Voyage LA Magazine - Meet Damarrus Grant

by Damarrus Grant

Voyage LA Magazine interview with Actor/Filmmaker and Musician, Damarrus Grant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Damarrus Grant

Hi Damarrus, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Damarrus Grant, and I’m from Sacramento, CA. Raised by a single mother, I also spent a significant part of my upbringing with my grandparents in San Francisco, CA. I’m an actor, filmmaker (director, writer, producer), and musician (singer, songwriter, producer). I started making my own music at 14 and writing short stories and screenplays around 16. My journey into filmmaking began with short films in Sacramento, where I spent about eight years competing in and attending film festivals in the area and the Bay Area. Working in a movie theater for four years also served as my own form of film school.

After moving to Los Angeles, I wrote, produced, directed, and acted in my first feature film, “Diane,” starring Lucia Oskerova in the title role, alongside Aaron Carolina, Maximillian De Beni, Deandre Robinson, Kyle McDermott, and many other talented actors. The film’s cinematography was helmed by Allen Goodloe and Marcus Dawson, with makeup by Kaitlin Lylerly, and co-produced by Delise Vanviled and Victor Hernandez, along Aaron Carolina, Alicia, Grant, Michele Grant, Kyle McDermott, and Allen Goodloe.

“Diane” is a horror/Thriller film about a property manager who terrorizes her tenants for unpaid rent, with the tagline: “If the rent doesn’t kill you, she will!” The film has a fun blaxploitation twist as well. The majority of production took place in my apartment building in Downtown LA over a two-year period. It was a wild ride, but thankfully, my neighbors and property manager were very supportive of the project. We had the privilege of working with accomplished Italian composer Stefano Tomeselli, who composed our score and added depth to our sound production. I also incorporated my own music into the film.

After completion, “Diane” quickly made a splash on the film festival circuit, winning over nine awards, including Best Actress, Best Narrative Feature, and Best Director. We even had the opportunity to screen the film at SF University for students for their “Sneak Preview” event. Ultimately, we secured distribution, and “Diane” is now streaming on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi. What started as a home movie with friends and family has turned into a successful project. I’m now in development for my next film and have no plans to slow down!

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I faced numerous challenges during the production. I underwent heart surgery, struggled to pay rent, and was forced to find a new apartment. Many actors and crew members quit, and scheduling conflicts led to delays. Eviction notices came monthly, forcing me to choose between paying my cast or my rent. I was involved in a serious car accident, requiring rehab and physical therapy. I had to recast and rewrite parts mid-production and buy new film equipment regularly. I also had to cover expenses for the cast, crew, makeup artists, parking, and costumes. My computer crashed, and I had to buy a used laptop in Downtown LA just to edit the film. I lost footage and memory cards, leading to reshoots as much of the first year’s work was unusable.

I traveled to different cities to shoot with actors alone, often filming scenes by myself when the crew didn’t show up. I juggled a 9-5 job while dealing with disciplinary write-ups and meetings with union reps and management because my focus on the film affected my work performance. I borrowed money from family and friends to finish the project, bought another car after the accident, and worked 2-3 jobs, all while battling underlying illnesses. And this isn’t even all of it! I just refused to quit!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist and actor/filmmaker, gaining recognition for my work in acting, writing, and filmmaking, which has become my specialty. One of my proudest achievements is writing, acting, producing, editing, and directing a successful independent film. Despite having no budget, I secured streaming distribution on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Tubi. Along the way, I had the privilege of giving my friends opportunities to be part of the project, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I have to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ first and foremost.

My family who was Supportive: Michele Grant, Alicia Grant, Danielle Mensa, Marissa Grant.

The entire cast and Crew:

Lucia Oskerova, Aaron Carolina, Maximilian De Beni, Deandre Robinson, Kyle Mc Dermott, Lyndsey Butler, Ria Brown, Tisha York, Keith Maurice Briggs Jr., Talia Martin, Je’son Johnson, LaPrincess Chappell, Christian “The Philharmonik” Gates, Ana Maria Mojo, Rickelle Hinson, Jasmine Nicole Wright, Allen Goodloe, Marcus Dawson, Kaitlin Lyerly, Stefano Tomaselli, Victor Hernandez, Delise Vanvield. Dwight Taylor, Susana Caldera, Ulysees Emiliano, Joe Barnes. Emmanuel Jemmott, Angela ilagan, Steve Beasley, Ale Hernandez, Stepri Dearmond, Linda McDermott, Brandon McDermott, Ruthless Studios,

Additional Supporters: Anthony Michael Hall, Tee and Havona Alves, The city of Los Angeles. The City of Sacramento

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