Cathy Irby Durant, Writer, Producer-Director
From the time I was 9 years old, I knew I wanted to work in entertainment.” Not only is Cathy Irby Durant working in entertainment she has managed to produce and direct over 200 video and film productions, including nearly 100 music videos airing on BET and MTV, documentaries, TV programs and commercials.
As an International Writer, Producer-Director, Durant says, “it is an honor to work in the video and film production industry." Cathy Durant’s videos have blazed video playlist for years and landed her a national TV interview on the BET Tonight Show, hosted by Tavis Smiley, in November of 2000.
Her latest entertainment credits include, Producer, Creator, Writer of 43 Episodes of the Bev Moore Radio Show, broadcasting weekly on BBS iHeart Radio Network, Worldwide, Hosted by Bev Moore since July 2022, ending as Writer Producer July 2023, Streaming Distribution Agent for “As If We Were Ghosts” Sports Film Documentary, winner of a 23 Bronze Telly Award. Writer, Producer-Director of 3 feature films in Pre-Production, “Mr. Excitement,” the Jackie Wilson Story,” Biopic in the development, "Going Out a Champion," the Coach Joe Ellis Story, Faith Based Sports Feature, completed script in Preproduction, and “With This Ring, I Thee Wed,” Rom Com, in development. Also, Writer, Producer-Director, “I Am That I Am,” a Faith Based TV Series. Episode 1 of “I Am That I Am” now streaming on Amazon Prime in the US and Germany, since May 2022, and Streaming on Pzaz TV in the US and UK since July 2022. Writer, Producer, Director of “I Am That I Am,” Episode 2 in post production editing.
Previous credits include Green Light Producer for MTV's Tres, “Quiero Mi Baby” Reality TV Show, and Talent Coordinator for Tyler Perry’s blockbuster films, “Why Did I Get Married,” and episodes of Tyler Perry’s “Meet the Browns.” In addition, Creator, Writer, Producer-Director of “Through the Eyes of Caddie,” Golf Tips Documentary featuring Augusta National Masters’ Golf Caddie, Carl Jackson, distributed by MVD.
Durant’s latest documentaries include R&B artist Usher, Broadcasting in Shanghai, China, Three 6 Mafia documentary distributed by Sony Records, and History of the Non Commission Officer (NCO) documentary for the US Pentagon.
Film credits include Executive Producer, Post Production Supervisor for the movie Bar- B- Q, "Featuring Lazy Bone of Bone Thugs and Harmony," a limited theatrical release, distributed by York Entertainment/ Maverick Films and Post Production Coordinator and Sound FX Supervisor for “Pay the Price,” released independently on DVD and winner of the New York Film Festival “Best Family Drama” in 2001.
Ms. Durant’s most popular music videos include Ying Yang Twins “Whistle While you Twurk,” Miracle, “Bounce” and Methrone “Loving Each Other for Life.” National TV commercials include Verizon Wireless featuring R&B singer, Brian McKnight. TV shows include Gospel Greats music video show airing weekly on BET’s Gospel Network from 2003-2007. Cathy Irby Durant says her childhood dreams came true by weathering the storm and not being afraid to believe dreams come true. After over 20 years in television, holding a variety of key positions including TV News Producer, on and off –camera talent, and video tape editor, Durant decided to become an entrepreneur. In 1990 she created Devine Communications Video & Film Production, Inc. based in Atlanta, GA. In 1998, she won a Telly Award as Producer-Director of an environmental documentary for the US Pentagon, Army Division.
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Before creating Devine Communications, in 1982-1985, she Worked at WALA TV, an NBC Affiliate in Mobile, Alabama as a News Producer, and later created her first TV show for the NBC affiliate, as Producer and Talk Show Host. Her job experience includes dual positions in Mobile, at WALA TV as Creator/Host of "Outreach" and News Director/Public Affairs Director at WBLX FM Radio Station.
Durant says, "Landing powerful positions in the news media early in my career, paved the way for greater opportunities.” "Mobile, AL prepared me for everything. As a News Producer, I learned how to write and produce live shows, manage a large crew of reporters, cameramen and technical support.” Having multi-skills opened doors at WAGA TV News, FOX, Atlanta, as a news editor. From there to freelancing as a Video Editor for NBC Nightly News, New York, Washington, DC and Atlanta, GA bureaus.
After working 10 years in TV news Irby- Durant developed a strong desire to work in entertainment. Ms. Durant says “Producing and directing my first 35mm music video for a popular, Atlanta Rap artist call “Kilo” was the ticket.” Having studied film at Clark Atlanta University provided a natural cross over from video to grand daddy film,” says Cathy Durant.
In 1998, Cathy Irby Durant won her first Gold Telly award and Silver Aurora award for writing, producing and directing an environmental spirit video for the US Pentagon for the USAEC. She also served as VP of professional development for Women in Film, Atlanta, GA Chapter in 2000-2001.
With more than 200 productions under her belt, nearly 100 of which are music videos airing on BET and MTV, Durant says, “I feel like I’m just scratching the surface of a powerful industry filled with extraordinary people.”
