From the Marine Corps to Hollywood with Military Technical Advisor James Dever
From the Marine Corps to Hollywood with James Dever
A military technical advisor for some of the biggest movies ever made
Sergeant Major (USMC Ret) James Dever is now among Hollywood’s most elite Military Technical Advisors. He always makes sure to remind the actors he works with to honor the people they are portraying.
James joined the Marines through the Delayed Entry Program when he was just 17 years old. He went on to serve a lengthy and honorable career in his beloved Marines Corps before embarking on a new and highly successful path.
In this episode we walk through James’ youth, as he shares how he and his brothers learned to adapt and overcome their many serious challenges.
He talks about the Hollywood legend that inspired him to become a Marine, and what his 25 years of service were like – including the time he was assigned to mentor Clint Eastwood through his portrayal of a United States Marine. That movie was Heartbreak Ridge.
After 25 years of service, James picked up where he’d left off with that experience, and pursued a professional career in Hollywood. With blockbusters like American Sniper, The Last Samurai, Sicario 2, and other award-winning films on his resume, James is at the top of his industry.
Talking with James is like being given a private backstage tour through many of the blockbusters we’ve all watched and enjoyed. From a fiery mishap on the set of The Last Samurai, to training in the Moroccan desert for American Sniper, and a powerful experience in a chance reunion with a Vietnamese woman he’d helped rescue as a child, this was not just an interesting interview, but an entertaining one.
Remember the uniform you’re wearing. People have died in that uniform, so respect it and what you’re doing. – James DeverClick To TweetIf you’re curious to hear about the work and some mishaps behind-the-scenes of hit movies, gain a deeper respect for the service of our military members, and learn some tricks of the trade, you do not want to miss this episode of American Snippets!
Here are some of the questions We asked:
What is a Military Technical Advisor?
What are some examples of areas you provide expertise in?
What was it like working with Clint Eastwood?
Why do scenes inside of vehicles always look so fake?
What is it like to reenact combat scenes, when you’ve experienced combat firsthand?
What are some trends you see in the movies Hollywood is making?
How do politics influence your work?
What are some of the challenges military families face?
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Barb Allen
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