Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Rodriguez.
Justin, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was four years old, my parents showed me Terminator 2 and nothing was the same since. Growing up with an HBO subscription, I saw many films at such an early age, many of which I was probably too young for but I feel I was molded by it. In high school, I had a love for music and was in a band that played many cities throughout Texas. In college, my music was featured in VICE ITALY. One day my love for films and music merged together. I wanted to combine the two, so I became a composer for films. It was exciting for me.
Until the films in Texas, I was composing for never saw the light of day. This frustrated me. From that day forward, I decided that I was gonna write, edit, direct my OWN films. It turned out to be the best decision I could make. Since then, I became an award-winning director with short films screening all across the Country. Being a Director has been the most exhilarating experience with many lessons to be learned. My latest film is still having premieres, one at the South Texas International Film Festival and another at the Cine Las Americas Film Festival in Austin later this year in 2020.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Nothing worth doing is ever a smooth road. Making a film is like a roller coaster; it’s full of its ups and downs. You can’t be afraid to fail. It’s necessary. Failing is a scary experience and failing is a learning experience. Some people forget about that. You have to live on the other side of that fear in order to be a Director. Making a film is nothing but jumping hurdles. Some are easier than others but if you are determined, you will find a way to jump over all of them one at a time. Completion is the name of the game.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
Brave Pictures is a film production company that specializes in creating films that showcase realism and raw truths. This formula has been successful. We won the Texas Best Short at the El Paso Media Festival in 2019 and the San Antonio Filmmaker grant award in 2019. Those are our biggest accomplishments so far but we still have a long way to go.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Mason Hunsicker was a person who first believed in me. He was my first Cinematographer and helped me get my first film off the ground.
Fidel Ruiz – Healy is who I consider a mentor. He is a co- founder of the American Standard Film Company and has worked with many, including The Chainsmokers and Wiz Kahilfa. We have conversations and he gives me advice from time to time.
Contact Info:
- Website: bravepicturefilms.com
- Email: Justinbravefilms@gmail.com
- Instagram: @Bravepicture
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bravepicturefilms
Image Credit:
Sebastian M.
Mason Hunsicker
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