Meet Justin Stapleton | Writer and Director

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

Hi Justin, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me it is not a want to, rather a have to. I am an extremely imaginative and free thinking individual, and have worked in positions that are devoid of creativity such as medical records. When I did I felt caged and stifled. I m a bird that needs to spread their wings.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started as a veteran and served 10 years with multiple tours of combat in Fallujah Iraq. I think that the discipline and sense of structure sets me apart in terms of how I approach filmmaking. I have a sense of what it takes to make a film production work, as both a leader and follower. The ability to take instruction, and work with a team, while setting your ego aside is crucial to every film set.

That set me on a path in film school of Assistant Directing which I have done… ALOT lol. I love the role of a 1st AD and it allowed me to stand next to and essentially shadow so many Directors, but I eventually realized that I needed to speak my own creative language as well.

Nothing about this industry is easy in my opinion, but it is worth it, if you really are passionate about that you are doing. I overcome the challenges by centering myself around the story I am working on, and that doesn’t matter if I am writing it, directing it, or working as a crew member. if you are locked into the story you realize there is a bigger picture and you can navigate any troubled waters ahead of you. (LOL always a writer) this is the biggest lesson I have learned so far in my career, and I want people to know that about my film Pure Blue, my brand, and my story. It is a tale pf struggle, perseverance, and eventually triumph.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh that’s easy! I live in Los Angeles so a week probably isn’t enough time. We would take a day and do the normal touristy thing, but I think what a lot of people don’t know about this place is all the art and museums we have. I would take them to LACMA, The Aquarium off the Pacific, and of course the Academy of Motion Pictures.

As for food honestly way to much to mention here but I would take them to smaller local spots around LA (way better the over priced Beverly Hills spots). Oh and if there is a vegan festival that would be a 100 percent go!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother Cynthia Gordon My fellow veterans and active duty military
My Producer Grant Anderson
My girlfriend Amburr Jasper
My sister Marilyn Walker

Instagram: marvel00784, purebluemovie

Linkedin: Justin Stapleton

Facebook: marvel00784

Image Credits
Justin Stapleton (credit)