Writer-director-editor-producer Justin Simien believes all working and aspiring storytellers should have an artistic mission statement guiding them. Know thyself and know the industry, he advises, and stay in touch with the inherent joy of the creative process. “You should be thinking about the marketplace, you have to,” he tells listeners. “Most importantly, do you. Be clear about what that means.”

A student of theater in Houston and film in Los Angeles, Justin seeks to bring typically underrepresented Black and LGBTQ perspectives to the screen. He worked in social media and publicity before filming a crowdfunded concept trailer for what would become his breakout at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival: the critically acclaimed “Dear White People,” now also developed into the ongoing hit series on Netflix. Justin’s new film from Neon and Hulu, “Bad Hair,” is a horror comedy about an evil weave featuring an all-star cast. Check out his podcast, “Don’t @ Me,” here: www.justinsimien.com/podcast

For tips on creating a mission statement, stay tuned for this episode’s Backstage casting insider segment and click here: https://bit.ly/3koKNFO

Check out more advice from a life coach on Backstage’s The Slate here: https://bit.ly/38ywWul

And don’t miss this week’s print issue on the state of the industry today: https://bit.ly/3ngXOmO

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Backstage has been the #1 resource for actors and talent-seekers for 60 years. In the Envelope, Backstage’s podcast, features intimate, in-depth conversations with today’s most noteworthy film, television, and theater actors and creators. This is your guide to every aspect of acting, from voiceover and commercial work to casting directors, agents, and more. Full of both know-how and inspiration, In the Envelope airs weekly to cover everything from practical advice on navigating the industry, to how your favorite projects are made, to personal stories of success and failure alike. Join host Jack Smart, Awards Editor at Backstage, for this guide on how to live the creative life from those who are doing it every day: https://bit.ly/2OMryWQ

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Special thanks to...

- Host: Jack Smart

- Producer: Jamie Muffett

- Social media: Katie Minard, Alysa Cirelli

- Design: Mark Stinson, Caitlin Watkins

- Additional support: Kasey Howe, Samantha Sherlock, Benjamin Lindsay, Oriella St. Louis