Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Melson
Hi Justin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m an Atlanta-based entrepreneur and filmmaker. I run a production company, Melson & Masters Media, where we create both long-form and short-form productions for businesses, individuals, and non-profits. When I’m not producing content for clients, I direct narrative films.
I started filmmaking when I was in 7th grade. I initially had a strong passion for visual effects. Instead of doing homework, I would watch VFX tutorials for hours every day. Slowly my passion for testing various VFX techniques turned into directing and producing where I started producing short films for my YouTube channel, HappyFox Productions, which has since garnered over 7.5 million views and even been featured on TV networks like the Travel Channel.
After spending 25 years in Vegas directing short films and television documentaries, we decided to take a chance on Georgia. Atlanta is a beautiful city with a thriving film market, and it’s been the perfect place to start building toward larger, more ambitious projects. I’m currently working on my feature-length film, The Monsters We Carry, a psychological thriller about a broken family seeking a fresh start in a new town, only to find that something dark is waiting for them. This ‘thing’ begins to consume each family member, testing their mental and emotional stability—a story inspired by my interest in exploring the complexity of emotional and psychological struggles.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I think a lot of artists can relate to this when I say… imposter syndrome sucks. One of the biggest obstacles I face daily is constantly changing my mindset—and deliberately choosing to be confident rather than weak-minded. There are so many days where I feel like I’ve just been lucky, that there’s no real talent behind what I do, and that any success I’ve had is purely coincidence. Sure, I work hard, but sometimes it feels like that’s all there is. But I’ve realized it’s not just about work ethic—it’s about reframing those thoughts. On those days I pop in some David Goggins, listen to my supportive Girlfriend, and go on a run.
Running a production company isn’t easy, and being an entrepreneur is downright intimidating. Seeking financial support to fund a feature film feels like a huge mountain to climb. Even something as simple as walking into a networking event or party can feel overwhelming. But over time, I’ve learned to let those emotions have their moment. I’ll sit with them, acknowledge them, and then detach. I remind myself, ‘Alright, you had your moment, now let’s go kick some a$$.’ When you get to that point, you realize there’s nothing you can’t do.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when you’re stuck, it’s usually your mind holding you back. For me, the transition from having a steady job to running a production/ marketing agency in a new city with no business relationships was overwhelming. I had to rebuild my confidence, especially after setbacks. But once you start to understand how your mind works—how it’s programmed—you can use that awareness to your advantage. I’m 29 years old, and I’m finally starting to put into practice, the power of mastering my mindset, which has been a game-changer in both my personal and professional life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work spans a pretty wide range, but at the heart of it all is storytelling. Whether it’s shooting a cinematic piece for a brand or working on a narrative feature, I always aim to deliver something that feels authentic, emotionally engaging, and visually beautiful.
I love telling stories that make people laugh out loud or cry—those are the moments that stick with you. My work has been featured on networks like ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC, MSG, and the Travel Channel, but my passion lies in narrative filmmaking.
Whether it’s a 1-minute insta reel, a 15-minute short film, or a feature-length documentary, I’m all about creating a piece of art that leaves a lasting impression and gets people feeling something real.
How do you think about happiness?
When I think of happiness I see it as something that’s become harder to achieve the older I get… But at the same time, the fact that I have a choice to be happy every day is what actually makes me happy. Happiness is a choice and some days it’s tough to choose to be happy. Some days, it’s tough to remind myself that none of this—the work, the business, the day-to-day stress—will matter in the end.
One day, we’ll all die, and when that happens, I won’t be thinking about my business or filmmaking. I’ll be thinking about the people I love and whether I lived a happy, fulfilling life. That’s what makes me happy—knowing that at the end of it all, it’s the connections and the moments with loved ones that matter. It’s not about making a movie, it’s about the memories of working on a project with your friends that everyone is happy to be a part of. Producing a video is not about a business transaction, It’s about making a video that will positively affect someone’s life whether it’s monetarily or emotionally.
When I think of it like that, it’s hard not to be happy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melsonandmastersmedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinmelson/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/happyfoxproductions
