. After graduating from Ft. Pierce Central High School, he decided to pursue his dream of being in the film industry by entering a contest through the ABC Network’s “Good Morning America.” called “I See Scary Movies.” He had to produce a three-minute movie based on the theme for the contest.

Steve tells the story this way, “I created a seven minute horror/comic narrative which had to be slimmed down to just three minutes to qualify for the contest. It was a silly story about two friends who are invited to settle down to watch a good scary movie with two other friends. When the latter friends leave the room to get more popcorn, our two heros’ own fears send them running from room to room to escape the haunting evil that is only steps behind.” Although he did not win the contest, he was smitten and thus he began his pursuit of a film making career.

As he continued working in the industry, Steve realized his need for more training. He notes that while he was confident of his abilities as a story teller, he wasn’t sure how to gather the resources to make a movie. What brought him to Palm Beach Film School was his desire to learn about the resources and to make a vital connection with others in the industry.

Since graduating Palm Beach Film School, Steve has been on the crew of three short films as well as a part of the crew of a recent taping of ABC’s Extreme Makeover (People Edition). Steve has been working in the broadcast industry for nine years and operates his own video production company which produces commercials and corporate videos. But he adds the following caveat: “I am beginning to spread my wings and take on more freelance opportunities, focusing on film.”

Outside of his current job as a local television director, Steve is also providing video footage for a major medical/journalism company and instructional DVD’s for two construction companies. He has also compiled half a dozen scripts for his next film projects. He brags, “This year will be my busiest yet.” We hope so, too.

When asked about his future, Steve explains it this way: “My main focus right now is to make a footprint. I want to get people to notice me and my work, whatever it may be at that moment, from creative writing to DVD production. I feel that if you are not recognized for what you do, then you are just one of the many undefined faces that people see everyday which make little or no impression.” In other words, “Ultimately, I am striving to direct the big features. Be a household name like Speilberg and Lucas.”

When asked about advice he might give to new directors and producers, he states, “Don’t be pretentious. Learn. When you are done with that, learn some more. And when you are done with that, share what you have learned with others …and learn some more!” “This industry has always been my greatest passion. I am excited to be a part of it. To me, there is nothing like the experience of being on set, watching your vision come alive. The flow of energy is amazing and infectious. I highly recommend it.”