Story & Lesson Highlights with Justin Cooper of Metro Los Angeles

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Justin Cooper. Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Justin, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
What makes me proud is knowing that CIRILO, A Legacy Untold is being recognized on a global stage, and that I achieved this mainly on my own terms. I produced, directed, wrote, and financed the film independently through my company, and despite the obstacles, it’s now Oscar-qualified and screening at respected festivals. That kind of traction, especially coming from a project that started as a pivot, makes me proud of my resilience, my creative instincts, and my ability to execute at a high level.

I’m also proud of how I’ve positioned myself not just as a filmmaker, but as someone who can move between Hollywood and international markets, consult on global productions, and still tell meaningful stories that matter. It’s not just about getting the work done. It’s about doing it with purpose and vision.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Justin O. Cooper. I’m a filmmaker, producer, director, and writer based in Los Angeles, and I run JOCMedia & Entertainment. My work spans both scripted and unscripted film and television, with a focus on telling culturally resonant stories that connect across borders.

What makes my company unique is that we operate with the flexibility and heart of an independent studio, while staying deeply connected to global conversations. I recently completed CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, an Oscar-qualified documentary short that I produced and directed. It’s been selected by several respected festivals, and it’s a project I’m incredibly proud of—not only because of its impact, but because I built it from the ground up.

Right now, I’m developing a feature film called The Bridge Between, which explores the relationship between Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos and Chicago-based businessman Cirilo McSween during the years leading up to the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. I’m also working on original television projects that range from legal thrillers to historical dramas to international docuseries. My goal is to continue building meaningful work that reflects a global perspective while staying grounded in powerful storytelling.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who taught me the most about work was my father. He showed me the importance of doing a good job and taking pride in one’s work. Those lessons were passed down to me on our family farm, where I learned early on that hard work, consistency, and attention to detail matter. Whether it was fixing equipment, tending to crops, or just showing up every day with purpose, my father made it clear that how you work is a reflection of who you are. Those values have stayed with me in everything I do.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
One of the defining wounds of my life has come from working in the entertainment industry, where being passed over or not selected for an opportunity can feel incredibly personal. It often hits like a direct rejection, especially when you’ve poured so much into your craft. I’ve learned to heal from those moments by allowing myself to feel the disappointment without burying it. Then I pivot. I regroup. And more often than not, I create something of my own that moves me forward in a different, often more rewarding direction. That process of turning setbacks into self-driven momentum has become part of how I grow. It reminds me that my path doesn’t have to be validated by gatekeepers to be real, impactful, or successful.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes, the public version of me is very much the real me, just a more curated version. What people see in my work, presentations, or at events reflects my values, drive, and creative voice. But like anyone, some layers live outside the spotlight. The private version of me holds the quiet moments, the doubts, the growth, and the long hours no one sees. Both are real. One speaks a little louder to the world, while the other keeps me grounded and honest about why I do what I do.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I moved with purpose, that I created work that mattered, and that I opened doors where there were once walls. I want to be remembered as someone who didn’t wait for permission to tell meaningful stories, someone who honored legacy while carving a new path forward. I hope they say I was generous with what I knew, that I reached back while reaching higher, and that I stayed true to who I was, no matter how far I traveled. More than anything, I hope they say I left something behind that helped others feel seen, heard, and inspired to keep going.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jocmedia.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinocooper/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinocooper/
• Twitter: https://x.com/JOCMediaEnt
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justinocooper/

Image Credits
All photos provided courtesy of JOCMedia