Check Out Justin Powell’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Powell

Hi Justin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Grew up in the Bay Area and was a bit aimless. Spent a lot of time doing what was expected of me but found that living with such a lack of understanding for what I wanted out of life was debilitating. It wasn’t until I found acting as a means of both self exploration and self expression that I really felt a connection to what I wanted out of life. I moved down to Los Angeles where I attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before joining a theatre company as a resident artist.

I absolutely adore the craft of acting and filmmaking and spend a huge chunk of my limited free time watching movies. I am certainly an actor first. I always feel such a deep sense of connection when I get to act but I’ve recently begun directing and writing as well which brings it’s own creative freedom. In the past couple of years I’ve realized (and I believe this to be true for all) that I’m not just an actor, or just a director or any of these artistic labels. Rather I’m an artist. I think we all have reflections or thoughts on what it means to be human, stories our hearts yearn to tell, or even funny jokes that we think can put a smile on another’s face that are consistently wanting to be shared. For myself, that might mean it comes out in acting, or poetry, or directing or, who knows, maybe interpretive dance. Ultimately, I’m an artist with a truth to share and oftentimes I try to let that truth guide style through which it is expressed.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Of course. No struggles ever. What is that word? “Struggles”?

There is a level of struggle in every career. Early on I dealt with so much fear of rejection. After my training at AADA, I felt very unsure of how to approach the industry or even build a life in LA that would allow me the free time to take classes or create. I also believed this idea that I was never quite ready. I operated so entirely from this place of lack that I would deny myself opportunities out of fear of failure. The belief that I was just one great acting book or amazing class away from being ready stalled me in a way that part of me laments. On the other hand, I wouldn’t be where I am today without those years of fear. In a way they are motivating.

Struggles will always pop up though. I’ve talked with actors who are wildly successful that still deal with impostor syndrome. The one constant for me has always been my love of acting. When I’m on camera or stage I just feel so incredibly whole and connected. I think if that passion were gone then perhaps the struggles would weigh me down a bit too much.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor first but I do, honestly, too many other things. I write, direct, produce, and do headshot photography (at Michael Roud Photography if you’re looking for some great shots 😏). I also host and run The Acting Notes which is an IG page and podcast dedicated to helping actors. Something I’m incredibly proud of recently is a short film I made with my production company RJR Productions called Ganache. It’s a film about a man who wakes up bound to a chair in a garage, only to discover his would be killer is actually more interested in the idea of opening up a bakery. This was such a wonderful project to direct and act in alongside my former acting teacher Jordan Shappell who was brilliant, as always. The team we had assembled was top notch. My incredible producers Roni Paige and Ricardo Blayde Diaz did a lot of heavy lifting so I could focus on directing and acting. Our DP Brandon Dougherty knew exactly what we were going for and his expertise was invaluable. My girlfriend, Georgia Warner, came aboard as an on set acting coach which was so helpful for me to have another set of eyes on the performances when I was in the shot. The assistants who helped, Mikah Kavita and Brice Mitchell Williams, were absolutely essential. I loved how on that set it really was best idea wins and there are multiple comedic moments or different takes that came from that philosophy on the day.

I’m an actor who is deeply immersed in the craft. I am constantly listening to acting interviews and trying out new techniques or practices to find different ways of expressing story. I think that curiosity around not only acting but life itself is something that drives all of my work.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
Chris Cannon was the first acting teacher I ever had who really helped me to believe in myself. I wouldn’t be an actor without his tutelage. Chris Game was another acting coach who gave me such tremendous confidence in self and support. A couple of dear friends Maia Henkin and Sonja O’Hara – both incredibly brilliant artists – who offered me career guidance and have just been inspiring people to work with. Without their inspiration, I don’t know that I would have ever tried my hand at directing. My wonderful manager Nicole McNaughton at Untamed Artists who has been such an absolute pro since I’ve joined her team. My boss, Michael Roud, has been such an advocate on my behalf and has provided invaluable insight into the business side of this career. My writing and producing partner Ricardo Blayde Diaz who has always validated my artistic desires and has pushed me to become a better, more truthful artist. Jordan Shappell who has consistently championed me since I’ve known him. My brilliant girlfriend Georgia Warner who always speaks up for me and encourages my artistry. Finally, my parents and sister who have always supported me ever since I told them this was what I was going to pursue.

Also, I can’t help but shout out everyone in my D&D crew, Emily, Brice, Kate, Kei’la, Jesse, Roni, Ricky and Adam for giving me a place where I can DM on a weekly basis and try out ridiculous accents and storytelling ideas in a place filled with friendship and fun.

Pricing:

• Headshots 2 Looks for 495

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Justin-r-powell.com
• Instagram: justin_r_powell
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@theactingnotes?si=jfeNGHnu6HceQFgD
• Other: https://michaelroud.com/portfolio/mrpphotography/

Image Credits
Michael Roud