Inspiring Conversations with JJ Austen of Defiant Lens Productions

Today we’d like to introduce you to JJ Austen.

Hi JJ, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up acting in school plays and always loved the stage. After graduating with a BA in theatre, I moved to Atlanta and immediately jumped into on camera acting classes. Figuring out how the industry works was not easy, I thought work would just consistently fall into my lap, but that was not the case. When things were really slow a few years ago, I wrote and produced a rom-com feature that I starred in. I learned so much from that process of developing a script, crowdfunding, producing while being a lead actor, I really threw myself into the deep end. I learned something new everyday and relied heavily on others’ skillsets to bring my movie to life. My team from that feature created our production company, Defiant Lens Productions at the end of 2024. Today, I can happily say that I have consistent work balancing time both in front of and behind the camera.

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’s never a smooth road when it comes to film. Industry work is never guaranteed as talent, with most actors going months or even years between bookings. So in order to keep working in film, I became well versed in other departments: art, writing, producing, etc., always giving 120% regardless of the gig or paycheck. I believe adding more crew work not only helped advance my career overall in the industry, but better informed how I approach my work as an actor.

Also with constant industry shiftings, setting a base in Atlanta for whatever comes next has significantly helped by building a strong and supportive community. My business partner, Tom von Dohlen saw my passion for telling stories as well as my work ethic behind the scenes, and I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done to help me learn and grow in my career.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Defiant Lens is a production company that specializes in telling stories first. We currently have two features in post, two features in pre-production as well as a slew of commercials, music videos, and other corporate video work. No matter the size of the project, our team provides the highest quality work to bring each story to life.

One of my favorite things about my team is the fact that we aren’t waiting for the big budget blockbuster, but we work on what we have today, bringing our passion for creating with every project. My team was a sponsor for Out on Film, and we pride ourselves on showcasing important stories that get to shine rather than chasing the bigger budget projects.

I pride myself on not just climbing the ladder, but bringing people up with me. One example would be Olivia Smith. She was referred to our team as a production assistant, and I continued to train her in art department after seeing her drive to learn and grow. As the years went on, she has grown into our production designer, and I could not be more proud of her consistently showing up and putting out great work.

Currently, my favorite show I have been producing with Defiant Lens has been our table top role play YouTube series, Descent Into Madness, with over 600k views just in the last year. Descent into Madness has also just been awarded Best Tabletop and RPG Podcast at Pop Con. I’m also very excited to be co-producer and 1st AD for a feature film shooting this summer in Chicago, directed by Dan Fogler.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I don’t think I can identify one quality that is most important. I originally thought either my resilience or my drive to follow the dream even when it gets tough, but I think what has prompted my success most recently has been my adaptability. In the last few years, my career has grown in ways that I would have never imagined if I had stuck with being an actor only. My willingness to learn and grow in other aspects of film has made my career one I would have killed for just a couple of years ago.

You never know where your next gig will come from, so my main philosophy any time I’m on set is: show up on time, do a good job, and be enjoyable to work with. I take those three rules to every job I do, whether working on a passion project or a SAG feature. I am always proud of the work I do, and a lot of times, my next job will come from a connection I made from a previous gig. For those just now starting out, your career will not follow the path that you originally planned. Be ready to say yes to the doors that open for you, and know that the work that is meant for you will come to you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.defiantlenspro.com/
• Instagram: jj.austen and defiantlenspro
• Youtube: DescentTTRPG

Image Credits
Dan O’Brien @danobrienphotos, Mikey Smith @mts2.photo, Jonathan Baty @sefecitfilms