The DMF With Justin Younts

Justin Younts
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The DMF with Justin Younts is an acting and filmmaking podcast for actors, creatives, and filmmakers. Hosted by actor Justin Younts, this show explores acting technique, audition tips, industry insights, career development, casting perspectives, and the craft of film and theatre. Guests include actors, directors, casting directors, filmmakers, and industry professionals who share real-world advice actors can use to grow their careers. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, building your reel, or navigating life as a working actor, The DMF offers in-depth, research-driven conversations that

  1. FEB 11

    DMF Episode 330 — Jaze Bordeaux (Part 5): You Won’t Believe How I Almost Gave Up on Track!

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I continue my conversation with filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux as we explore the power of mindset, perspective, and personal growth — both in life and in the creative journey. During our discussion, I share a pivotal story from my own life that reshaped how I approach challenges. I talk about trying out for the basketball team and not making it — a moment that felt like failure at the time. That experience led me to join the track team, something completely outside my comfort zone. At first, I resisted it. I felt outmatched and overwhelmed. But over time, that discomfort became the very thing that pushed me forward. The turning point came during a crucial race when I realized my biggest obstacle wasn’t physical — it was mental. My perspective had been holding me back. Once I reframed how I saw myself and focused on my strengths, everything shifted — and I ended up winning. Jaze and I use this story as a springboard to discuss how mindset, resilience, and reframing failure are essential tools for filmmakers, actors, and creatives navigating the industry. This episode is packed with insights on perspective, growth, and how shifting your internal narrative can change your external results. Let’s dive in. Check out these links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/jazebordeaux⁠ 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:06 - Discussion on Previous Topics 00:00:46 - Personal Story: Track and Field Experience 00:09:24 - Lessons Learned from Track and Field Experience 00:10:25 - Applying Lessons to Life and Work 00:12:04 - Inside the Actors Studio Questions: Morning Routine 00:12:50 - Inside the Actors Studio Questions: Nighttime Routine 00:13:27 - Inside the Actors Studio Questions: Meditation Practice 00:15:07 - Starting Taekwondo and Reading Screenplays 00:16:20 - Listening to Music: Hans Zimmer 00:16:41 - Discussion on Movie 'Shame' and Favorite Hans Zimmer Track 00:18:41 - What are you Watching: TV Series 00:21:27 - Last Film Watched in Theater: 'Honey' 00:24:07 - Contact Information and Closing

    25 min

  2. FEB 8

    DMF Episode 329 — Jaze Bordeaux (Part 4): The Future of Women in Film & Non-Traditional Roles

    Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode we explore the evolving landscape of women in film — particularly in non-traditional and physically demanding roles — with filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux. In our conversation, Jaze shares his journey championing stories centered around women in combat sports and mixed martial arts — a concept that, when first pitched in 2016, was met with skepticism from distributors and industry decision-makers. At the time, many questioned whether audiences would support films featuring women in these kinds of physically intense, traditionally male-dominated roles. Despite the resistance, Jaze believed in the cultural and cinematic potential of these narratives and continued pushing forward. Today, the industry has shifted dramatically, with a growing wave of films highlighting women in combat sports and other unconventional spaces. We discuss: Women in non-traditional film rolesMixed martial arts films and combat sports cinemaIndustry skepticism vs audience demandProducing female-driven sports storiesIndependent film challenges during the pandemicFilm festival recognition and awards circuitsJaze also reflects on the success of his projects, which have earned over 30 awards — including honors at the prestigious Palladino D’Oro International Sports Film Festival. While accolades were never the goal, they stand as validation of the passion and perseverance behind these films. We also touch on the broader momentum building around stories like Queen of the Ring and Halle Berry’s MMA-focused work, signaling a larger industry shift toward inclusive, boundary-breaking storytelling. Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or film enthusiast, this episode highlights how persistence, vision, and advocacy can reshape what kinds of stories get told — and who gets to lead them. Join us as we explore the rise of women in combat sports cinema and the future of non-traditional roles in film. Check out these links: ⁠⁠⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/jazebordeaux 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Advocacy for Women in Non-traditional Roles 00:00:44 - Initial Resistance to Women's Mixed Martial Arts 00:01:50 - Market Reception and Success of Women's Mixed Martial Arts 00:04:20 - Accolades and Awards for the Film 00:07:40 - Experience at the Palladino Doro International Sports Film Festival 00:13:09 - Discussion on Short Film 'Starry Eyed' 00:15:08 - Character Development and Casting Decisions 00:16:32 - Involvement of Film School Graduates 00:17:35 - The Evolution of Storytelling and Directing 00:18:42 - Supporting Other Filmmakers and Directors 00:19:55 - Introduction to 'Let Go' 00:24:52 - Success of 'EFC' and Future Projects 00:26:06 - Introduction to 'Genesis' 00:26:13 - The Concept and Evolution of 'Genesis' 00:30:25 - Clarification on 'The Arrival' Reference 00:31:09 - Vision for 'Genesis' 00:31:17 - The Timelessness of 'Genesis' 00:32:17 - Advice for Storytelling 00:32:31 - Closing Remarks

    33 min

  3. FEB 6

    DMF Episode 328 — Jaze Bordeaux (Part 3): Physical Media vs Streaming & The Future of Movie Ownership

    Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux to dive into an increasingly important conversation in modern cinema: film ownership in the digital age. If there’s a movie you truly love and know you’ll want to revisit, should you actually own it? With streaming platforms constantly shifting licensing agreements, the risk of losing access to your favorite films is more real than ever. Imagine waking up one day to find your entire digital library gone — removed due to rights expiring or distribution deals changing. Jaze and I explore why taking action now to secure your film collection matters — whether that means investing in Blu-rays, DVDs, or platforms that allow true digital ownership rather than temporary access. In this conversation, we discuss: Physical media vs streaming Digital licensing and film rights The fragility of digital libraries Film preservation and collector culture The future of movie ownership Hybrid models of physical + digital access As actors, filmmakers, and cinephiles, the way films are stored, distributed, and preserved directly impacts how we study performances and access cinema history. Understanding ownership isn’t just about collecting — it’s about protecting the films that shape us. Join us as we break down the importance of owning the movies you love and what the future may hold for film libraries in an ever-changing industry. Don’t wait until it’s too late — let’s take control of our movie collections together. Check out these links: ⁠⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://x.com/jazebordeaux 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:06 - Discussion on Media Ownership 00:01:45 - Transition to Physical Media 00:02:16 - Creating Your Own On-Demand Service 00:02:59 - The Role of Plex 00:03:36 - Cross-Platform Media Consumption 00:04:02 - Transition to Filmmaking 00:04:07 - On-Set Experience 00:05:04 - Advice for Film Students 00:07:05 - The Importance of Acting 00:09:47 - The Work of an Actor 00:11:48 - Getting On-Set Experience 00:12:52 - Inspiration to Get into Film 00:15:13 - Communication Between Directors and Actors 00:16:21 - Collaboration with Actors 00:16:40 - The Role of Actors in Character Development 00:19:42 - Transition to Film Naming 00:20:06 - The Story Behind Film Naming 00:20:14 - The Inception of EFC 00:21:03 - Importance of Film Title 00:21:21 - Challenges in Film Naming 00:27:12 - Marketing and Audience Expectations 00:30:09 - The Origin of EFC

    32 min

  4. FEB 1

    DMF Episode 327 — Jaze Bordeaux (Part 2): Why Film Budgets Are So High & How Movies Get Overpriced

    Welcome to The DMF with Justin Younts (Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting). In this episode, host and actor Justin Younts sits down with filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux for an in-depth conversation about film budgets, production costs, and the realities of independent filmmaking. Have you ever wondered why some films — like Godzilla Minus One — can be made for a fraction of the cost of Hollywood blockbusters and still look incredible? In this episode, we break down why film budgets in Hollywood have become so bloated and how filmmakers in other countries are producing high-quality films with far fewer resources. Jaze Bordeaux shares insight into: Why film production costs continue to rise in North America How tax incentives and film subsidies impact where movies are made The differences between the U.S., Canada, and international film industries How actors, crew rates, and human capital affect budgets The challenges of digital rights, distribution, and streaming platforms What independent filmmakers can do to make smarter, more sustainable films This episode is essential listening for actors, filmmakers, producers, and creatives who want to better understand the business side of filmmaking. Whether you’re an actor trying to understand how budgets affect casting, or a filmmaker navigating production realities, this conversation offers practical, real-world insight into today’s film industry. If you’re interested in acting careers, filmmaking strategy, independent film production, or the future of cinema, this episode of The DMF delivers thoughtful, research-driven conversation that goes beyond the surface. Check out these links: ⁠http://jazebordeaux.com/⁠ ⁠https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/⁠ ⁠https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jazebordeaux 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:06 - Discussing Spec Scripts 00:00:27 - Improving the Film Industry: Budget Perspective 00:02:10 - Comparing Film Production Costs: US vs Asia 00:03:24 - The Lack of Unifying Body in the US Film Industry 00:05:35 - Causes of Bloated Film Budgets 00:10:06 - The Impact of Rushing Film Production 00:11:35 - Going Outside the System 00:14:20 - The Decision Against a Netflix-like Service 00:15:32 - The Emergence of Online Video Streaming 00:16:43 - The Challenges of Early Online Streaming 00:18:13 - The Future of Streaming: Predictions and Reality 00:19:45 - The Attempt at Independent Streaming 00:23:03 - The Problem of Digital Rights Management 00:23:39 - The Persistence of Piracy 00:25:15 - The Uncertainty of Digital Ownership 00:25:46 - The Resurgence of Physical Media 00:26:30 - The Issue of Licensing and Rights 00:28:40 - Closing Remarks

    29 min

  5. JAN 25

    DMF Episode 326 — Director and Filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux (Part 1): "Are You Making These Costly Filmmaking Mistakes?"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and today I had the pleasure of speaking with award-winning filmmaker Jaze Bordeaux. In this engaging conversation, we dive deep into Jaze’s journey from growing up in the United States to ultimately finding his true home in Canada. He shares his experiences moving through different states, the cultural diversity he encountered along the way, and how those experiences shaped his perspective as a filmmaker. We also discuss the importance of understanding the business side of filmmaking, especially when it comes to financing projects. Jaze emphasizes that every film is essentially a startup, requiring careful planning, clarity, and a solid financial structure. He encourages aspiring filmmakers to take their time developing their stories and to be precise and realistic about their asks when pitching projects. This episode is packed with practical insights and hard-earned wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of film production. Don’t miss these lessons that could save you both time and money on your filmmaking journey. 00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Presentation 00:00:42 - Guest's Early Life and Background 00:04:03 - Guest's Perception of American and Canadian Mindsets 00:06:36 - Guest's Appreciation for North American Diversity 00:09:38 - Guest's Entrepreneurial Journey 00:14:02 - Guest's Inspiration in Entrepreneurship 00:15:16 - Guest's Approach to Financing and Planning 00:20:37 - Guest's Learning Experience and Practical Advice 00:21:29 - Guest's Insights on Film Production 00:22:19 - Advice for Young Filmmakers 00:24:22 - Importance of a Clear Pitch 00:29:10 - Changes in the Film Industry Check out these links: http://jazebordeaux.com/ https://www.facebook.com/jazebordeaux/ https://www.instagram.com/jazebordeaux/ https://www.threads.net/@jazebordeaux https://www.tiktok.com/@jazebordeaux https://x.com/jazebordeaux

    30 min

  6. JAN 23

    DMF Episode 325 — Choreographer and Director Alexandra Beller (Complete Interview): "Are You Missing the Hidden Signals in Acting?"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with Alexandra Beller to dive deep into the role of movement in theater and performance. Alexandra breaks down how movement evolves organically through collaboration between actors, directors, and designers. She explains how the actor’s body, the director’s vision, and the text itself all interact to create a fully realized performance. Rather than treating movement as something added on, Alexandra emphasizes how it emerges naturally when those elements are truly in dialogue with one another. She shares insight into analyzing character dynamics and highlights the importance of timing in dialogue. Using examples from television, Alexandra contrasts the rapid-fire rhythm of shows like Gilmore Girls with the more spacious, emotionally driven pacing of This Is Us, illustrating how tempo and rhythm shape audience response. Alexandra also discusses the significance of space onstage—how proximity, distance, and physical orientation can deeply influence emotional stakes and storytelling. Her approach offers practical tools for actors to make clearer, more grounded choices that resonate with audiences. Whether you’re an aspiring actor or a seasoned performer, this conversation is packed with valuable techniques to deepen your craft. Join us as Alexandra Beller reveals how movement, timing, and physical awareness can bring authenticity, clarity, and emotional power to performance. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:17 - The Evolution of Movement 00:01:36 - The Importance of Timing 00:02:27 - Stylization and Its Impact 00:04:38 - The Role of Space 00:05:20 - Reading Characters 00:06:14 - Understanding Body Language 00:07:22 - The Role of the Director 00:07:57 - The Balance Between Instinct and Analysis 00:09:14 - Nonverbal Communication and Characterization 00:11:21 - Experiencing Film in a Meditative State 00:12:53 - The Influence of Different Forms of Theater 00:13:55 - The Concept of Constellatory Thinking 00:15:28 - Working with Directors 00:17:28 - Choreography and Directing 00:18:58 - Theater and Cultural Influence 00:21:18 - Praxis Space: A Creative Community 00:21:20 - The Anatomy of Art: A New Book 00:29:59 - Daily Routines and Practices 00:31:15 - Personal Health and Fitness 00:31:30 - Reading and Learning Preferences 00:32:07 - Music Interests 00:32:53 - Current TV Shows and Movies 00:33:23 - Discussion on Superman Movie 00:36:29 - Contact and Course Information Check out her website: ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/

    38 min

  7. JAN 18

    DMF Episode 324 — Choreographer and Director Alexandra Beller (Part 3): "Are You Missing the Hidden Friction in Your Acting?"

    Welcome to the DMF! I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode, Alexandra Beller takes us deep into the role of movement in acting and how it naturally evolves through collaboration between actors, directors, and designers. Alexandra explains that movement isn’t something imposed on a performance—it emerges from the relationship between body language, text, and the energetic exchange between characters. She talks about recognizing when something feels “off” in a scene and how that friction can actually be used as a creative tool to strengthen performance rather than something to avoid. Drawing from examples in television, Alexandra discusses how shows like Gilmore Girls and This Is Us use timing, rhythm, and dialogue to generate emotional impact. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and stakes, noting how a director’s guidance around movement can deepen narrative clarity and emotional truth. Throughout the conversation, Alexandra highlights how physical choices can reveal character intention and elevate storytelling. She also introduces her upcoming book, The Anatomy of Art, which explores the artistic process and includes practical exercises designed to help creatives grow through embodied practice. If you’re interested in how movement, energy, and intention intersect in performance, this episode offers valuable insight into how physicality can transform acting from the inside out. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:18 - Collaboration in Art 00:01:05 - Analyzing and Understanding Actors 00:01:37 - Interpreting and Directing Dialogues 00:02:51 - Stylization and Context in Film 00:04:39 - Reading Characters and Predicting Outcomes 00:06:12 - Understanding Body Language in Acting 00:09:14 - Interpreting Non-Verbal Communication 00:11:21 - Experiencing Film and Theater 00:11:50 - Engagement and Authenticity in Performance 00:12:54 - Influence of Global Theater on Work 00:13:07 - Working with Directors 00:13:55 - Constellatory Thinking in Directing 00:15:45 - The Role of Embodiment in Directing 00:17:30 - The Art of Choreography 00:18:58 - Influence of Global Theater Styles 00:21:21 - Praxis Space: An Artistic Community 00:21:22 - The Anatomy of Art: A New Book 00:21:22 - The Anatomy of Art: A Deeper Dive 00:25:47 - The Role of Directing in Acting 00:30:00 - Inside the Actor's Studio: Quick Answers 00:31:29 - Reading Habits and Preferences 00:32:04 - Listening Preferences 00:32:04 - Watching Preferences 00:33:16 - Discussion on Recent Movies 00:33:22 - In-depth Analysis of Superman Reboot 00:36:24 - Contact Information and Course Offerings 00:37:24 - Closing Remarks Check out her website: ⁠⁠ ⁠⁠https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/

    38 min

  8. JAN 15

    DMF Episode 323 — Choreographer and Director Alexandra Beller (Part 2): "Are You Ignoring the Dangers of Miscommunication in Acting?"

    Welcome to the DMF. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode, Alexandra Beller dives deep into the four categories of energy: weight, space, time, and flow—and how understanding these elements can radically transform an actor’s process. Alexandra explains that each category exists on a spectrum, and learning to work with them gives actors practical, embodied tools instead of vague direction. She addresses a common frustration performers face: when a director asks for something like “more aggressive” without explaining what that actually means. Alexandra breaks down how to translate those abstract notes into clear, physical choices that live in the body. She emphasizes that the body often understands things language can’t articulate, and that tapping into physical instinct leads to more truthful, grounded performances. Alexandra also shares her approach to directing, which prioritizes physicality, intuition, and energetic awareness over rigid intellectual analysis. Throughout the conversation, she explores how actors can use energy dynamics to deepen their work—whether in rehearsal, performance, or character preparation. Alexandra also discusses the balance between instinct and analysis, showing how both can coexist to elevate an actor’s craft rather than compete with each other. If you’re an actor looking to unlock new levels of creativity, presence, and expression, this episode offers powerful tools to rethink how you approach performance. Join us as we explore the language of energy—and how it can revolutionize your acting journey. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Understanding the Four Categories of Energy 00:00:38 - Interpreting Directing Terms 00:00:56 - Interpreting Directing Terms: Case Study 00:01:27 - The Limitations of Traditional Directing Terms 00:02:35 - The Role of Embodiment in Acting 00:04:10 - The Limitations of Vocabulary 00:04:41 - The Power of Body Language 00:06:44 - The Role of Contradiction in Acting 00:08:36 - The Importance of Balance Between Analysis and Intuition 00:11:04 - The Role of Analysis in the Creative Process 00:11:15 - The Role of Intuition in the Creative Process 00:12:57 - The Importance of Tasting the Work 00:14:08 - The Role of Animal Instincts in Acting 00:15:20 - Analyzing an Actor's Kinesphere 00:16:03 - The Case of Antonio's Song 00:16:51 - Using Animal Instincts in Character Development 00:17:42 - The Process of Character Movement Analysis 00:18:14 - Creating Character Profiles for Performance 00:19:08 - The Challenge of Multiple Characters in One Performance Check out her website: ⁠ ⁠https://www.alexandrabellerdances.org/

    36 min
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About

The DMF with Justin Younts is an acting and filmmaking podcast for actors, creatives, and filmmakers. Hosted by actor Justin Younts, this show explores acting technique, audition tips, industry insights, career development, casting perspectives, and the craft of film and theatre. Guests include actors, directors, casting directors, filmmakers, and industry professionals who share real-world advice actors can use to grow their careers. Whether you’re preparing for auditions, building your reel, or navigating life as a working actor, The DMF offers in-depth, research-driven conversations that

Information

  • Creator
    Justin Younts
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    333
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Justin Younts
  • Show Website
    The DMF With Justin Younts