DeShon Hardy

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DeShon Hardy
DeShon in 2024.jpg DeShon in 2024.jpg DeShon Hardy in 2024
Born	Neptune, New Jersey, U.S.
🎓 Alma mater	University of Massachusetts Amherst New York Film Academy
💼 Occupation	Film director, screenwriter, producer
📆 Years active	2010–present
Notable work	The Lake on Clinton Road, A Message From Brianna, Dear Best Friend, Under His Influence, I Got a Story to Tell, Diamond

DeShon Hardy is an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his work in psychological horror, socially driven thrillers, and culturally resonant storytelling. With a career spanning over 15 years, Hardy has directed and produced films for BET, BET+, Amazon Prime, and Tubi. He is best known for A Message From Brianna, Dear Best Friend, Under His Influence, and the BET+ anthology series I Got a Story to Tell. In 2025, he wrote, directed, and produced the supernatural sports drama Diamond, starring Cynthia Bailey and Vernon Davis.

Early life and education

Hardy is originally from Neptune, New Jersey, and graduated from Neptune High School. He later attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he played four years of collegiate football as a quarterback. He earned a bachelor's degree in political economy in 2002. He later received a screenwriting certificate from the New York Film Academy.

Career

Hardy began his filmmaking career with the 2014 horror feature The Lake on Clinton Road, which was distributed by Redbox. He followed that with the thriller Dwellers, which secured a worldwide deal with RA Ventures.

He went on to write, direct, or produce several films and series for BET and BET+, including:

• A Message From Brianna – BET original film
• Dear Best Friend – BET+ original film
• Rene: A Juneteenth Story – BET Her original short (writer & producer)
• Devon’s Day – BET Her Juneteenth special (producer)
• Under His Influence – BET+ original film
• What Lies Under the Tree – released on Tubi and Amazon Prime
• I Got a Story to Tell – BET+ original anthology series (writer, director, and producer of all episodes)

Hardy also directed and produced five episodes of the business reality show Front Office, executive produced by NBA star Chris Paul.

In 2025, Hardy completed production on the supernatural sports drama Diamond, starring Cynthia Bailey and Vernon Davis.

He is also working on an upcoming documentary titled More Than a Trainer (in post-production).

Awards and recognition

Hardy’s work has been featured by the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), including the 2021 official selection for his earlier project A Lake on Clinton Road.

Personal life

Hardy currently focuses on storytelling that explores culturally resonant and emotionally grounded narratives. He frequently returns to his hometown of Neptune, New Jersey, as a setting and production base for his work.

External links

• DeShon Hardy at IMDb
• Asbury Park Press – Diamond films in Neptune and Asbury Park
• ABFF – 2021 Official Film Selections
• Complex – Cynthia Bailey and Vernon Davis to Topline Diamond
• Reality Tea – Cynthia Bailey joins sports drama Diamond
• EntertainmentNow – Diamond starring Cynthia Bailey and Vernon Davis
• SKJ Bollywood News – Diamond film announcement
• Bravo – Cynthia Bailey cast in Diamond

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