Rising Stars: Meet Justin Heinz of Denver Cap Hill

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Heinz.

Hi Justin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I had just graduated from college, I studied music production/ composition. I knew that I wanted to get into acting but I wasn’t really sure what steps to take. I reached out to an old teacher of mine and we started talking about the possibilities of working together one on one, he became a mentor to me. We would go through acting exercises and different techniques, basically having an acting workshop for two and half years. With acting being my main pursuit, I would study and watch and rewatch certain actors and their styles. I also started learning about the writing side of things and filmmaking as a whole, I wanted to know how it all worked. Learning about storytelling and the type of characters I’d like to play. It was really a formative time for me.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t always a smooth road but it was worth the struggles that came with it. I finished my studies with my mentor and relocated to Denver in 2014. Right away I started going to auditions and trying to get my foot in the door anyway I could. I started visiting the Colorado Film School regularly and soaking up any information that came my way. Learning the audition process and navigating the challenges of how things are cast, not hearing back right away, wondering if you did good in the audition are all part of the learning experience of it. I remember the struggles of being in LA and having no clue what to expect, trying to make something happen. When things started happening and I was getting roles and making films, looking back at the journey that I experienced, it was all worth it and I wouldn’t change any of it.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an actor, filmmaker and composer. I’ve been at it for a while now and I’ve been able to work on some great projects. As an actor I want a challenge and want to go full on and dive in. When I take on a role I dedicate everything I have to it and try to bring the character to life and make it something unique, special and memorable. I’m really proud of the films I’ve been able to make, produce, act in, compose the score, direct. In collaboration with my dear friend Tim Navarro, having explored many different worlds and characters together. From a WW1 veteran who’s mental perception is crumbling to a fashion designer who’s ego gets him into a world of dark, seedy trouble, to a story about three friends and a key lime smoothie and all the wild stuff that happens to them, I’m very proud of these projects. I want to always keep pushing forward for the next project and apply the knowledge I’ve gained from past experiences but also continue to learn as much as possible and keep collaborating.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was always playing hoops or hanging with friends, A few of them I’m still close with today. I was artistic, always had an interest in making things. I had an early interest in music, learning bass and drums. My friends would describe me as fun and energetic but also a deep thinker. I would see something and imagine a story behind it or some kind of made up situation, always coming up with something.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @shadesofenso