Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Usami
Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Nagoya, Japan to two wonderful, loving parents. Both my parents loved the arts and movies and helped nurture my appreciation for them as I grew older. At age 18, I graduated high school and moved to Santa Barbara, California where I was determined to become a singer/songwriter. Only to realize that I loved being on film sets with my friends more than I did writing music alone in my room. Like every other film student, I wanted to be a director. However, I came to the final conclusion that I actually enjoyed lighting a lot more. I got to serve the DP’s vision and creatively “paint” with light. However, the most fulfilling part of the job was getting my friends work and creating a safe, positive work environment.
This year, I’m incredibly honored to become a full member of IATSE Local 728, the set lighting technicians union, and to join Light Force Rentals, company run by the Durr family, who collectively has credits under shows like Euphoria (2019), Barbie (2023), and the Idol (2023) just to name a few. Since joining, I’ve been able to work with brands like Popsockets, Cosmopolitan, and Ross Simons Jewelry; as well as names like Nessa Barrett, The Outer Banks, The Dropouts Podcast, Alec Benjamin, and MAX. I’m honored to collaborate with some truly talented cinematographers and photographers here in LA, and I’ve been so blessed to be surrounded by incredibly gifted people who’ve helped me get to this point.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a bumpy road. While there were many tough times, I will highlight a time when my family was preparing for some difficult financial and familial times.
Without sharing too many details, there was a possibility that my family would lose most of our assets to the bank. While this was a stressful time for my family, it was an incredibly freeing moment in time for myself. I felt that I no longer had a choice but to succeed in what I chose. I had to make it work no matter what. Since then, I’ve been able to move to LA, become financially independent, and run my own business. I owed it to my parents and my family who’ve supported me and got me to where I am today.
I don’t think I have worked as hard as these past couple years, and that is a testament to the love I have for my family, and all the love and support they have for me.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Umami Lighting?
At Umami Lighting, we provide lighting solutions for film, television, and editorial photo. We pride ourselves in the efficiency and ease we bring to our cinematographers, photographers, and producers. In the ever challenging environment of the entertainment industry, we strive to be as upfront and transparent about costs, schedule, and personnel. We understand the difficulties that arise during productions and do our best to provide our clients with the most “tasteful” outcome in both product and client relations.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My team is the entire reason for the success of my business. The Key Grip I work with, Gerardo “Lalo” Montes, is not only an exceptional grip, but an even greater leader in how he manages and cares for his team. My Assistant Chief Lighting Technicians Liam Webner and Brady Berryhill, just to name a few, not only watch my back but advocate for the teams that we hire. The Set Lighting Technicians that dedicate their time, attention, and labor are all incredibly hard working in how they tackle difficult situations. I’ve been blown away by the ingenuity that my team brings to the table, and I am incredibly proud I get to work with every person I collaborate with.
The mentors that back me and my team are another reason for our success. Leigh Mierke is the reason I am in the union and has always been patiently teaching me the best ways to work as a set lighting technician. All of my discipline is thanks to his teachings and encouragement. Francis Butler continues to be a great example of what an efficient CLT/Gaffer and responsible leader looks like. It is because he has worked in the trenches that he understands how to efficiently lead and advocate for his crew no matter the circumstances. Danny Durr invited me to join Light Force Rentals, a rental business and gaffer support program that he started with his father Tim Durr. The Light Force team not only takes care of all my paperwork they help with loading and unloading my gear which allows me truly focus on the job at hand and to be fully present with the cinematographers and photographers that hire us. Without my mentors, I truly believe I wouldn’t be in the position I am in today, and I have them to thank.
Pricing:
- With varying production scales, we do our best to taylor our prices to your production needs. Please reach out to us at [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.umamilighting.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinusami/
Image Credits
Duy Nguyen
Mekhi Turner
Bowen Moreno
Sydney Gawlik
Miles Murphy
Jo Choi
Megan Lee
Grace Tom
Grant Decyk
Kevin Kim
