A little about me…

Origin Story
West Virginia born and bred. I’ve lived in Kanawha, Putnam, Marion, and Harrison counties. I got my undergrad at WVSU but was fortunate to be able to broaden my horizons by earning my Masters degree in the north of England where I lived for three years. After my visa ran out, I came back home to tell stories.

Me, in a nutshell
I love being behind a camera 🎥, hiking trails 🍃, drinking whiskey 🥃, and being barefoot as much as possible👣. Also, I’m a member of the LGBT community 🏳️‍🌈, I love to travel ✈️, and I’m a highly introverted INTJ so after a day of being social I probably need time to recharge 🪫.

I’m proudly West Virginian. My Appalachian roots have defined my ethics, my work, and every aspect of how I do business. Authenticity and honesty are my top values.

Work Experience
I’ve worked on many TV shows, films, and countless local and national commercial campaigns. I was a founder and partner of a creative studio and spent a decade there building a strong brand and team which I led through many successes. Over the last 10 years I’ve written dozens of scripts; produced, directed, shot, and edited hundreds of videos; managed client relations; built workflows and processes; and provided quality control over production and brand messaging. I’m still known primarily as a Director of Photography, though. Click here to see a two minute reel of my work!

Master of Arts (MA) in Filmmaking
Leeds Beckett University (2013)

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Communications
West Virginia State University (2010)

Certifications
Aputure Lighting Certification (2020)
sUAS Pilot Certification (2016)
Light Iron Expert DIT Certification (2014)
Level II Final Cut Pro X Certification (2013)

Recognition
Impact Award, WVFF (2016)
Student Academy Award (2014)
Royal Television Society Award (2014)
Audience Choice, Colony Film Festival (2017)
Best Film, Cut to the Chase (2017)
Best WV Film, WVMSFF (2016)
Best Film, Cut to the Chase (2016)
Semi-Finalist, Thailand Int’l Film Destination Fest (2014)
Semi-Finalist, Thailand Int’l Film Destination Fest (2013)
Best Student Film, WVMSFF (2011)
Best Narrative Short, WVMSFF (2010)
Best Student Film, WVFF (2010)

Involvement
Board Director, The West Virginia Filmmakers Guild (Present)
Board Member, The Cultural Foundation of Harrison County (Present)
Judge, Mtn Craft Film Festival (2024)
Graduate, Leadership West Virginia (2023)
Founder/Director, Mtn Craft Film Festival (2023)
Board Member, AAF WV chapter (2018-2019)
Festival Editor, WV Filmmakers Festival (2013-2016)
Judge, South Georgia Film Festival (2021)
Judge, Cut to the Chase (2018)
Advisor, WVIFF “WV Wednesdays” programming

Full service video production, plus hirable for camera department, DIT, or color work.

📣 Holler at me!

✉️ justin@backporch.pictures
📱 (304) 549-6556
📍 Clarksburg, WV