At the tender age of 23, Justin Morales had finally reached a milestone in his life, marking the culmination of a decade-long journey of self-discovery and perseverance. With a remarkable résumé boasting over a hundred jobs and residences in five states and three countries, Morales had gained invaluable life experience, which would eventually serve as the foundation for his pursuit of a dream career in filmmaking.
Despite having little formal training, Morales' passion for movies had grown exponentially over the years, fueled by thousands of hours of movie-watching and a deep-seated love for the art form. With an unwavering sense of ambition and a willingness to learn, Morales embarked on his first feature film project, which, although imperfect, showcased his determination and creativity.
The initial endeavor, though incomplete, caught the attention of industry professionals, including Dan Guachionne, a seasoned sound department expert who worked on notable films such as "Kate and Leopold" and "Spin City". Guachionne praised Morales' attitude and drive, stating, "It was his attitude and drive which inspired me." Although the project was not ultimately finished, it served as a valuable learning experience for Morales, who recognized the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the face of challenges.
Undeterred, Morales continued to pursue his passion, auditioning for a role in Brandon David's film, "King Midas". His hard work paid off, as he landed the part and gained valuable insight into the world of filmmaking, including production, acting, directing, and networking. The success of "King Midas" at the Woodstock film festival and its subsequent distribution straight to DVD opened doors for Morales, allowing him to shoot his 16mm short, "Achilles Heart".
At 25, Morales' experience and skills had grown significantly, as evidenced by his work on the Manhattan production of Stephen Daldry's, "The Hours". Inspired by this experience, Morales began planning an even more ambitious project, his second attempt at an independent feature. He formed a production company and shot "Forever", a 16mm film set in the Bronx, New York.
Since the production of "Forever", Morales has continued to make a name for himself in the industry, acting in the feature film "Six Figures", which was released in 2004. His remarkable journey serves as a testament to the power of dedication, perseverance, and creative passion.
