Today we’d like to introduce you to Justyn Bell.
Hi Justyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I can’t remember the exact moment I first got involved with video production and wanting to direct films, but I do remember it started at a very young age. I always had a huge interest in art or anything involving it. I do remember I started creating plays around the house and using my friends and family as cast members. I was probably around five to seven years old at the time, and everything changed when I had gotten a hold of my parent’s old mini DV camcorder. I realized if I was able to record these plays, I could watch them over and over and show them to other people. Something about everyone being simultaneously focused on one thing really drew me into the art form. Plays progressed into movies when I discovered I could cut in between the scenes and create illusions for the audience. It became this completely new magical world for me.
Throughout my teenage years, I became completely obsessed with filmmaking. I would study Hollywood scripts and write my own, trying to improve with each one. I think I must have made over 20-30 short films as a teenager. For me, it was a way to bring people together and create a world you wouldn’t be able to experience outside of everyday life.
When college came around, I wasn’t sure if it was the path I wanted to take. I had attended North Georgia University for one semester and instantly knew it wasn’t for me. I always had issues focusing and excelling in school and knew I needed real-life experience if this was the career I wanted. I eventually dropped out and took a year-long accredited internship program with a production company in Atlanta. (Radiant3 Productions.) I was working a bunch of odd jobs at the time, not making much money. However, the internship program taught me so much about how films and video production came together on a professional level.
I kept making my own films in my young adult years, self-funding everything with what money I did have. I just dove head first into directing, writing and producing and never looked back. I loved experimenting, working with actors, and the adventures that came with it. My first big production was a western flick I wrote titled: “Someone Get Sam.” stemming from my love for old Italian Spaghetti Westerns. From then on, I created more films down the road, connecting with tons of people in the industry. For the next six years, my entire life was just making films.
Somewhere during that time, I got my first job in corporate video production as a video editor and videographer. I now also have my own freelance LLC business and haven’t left the industry since then. I absolutely love my career and wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been an easy road. The biggest struggles as a young artist early on were people not taking you seriously because of your age. I knew I had to build my own filmmaking resume and show people what I could do instead of telling them. Another big obstacle was balancing the responsibilities of life and being a creative at the same time. It can be a seemingly impossible task at times, especially if you’re self-producing your own projects. There is so much that goes into video production and making movies such as scheduling, costumes, gear rentals, etc. However, it’s all a part of the journey and that’s what makes it so fun to be a part of!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I have mostly focused on writing and directing which is where my greatest loves stem from. The project I’m most proud of is my film “Mississippi Whistle” which covers the story of the life and death of Emmett Till. I became involved with the story in early 2017 and became totally obsessed with the case in every aspect. His story just grabbed me and never let go. I wound up interviewing book authors, people who used to personally know others involved in the murder, and even a filmmaker who is deeply involved in working with the FBI to re-open the case. We filmed on and off for months in the Mississippi Delta, documenting places Emmett had been before he was murdered. We also filmed inside the courthouse where the infamous trial took place and got to interview the ex-State Senator outside of the building. (Which was by complete chance.) I am also in the film, and show how his story personally connects with me from a diary-style perspective. It was a life-changing adventure that I’ll never forget. We won three awards in various festivals for best-documentary feature, and it’s currently online for free if anyone would like to view it!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was full of energy. I loved the outdoors and was always moving. Getting dirty and into some kind of trouble was my forte. I had a great childhood, however, I was pretty rebellious at times. It’s just always been in my nature to question things and try something new. I love experimenting and throwing things at a wall to see what sticks. I think as a creative, for me personally, I find more excitement in the art of failing and learning to draw inspiration from the failure, as opposed to avoiding it all together.
As far as my interests go, I am inspired by everyday life the most. I love observing the people around me as well as things going on in the world. Artists inspire me as well, but I think everyday life is the most fascinating of all.
Contact Info:
- Website: imdb.me/justynbell
- Vimeo: vimeo.com/justynbell
- Other: https://filmfreeway.com/MississippiWhistle
