We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Usami and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
2 years ago I spoke to a friend who shared her view of balance. She explained, “Balance is like a juggling act. At times, all the items are going to be juggled easily. But sometimes, life throws a bowling ball into the mix, and now you have to pay more attention to that new item until you’re able to regain your balance. It’s not that the other items are unimportant in that moment; your priorities will shift for however long it takes to adjust. You just need to be conscious enough to know when to bring your attention back to the other items without dropping everything.” Before this conversation, I viewed a “balanced life” to be splitting my attention 50-50 between each item, but life is never 50-50.
Working in an industry like film and television, we are often working 12+ hour days, sometimes 7 days a week for weeks or months at a time. It’s challenging to conform to the traditional American 9 to 5 work culture. So, rather than trying to find a daily rhythm, I’ve shifted my attention to finding monthly or quarterly rhythms to find times for family, friends, and personal rest.
It’s not a perfect formula by any means, but so far, it’s been a beneficial mindset shift.
Thank you Catherine!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My work often revolves around people and relationships. I’ve never been the best academically, technically, nor athletically, but I always managed to make friends where ever I went. I’m most excited about forming relationships with and collaborating with cinematographers to achieve their vision while also having the ability to hire and take care of my crew. That’s the best part of my job. Growing up in Japan, I’ve had a lot of international friends come and go throughout my life which forced me to gain relationship building skills quickly, regardless of their background. It’s been an exciting journey moving to the US in 2018 and learning how to connect with people here. While English is my first language, navigating cultural differences with new cinematographers, gaffers, and key grips has been an informative adventure that I hope to continue for the rest of my career.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I would probably take them on a drive through Mulholland Dr to see the city, Mr. Brainwash Art Museum in Beverly Hills, a bike ride from Venice to Santa Monica, Boba and Koren BBQ in K Town, visit the LACMA, and Thai food in Thai Town.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentors Ray Hinton, Kelly Moore, Amber Paresa, Mark Stockhoff, Stephen Davega, Leigh Mierke, and Greg Smith have all been so incredibly generous with their time and resources in order to help me grow. I can’t thank them enough for all their generosity, honesty, and encouragement. My family, friends, and my partner in crime, Ala’, all got me through some pretty dark times to get to where I am.
I’m so incredibly blessed by the people in my life.
Thank you all!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinusami/

Other: https://vimeo.com/justinusami

Image Credits
Oscar Gomez, Raymond Shay, Emilio Zertuche

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