Giovanni “Gio” DeVal, actor and director, discussed his motivations as a creative, and opened up about the moments that have helped define him.
Background on Giovanni DeVal
Giovanni DeVal is an actor and director who is based in Brooklyn, New York. His professional work includes HBO’s “Gossip Girl,” NBC’s “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” and a TV Movie for Lifetime, along with vertical projects.
He is the lead in a motion capture project for a Japanese Video Game, and Galatea’s “How (Not) To Date Your Neighbor,” in addition to multiple print and commercial campaigns.
What motivates you each day as an actor and director?
God. You know, I don’t really think about ‘motivation.’ I think of my craft as an act of service. We don’t really teach history anymore, so I think it’s easy to forget that acting and theatre originated as part of a religious practice.
Whether we are aware of it or not the stories we consume (Instagram reels, TikTok, verticals, television, film, books) have a philosophy behind them. A narrative on how to (or how not to) live.
I wake up every morning with the intention of getting better so I can be more
equipped to tell the stories that challenge my own personal world view.
The scripts that expand my awareness. You know, the Pulitzer Prize winning material because that’s the work that touched my soul so profoundly and changed my life
for the better.
So, I’m motivated to contribute to the art form in a small way – I think of it as my
duty to The Creator. And let’s be honest, it’s always a lot of fun.
Whenever I’m acting – that’s the best part of my day. That’s why I don’t think of needing ‘motivation.’ Kids never need motivation for recess. That’s how I feel about my work. My vocation.
How does it feel to be a part of the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
If I’m answering with integrity, I can’t speak on being a part of the digital age
without first speaking on the nature of capitalism: it’s incredibly terrifying.
On one hand, I’m grateful that my work is more accessible to people that it ever
has been before. On the other hand, some distributors are mitigating the
contributions of talent to boost profits.
The truth is: talent isn’t making the same we were making 10 years ago, which is
less than we were making 20 years ago, which is a fraction of what we were
making 40 years ago.
The digital age and streaming (in addition to egregious capitalism) are part of that disruption; however, with every industry, we must move with the times.
That said, there are certain production companies (Proximity Media, Artists
Equity and some of the newer vertical apps) that are very intentional about
equitable exchanges with talent, and that makes me exited for the future.
What do your plans for the future include?
I’m competitive by nature so my plans only really include being as prolific as
possible. I think of acting as a sport.
It’s a team sport in the sense that you collaborate with other people, but it’s an individual sport like Track in the sense of developing your craft.
Following that metaphor, I’m always looking to break my own personal record. What can I learn from my last project that I can bring to my next? But at the end of the day, I just want to work on challenging material and as much of it as I can.
What is your advice for young and emerging actors?
Learn who you are first. Be okay with whomever that is. You can change it if
you must but first accept it. Because we see that on screen whether you want us
to or not.
Authenticity is a langue that few speak, but everyone understands — that’s what resonates with people. You must find your personal authenticity before you share your soul with the world.
Get in an acting class. It doesn’t matter where you are in your process. Always
sharpen your tools. That way when an opportunity comes, you’re ready…or as
ready as you can be.
Lastly, embrace failure. No one is successful because they avoided failure. In
fact, the most successful people are the ones who have failed the most – they
just continue to be persistent.
How does it feel to be a part of the vertical drama space?
You know, I’m honestly still trying to wrap my head around it. I’m sort of fringe
for your typical vertical viewer.
Let’s be honest, I’m not what you usually see in a vertical male lead, but I think the people who resonate with my work find me refreshing.
Their support is wildly positive and supportive so I’m incredibly grateful for that.
And they encourage me to keep going – to keep striving, whether it be
commercials, television or film.
So, to be a part of a community that not only supports my vertical work, but everything I do – that’s a blessing.
Were there any moments in your life or career that have helped define you?
The one I feel the most comfortable speaking on is moving to the DC Metro area
with my sister my senior year of high school.
I grew up in the Virginia Tidewater area and there weren’t any arts programing in my district. I really didn’t even know what art was at the time. Seriously.
When I moved to DC taking an arts class was a requirement for graduating. I
wanted to take a photography class, but the only class available was Theatre.
I vividly remember begrudgingly enrolling in the class at the time, but it
dramatically (pun intended) changed the trajectory of my life.
Day one the teacher put a bunch of monologues on the stage and had us pick
one at random. The moment I read the first few lines of Shakespeare – I was
hooked.
It gave me the chance to share how I truly felt but was conditioned to not say aloud in my own personal life. While I didn’t know it until years later, that moment planted the seed for me to do what I’m doing now – some 20 years later.
What does the word success mean to you? (My favorite question)
Success is just freedom to me. But before I continue, I must mention that there is
no freedom without responsibility. Let’s get into it: At this point in my career, I
really don’t have any agency over my schedule.
It’s a blessing and I’m incredibly grateful but I also never know what my next 72
hours looks like. More and more often, I get an audition on a Thursday at 11
a.m. that’s due on Friday at 3 p.m.
So, normal things like scheduling time with family and friends or even planning a vacation become quite volatile.
I think success is getting to a place where I have the freedom to spend time with
the people I love, while continuing to work on my craft.
Generally, I think if you love your work and you get to wake up and do it every day with a burning passion – regardless of the outcome – you’re already a
success.
What would you like to say to your fans (that have been with you on your journey)?
The best advice I’ve ever received was: If it isn’t a hell yes, then say no. That
doubt means don’t. Who knows maybe that can help someone out there like it’s
helped me.
Other than that, I’m just incredibly grateful for everyone’s support. The kind and
respectful messages I’ve received, the comments on social media when people
see my work – Not that it’s about recognition. It’s just that I work in a sort of
vacuum.
I rack my head around trying to find the truth of a character’s life and questioning my own.
It’s beautiful to see that that work resonates with people because so much of my work is revealing a part of me. That’s my job. This would not be possible without you all.
To learn more about actor and director Giovanni DeVal, follow him on Instagram, IMDb, and visit his official website.
