We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justin Patten a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Justin, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I’ve was called hard headed by most of the adults in my world growing up. There’s always been something in me that says if I want it, I will have it. That hasn’t always worked out of course, and it hasn’t always lead to a good ending, but it keeps me moving forward. I don’t even think I can take credit for it because there’s been a lot of times I want to give up. Times get tough, I feel like I’m spinning my tires in the mud and making zero headway, but somehow, somewhere, this thing stands up and shouts “We came all this way, are you giving up now?” I’m grateful for it, whatever it is. I wrestle with it, sometimes wishing I could take the easier path to an easier life, but that thing always wins out. I don’t know how things will shake out in the end but I do know I won’t be able to quit until it’s absolutely on my terms.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I work in film. For money I am a set dresser. For my goals I am a director. As a set dresser I’ve been able to work on some pretty big shows for big networks, two of the biggest being Bosch: Legacy for Amazon and Bookie for HBO. As a director I work with my husband, Mykell. He’s a writer, an actor, and a producer. Together we write short films. Currently we have two short films in post-production. I also shoot, light, run sound, fill in as the whole crew. This isn’t by choice, it’s by necessity. I would much rather hire my friends who are infinitely more talented than I am, but with the current state of the industry that isn’t always an option. It’s been good, it’s pushing me. I’m learning skills and getting intimately acquainted with the multiple facets of making a film. My hope is that when I am able to hire folks for crew I can communicate with them that much easier, and together we can really soar.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1) an open mind. Be ready to learn. There are tutorials everywhere to help. The more you learn about your craft the better you will become at it.
2) learn when to step away. Sometimes I find myself frustrated during an edit, or blocked on a paragraph, or even frazzled in the middle of a take when the sound is off and the light falls over, or whatever chaos may be happening. It’s only recently that I’ve realized its ok, and honestly better for the project, to step away. Just for a minute usually is enough. Recenter, collect your thoughts, and come back to look at it without the frustration.
3) ask for help. Even when I’m doing all the jobs on set I still have to remember I have limitations. I can ask for a hand, and that doesn’t take anything away from me.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking for folks to collaborate with! Anyone who loves what they do and has knowledge to support that love. Writers, actors, cinematographers, gaffers, grips, art department, set dressers, props teams, makeup, hair, EVERYONE. I need you! So if you’ve seen something in this that made you say “Hey I’d work with that guy” please reach out. And to my friends who already do these things: I’m getting better at asking for your help. Sorry it’s taken so long!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.agaproductions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_aga
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-patten-842b5759
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
