A FORMER security guard for film stars has revealed how he stumbled into his career after almost being killed in a “racist attack”.
Jason Devil, from London, was a bodyguard for big names such as Will Smith, the former President of Brazil, pop star Rihanna and rap groups such as Public Enemy and Wu Tang Clan.
Now he has moved into film and TV security, working on set for ITV's Grace in Sussex and My Policeman set in Brighton, which stars Harry Styles.
Jason said a violent “racist attack” inspired him to make a start in the career 34 years ago.
The 51-year-old said: “I had an incident when I was 17 which I don’t really like to put out there but it made me go into a career in security. It was a racist attack.
"It chose my path for me, I went into security and did a close protection course.
"I did close protection, looking after all the big celebrities, businessmen, even the president of Brazil. First I went abroad, went all over the world. Then I decided to be mostly UK-based, I mostly looked after hip hop stars. The major one was Timbaland.
“We would keep a low profile when they wanted us to keep a low profile, but sometimes these celebrities want to have a big guy next to them. It depends on the client and what they want. Rap stars like having big guys about.
“I stood outside hotel rooms while people slept, to me you’re nothing but a servant. You get paid silly amounts of money but you put your life on the line. In the end, I decided I didn’t want to do it.”
Jason, who has lived in Hove for five years, said the career was not a long-term option for him so started his business Devil1 Entertainment in 2010.
It offers security on film and TV sets, with one of the most recent jobs during filming of ITV’s Grace, which was shot all around Sussex.
Now he is turning his hand to producing, with his latest film, which is a comedy about racism, airing on Wednesday, March 23 in 81 Odeon cinemas across the country, including the one in West Street, Brighton.
He said: “Let’s see what happens, I have two more projects coming which are exciting projects. With any luck, this could make me some good money. Who knows? Maybe I’ll buy my own studio in Brighton. I love Brighton, I love the people, it’s a nice place to live.”
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