Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Cabanting
Hi Justin, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
From voice over to on-camera acting/stunts/and performance capture, Justin has endeavored to bring performances you’ve seen across video games, television, feature films, and animation. Whether you’ve seen him in shows like “Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi”, English dubs of your new favorite K-Drama like “Vigilante” on Hulu, the “Like A Dragon” franchise, or even heard him on the in-game radio while cruising in your favorite vehicle on “Fortnite”!
Justin is a unique Asian and Pacific Islander-American talent based in Los Angeles who has an incredible combination of skills originating from various martial arts, audio engineering, and acting in the entertainment industry and a passion for finance and accounting. He has been mentored by and worked with various stunt coordinators and performers such as Daniel Locicero, Jarrell Hall, Aaron Toney, Travis Wong, Vlad Rimburg, Garrett Warren, Steven Brown, Lu Junchang, John Tieng, Tristan Ivan Crisol, Allan Quindiagan, among many others for various video games and productions. From film-fighting, tactical formations with firearms, close-range melee combat, high falls, fire burns, or emulating that in the recording booth, Justin’s tenacity to give unique performances in the role(s) he’s given is no small feat and is approached with utmost professionalism.
The journey as a talent performer started with his curiosity in voice acting 11 years ago, where Justin originally thought he would never have the “chops” for on-camera acting. Studying under voice instructors like Anne Ganguzza and the team at SuchAVoice as well as collaborating with voiceover peers through social media, Justin hit the ground running while balancing his pursuit of an undergraduate education in accounting and finance. Over time, he has been able to voice in various commercials for Spotify, Pixar Animation Studios with McDonalds as well as MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) type games such as “Eternal Return”, the “Mobile Legends” franchise, as well as “Fortnite”. He also is a stunt and motion capture performer that has been featured in games such as “Get Slapped!”, various short films, and promotional tours for shows like “Star Wars: The Acolyte”. He eventually mustered up the courage for on-camera work, co-starring in feature shorts such as Isaac Middleton’s “Card Game”, Daniel Locicero and Keeran Panesar’s Hollywood Boulevard Film Festival “2024 Best Short Action Film” “Punjabi Protector”, and featured in episodes of Netflix’s “Sanctuary”, CBS’ “S.W.A.T.”, the Disney+ show “Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi” or even spotted in the background of “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew”, among many others.
As a performer, Justin enjoys giving back to talents of various background and their local communities through his involvement with the international Lucasfilm Ltd. recognized costuming group known as Saber Guild, who specialize in creating screen-accurate costumes of Jedi and Sith that also perform stunt choreography and stage combat for community events around the world. He currently is the Local Stage Director of the Los Angeles based chapter – Skywalker Temple – in charge of teaching martial arts and film fighting techniques while setting up training programs to prospective trainees and members seeking to hone their skills in the ways of the Force. Justin is also a member of the 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, the Warriors of Mandalore and Rogues of Mandalore, conducting troops with his fellow allies as an Imperial Officer, Rebel Pilot, or Mandalorian warrior to bringing hope to audiences of all ages and families in need of an inspirational spark of courage with a touch from a galaxy far, far away…
Justin is currently represented by The Library Agency with Head Agent Julia Irzyk in Sherman Oaks, CA.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been nothing short of a “Hawaiian Rollercoaster Ride” of a journey, but fulfilling for sure! I’m eternally grateful for every opportunity I’m given – whether I get to play a ND (non-descript) role for voice acting, on-camera, stunts, or as a featured day-player or background actor.
Some of the struggles along the way include navigating the turbulent waters of a strike. Currently, SAG-AFTRA is advocating for AI protections for its members and the future of the video game industry. Beginning on July 26, 2025, SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher and SAG-AFTRA Chief Negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland announced that the voice actors and motion capture performance artists would go on strike against the major American video game production companies where negotiations failed since their expiration in November 2022.
At the time of this article, 59 companies signed 136 games to the SAG-AFTRA Interim and Tiered Budget Independent Agreements and the 2024 Video Game Awards will be taking place, in which many talents are rising to support their fellow talents and the security of our industry against exploitative AI practices. Coming out to every picket, turning down bookings to Side Letter 6 (SL6) titles that do not have AI protections, and getting studios to turn Union and sign the Interactive Media Agreement (IMA) with these protections plays an instrumental role to the preservation of the art and showing an unwavering dedication to the actors putting their hearts and souls into each performance.
It has been an emotional journey for those who have been in the industry for years or are just getting started as non-union and union. Our advocacy for fair conditions and practices is vital not only for performers but the ethical practice of creating entertainment through interactive media. Many continue to go through financial hardship, sometimes having to take on a second, third, or fourth job to just make ends meet. I am one of those individuals that has a salaried job as administrative and financial analyst that requires me to take on three additional jobs as to survive, in which “ridiculous” is putting it mildly… Nonetheless, we will endeavor and thrive in the face of adversity while helping each other and sharing in the riches – “one day longer, one day stronger”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
From voice over to on-camera acting/stunts/and performance capture, there’s a lot to love in the work I do as a performer. I’ve had the incredible honor of learning from several of the best in the industry and performing alongside them in voice acting, stunts, motion capture, and on camera for feature films, animation, television, and video games. I’m most known for my voice work as ND characters/additional voices and lightsaber “shenanigans” when either portraying an original character (OC) from the Star Wars franchise. I’ve been dubbed in my stunt community as “the lightsaber guy”, which I am eternally thankful for. I will bring my lightsabers *almost* everywhere I go, ready to flow with friends or teach something new to a curious mind.
I am most proud of my ability to connect with various talents with my love and knowledge of pop culture and simply admiring their tenacity and dedication to their pursuits. At the SAG-AFTRA picket lines or at Saber Guild practice, I always ask folx to tell me their “origin story”. This “origin story” can start from anywhere in their life and essentially is their “elevator pitch”, but in a less intimidating fashion and can cover anything about them. This helps myself (as the communicator) as well as the others (as the listeners) to facilitate a dialogue about several topics. And with time and engagement, you establish a rapport with these individuals that can be mutually beneficial for both of you. Connections are a big part of our world as humans and helps us enjoy life to the fullest. When you have friends, colleagues, and mentors you can trust, you acquire this profound confidence and invincibility that helps you accomplish feats you never thought possible.
The ability to be patient and understanding in my own personal way with others really helps me stand out. It really is much like training to become a Demon Slayer, a Jedi, or a Helldiver in a way, where I’ve taken on this role as an “instructor” type role in my life and I never thought it would ever be something I would be interested in. So far, I’ve had different types of students who require different types of instruction and it is so rewarding when you reach a breakthrough that benefits and helps both parties grow in a bond between teacher and student. Being relatable at its core is what makes life easier and the people in it make our realities worth living.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Don’t be afraid to take a step back and take a breath, even when everyone and everything seems to be moving forward. Life is a marathon and each of our journeys require different paces, various tools, and ways of thinking to navigate obstacles. Meditate and focus on learning about yourself, what works for you, and how you can cultivate certain aspects of your life to be a stronger individual. This could inspire others to follow you as well…
Think of it as a video game main or side quest – you may need to be certain character level (measure of experience and maturity), have armor and equipment to withstand creatures and enemies in your path (the mentality to navigate conversations and the toughness to repel negative or interpret constructive feedback, and party members (people who you know will support you in times of need). Each of these factors and how you prepare for each trial will determine how easy or difficult it will be. The goal can be achieved, but how it is done determines your growth past the milestone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jcabantingvoices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jcabantingva
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheOfficialJCabs/
- Twitter: https://x.com/jcabantingva
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JustinCabantingVA
- Yelp: https://yelp.to/I6fU4YZ71W
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/justin-cabanting
- Other: https://linktr.ee/jcabantingva
Image Credits
Infinite Imagery Photography – Natasha Sachi
Sebastien Chiu Photography
Kyle Conemac Photography
Antonio “Toni” Reinaldo Photography
