Meet Justin Duval

We were lucky to catch up with Justin Duval recently and have shared our conversation below.

Justin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I only worry about the things that I can control. I try to leave the small sphere that is my influence better than I found it. This applies to little things like my backyard every time I step into it or my children as I drive them to school. In each moment we can find ways to improve our surroundings, those around us and ourselves. From a macro perspective I’m not sure people, or life in general, has a purpose but creating purpose is one of the things that makes us human.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I don’t have a brand. I realize in todays social media frenzy filled with dreams of being internet famous branding oneself is of the upmost importance. Its really not for me. I work professionally (mostly) in movies and TV and though this area is packed with those absorbed in the race to the top I find pleasure in creation. Whether I’m directing an independent film about robots circling the globe looking for purpose or lighting comedians for NBC television I look for the elements of my job that most take advantage of my skill set.

Season 2 was just announced for St. Denis Medical on NBC where I am the Gaffer and part time Director of Photography. This is a great show and an even better crew and cast. Most of us have been together for 10 years and some of us for even longer. It is a true pleasure to come to work. From the EPs to the PAs, you could not ask for better people.

At some point hopefully soon a movie I directed, produced and shot (not sure I can name it) will be released. I’m looking forward to that. The note above about robots is a reference to that film.

When I’m not creating cinema I build things and restore old things. I have multiple old houses that I have been painstakingly bringing back to life by hand. My architectural style that I have been rebuilding my main house in I describe as craftsman, nautical Japanese. Its a strange blend but it works.

The pandemic was incredibly productive for me. I built two buildings from scratch. One of these buildings houses my 1967 Porsche 911 that I restored and converted to an electric drivetrain. During this conversion I spent hundreds of hours welding on what at the time was a badly rusted vehicle that had been under appreciated for years. This ancient relic with a modern heart is my main source of transportation to Universal studios where we film the above mentioned St. Denis Medical.

My wife and I hope to open a cafe of some type in the next year or so which is something we really know nothing about. Unwise perhaps to venture into an unknown field BUT I have spent my life teaching myself new disciplines like welding, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics and electricity so why not take a swing at something else new.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most important skills I posses that helped me bring into creation all that I have are not beyond the reach of anyone.

Confidence is key. You must believe you can do something if you are going to do it. That isn’t to say you should jump blindly but you must have the belief that if you try hard enough you can do it.

Dont be afraid to be stubborn (or perhaps better described as PATIENT). Its important that when you come to a road block you don’t give up. Everything worth doing is going to have challenges that are difficult to solve. The harder the challenge the more rewarding the solution and the easier it will be to solve a similar challenge in the future. I tell my children that you should run toward a challenge and not away from it. Every time you push against the edge of your comfort zone that comfort zone expands. Don’t be too eager to get or do anything as waiting your turn is part of life.
If you’re looking for a career in the movies sometimes (especially if you don’t have a famous last name) the most important tool in your tool chest is just sticking around long enough. Patience…

The most valuable skill I have is that I pay attention. When I was a kid in the movie business I watched everyone from the director to the make up artist. I watched them all. I knew one day I would get a shot to sit in that coveted chair and I wanted to know how to do everyone else’s job. It wasn’t that I wanted to jump up and hold the boom mic but I wanted to know when they were doing it wrong or I was being lied to. Its important to spend more time listening than talking. Never stop paying attention and you’ll never stop learning.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

These are all good questions and I’m qualified to answer more than just one. Being overwhelmed is fascinating and something that holds many back from accomplishing tasks. In fact, it keeps them from even starting. If people could get past this doomed feeling they would be much more successful.

I’m overwhelmed all the time. Its my job to conceive, design and manage the build of massive lighting schemes on stages for TV and film. I’ve restored houses and cars that probably should have been scrapped. Writing a screenplay can be overwhelming. Where does one start? Somewhere in the southwest they have a saying, “the hardest part of the day is getting out of the yard”. You have to take that first step.

Chip away at everything. Compartmentalize your task. Don’t try to do everything at once. Be patient. Set little goals for yourself that are just barely out of reach but not totally. If you’re writing a screenplay, worry about one scene at a time. If you’re building a house, worry about one wall. If you’re climbing a mountain just get to that next false peak before you take a break. Look back at your day and be proud of what you DID accomplish but not disappointed at what you did not.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.duvaldp.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-duval-b1336226
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0245050

  https://justinduval.com