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

Hi Justin, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
To be the best damn version of myself (as we narrow it down), to do what I say I’m going to do. My days of, “wouldn’t it be cool if…” conversations are over. Establishing a footprint in cinema, leaving dent in history, having the creative freedom to be able to create ANYTHING no matter the budget, this is what it’s all about! There’s no sugar coating it, I’m all in. I’ll write movies, direct movies, act in movies, produce movies, watch movies and then do it all over again. I love movies. Period.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
At the moment my platform is TikTok. I make content every day and I’m growing/cultivating my audience. I put myself into movies, I play with vfx to spice up my content. I use it as a creative outlet to express all the little ideas floating around in my head. It’s not as easy as I thought it would be, if I’m being honest. Making content every day is exhausting, but I love it, it keeps me sharp. I put it down for years, despised social media, cursed all the successful people that were doing what I was too scared to pursue. When quarantine happened I dropped the attitude. My advice, get out of your own way, don’t wait for anyone or permission from anyone. Do what you love and be consistent. Stop complaining, it’s nobody’s fault but your own. Connect with people, show them who you are and own it. The people who judge you, and there will be; there will be haters and people that drag you down on your best days. Fuck em. Keep gettin up, like Cool Hand Luke.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m weird, so this will be a little all over the place. Aeirloom Bakery on Riverside, the food is legit, great coffee, but it’s strong so be advised. Have some brunch, then maybe a little warner bros, a little universal studios action, it’s Hollywood baby! why the hell not? Maybe a hike up to the actual damn sign?! The world is our oyster! I’d show them around town, where movies were shot, little bits of Hollywood history you get from being a nerd like me. I might even throw in Spahn Ranch tour where the Manson family used to live depending on the time because we HAVE to take a little stroll on Mulholland drive listening to 80’s music while the sun goes down. And before you even mention it, six flags takes a whole day and please, the beach is overrated.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Andy Pagana https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMPHzmYKCUTy4MrYBEB4eJA

He’s one of my closest friends, I’m really proud of him. He wrote a western 14 years ago, Bron Studios bought it from him, they shot it last winter and he has a small part in it. it’s coming out sometime soon.

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

Other: Primary TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@justintaite?lang=en

Image Credits
Tobias Harbo (Camera Operator) in the one picture

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