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The DMF With Justin Younts: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Justin Younts
The DMF with Justin Younts (Discovering Meaning in Film & Acting) is an acting and filmmaking podcast for actors and creatives. Host Justin Younts explores acting technique, audition tips, casting insights, career strategy, and the craft of film and theatre. Featuring actors, casting directors, and filmmakers, DMF delivers real-world advice to help you book roles, build your reel, and grow as a professional actor.
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- 5 days ago12 min
DMF Episode 340 — Tiffany Little Canfield (Part 3): The Academy Finally Recognizes Casting Directors & What It Means for Film
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I'm Justin Younts, and this is part three with casting director Tiffany Little Canfield of Telsey Company.This one is about something that's been a long time coming — the Academy Awards is finally establishing a casting branch, officially recognizing casting directors for their contributions to film. Tiffany has been part of the push to make that happen, and she talks about what that fight looked like, why it took this long, and what it actually means for casting professionals who have been working behind the scenes for years without that acknowledgment.We get into what the casting branch means going forward, how casting directors can now advocate for themselves and educate the industry about their role, and why every casting decision — not just the stars — is a creative one that shapes the entire film. Tiffany also talks about upcoming projects including Only Murders in the Building and Paradise.We close with Inside the Actors Studio questions.In this episode we discuss:The Academy finally recognizing casting directorsThe establishment of a casting branch within the AcademyWhy casting directors have been overlooked for so longThe creative role of casting in shaping a film's narrativeCollaboration with directors, producers, and actorsUpcoming projects: Only Murders in the Building & Paradise00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:05 - Recognition of Casting Directors 00:00:28 - The Role of a Casting Director 00:01:18 - The Process and Challenges 00:02:22 - The Journey to Recognition 00:02:38 - The Casting Branch 00:04:34 - Future Projects 00:05:12 - Inside the Actors Studio Questions 00:11:57 - Conclusion#DMF #TiffanyLittleCanfield #CastingDirector #Academy #Oscars #TelseyCompany #OnlyMurdersInTheBuilding #Acting #Casting #Filmmaking #Podcast
- 2 weeks ago30 min
DMF Episode 339 — Tiffany Little Canfield (Part 2): Casting Wicked — Ariana Grande, Michelle Yeoh, Cynthia Erivo & Jeff Goldblum
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I'm Justin Younts, and this is part two with casting director Tiffany Little Canfield of Telsey Company.This one gets into the specific casting stories behind some of the biggest films Tiffany has worked on — and she doesn't hold back. We talk about how Cynthia Erivo was cast as Elphaba, how Ariana Grande landed the role of Glinda, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, and Bowen Yang. We also get into the casting of A Most Violent Year, Miss Sloane, and Margin Call.Tiffany also shares her thoughts on AI and storytelling — why she doesn't believe technology will ever replicate what a human can convey in a moment, especially in the room. We talk about the art of auditioning, staying in character, and what it looks like to work inside the Telsey office on projects of this scale.In this episode we discuss:The casting of Wicked and the stories behind each roleHow Ariana Grande was cast as GlindaCasting Cynthia Erivo, Michelle Yeoh & Jeff GoldblumCasting A Most Violent Year, Miss Sloane & Margin CallAI and the future of human storytellingThe art of auditioning and staying presentWhat it's like working at Telsey on major productions00:00:00 - Introduction & AI in Storytelling 00:00:37 - The Art of Auditioning 00:01:33 - Staying in Character 00:02:21 - Working with Telsey Office 00:03:37 - Casting 'A Most Violent Year' 00:10:11 - Casting 'Miss Sloan' 00:12:54 - Casting 'Margin Call' 00:15:14 - Casting 'Wicked' 00:15:38 - Casting Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba 00:15:47 - Casting Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible 00:19:03 - Casting Ariana Grande as Glinda 00:26:44 - Casting Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard 00:29:11 - Casting Bowen Yang#DMF #TiffanyLittleCanfield #CastingDirector #Wicked #ArianaGrande #MichelleYeoh #CynthiaErivo #JeffGoldblum #TelseyCompany #Acting #Casting #Podcast
- 2 weeks ago26 min
DMF Episode 338 — Tiffany Little Canfield (Part 1): From Acting to Directing to Casting & What Actors Get Wrong
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I'm Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with casting director Tiffany Little Canfield for part one of our conversation.Season 6 is here. Tiffany Little Canfield is the perfect way to kick it off — a casting director who's been on both sides of the table and has a lot to say about what actors are getting wrong.Tiffany's path into casting wasn't a straight line. She started in acting, moved into directing — including work with opera singers — and eventually found her way to casting, where her directing background changed how she reads actors and scene work. That experience in the room as a director is something she brings to every project.We get into what a casting director actually does day to day, what it looks like to interview for those jobs, and how Tiffany thinks about actors differently because of her background. We also talk about the misconception around acting and fame, why continuous training is non-negotiable, how subjective casting really is, what self-tapes mean for the audition process now, and the biggest challenges actors are facing in the industry.In this episode we discuss:Tiffany's path from acting to directing to castingWhat casting directors actually doWorking with opera singers and how it shapes her approachThe misconception of acting and fameWhy continuous training matters at every levelThe subjectivity of casting and what that means for actorsSelf-tapes and how auditions have changedThe biggest challenges in the acting industry today00:00:00 - Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:00:28 - Early Life and Influence on Career 00:00:39 - Journey into Acting and Realization 00:01:57 - Transition from Acting to Directing 00:03:10 - Transition from Directing to Casting 00:09:02 - Understanding the Role of a Casting Director 00:09:45 - Interviewing for Jobs as a Casting Director 00:11:52 - Working with Opera Singers 00:13:21 - Understanding Actors and Scene Work 00:13:37 - Influence of Directing Degree in Casting 00:15:01 - Closing Thoughts on Actor Expectations 00:15:30 - The Misconception of Acting and Fame 00:17:08 - The Importance of Continuous Training for Actors 00:18:47 - The Subjectivity of Acting and Casting 00:22:04 - The Role of Self-Tapes in Auditions 00:24:29 - The Biggest Challenges in the Acting Industry#DMF #TiffanyLittleCanfield #CastingDirector #Acting #TelseyCompany #ActingTips #SelfTape #Audition #Filmmaking
- Mar 20, 202624 min
DMF Episode 337 — Brent Lindstrom: Writing Mistakes, Editing Your Book & Storytelling That Works
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I continue my conversation with filmmaker, producer, and author Brent Lindstrom as we dive into the realities of writing, editing, and building a career as an author.Brent shares his journey through writing what he calls “trunk novels” — early works that helped him develop his voice and understand the craft of storytelling. Through this process, he realized just how much there is to learn when it comes to structure, character development, and refining a story.We explore the two primary writing approaches — outlining vs. pantsing — and why Brent believes outlining can help writers avoid writer’s block and create a more efficient storytelling process.In this episode we discuss:• Common writing and editing mistakes authors make• How to edit your book effectively• Outlining vs pantsing in storytelling• Developing characters and narrative structure• The financial realities of being an author• Marketing your book and building an audienceBrent also shares lessons from writing his novel “Swing Low, Hangman of the Woods,” including the challenges he faced and how those experiences shaped his growth as a storyteller.This episode highlights the importance of patience, persistence, and continuous learning — whether you're writing your first book or refining your craft as a creative professional.Join us as we explore the writing process, editing strategies, and what it really takes to succeed as an author.🌐 Learn More About Brent LindstromVisit Brent’s website:https://lightmindedarts.com📖 Check Out Brent Lindstrom’s BookOne for the Money, Two for the Soulhttps://www.lightmindedarts.com/books/one-for-the-money-two-for-the-soul/00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:08 - Learning Editing and Storytelling00:00:52 - Two Kinds of Writing: Outlining and Pantsing00:03:21 - The Cost of Writing and Marketing00:03:21 - The Importance of Physical Books00:05:04 - Building an Audience and Brand Recognition00:10:17 - The Value of Multiple Formats00:12:56 - Reading vs. Listening to Books00:15:33 - The Impact of Technology on Reading Habits00:16:27 - The Shift to Short-Form Content and Its Effects00:17:09 - The Unique Experience of Reading00:18:22 - Publishing Strategies with Amazon00:21:05 - The Future: Writing, Podcasting, and Building a Film Studio00:24:04 - Conclusion and Call to Action
- Mar 17, 202627 min
DMF Episode 336 — Brent Lindstrom: The Truth About AI in Filmmaking, Editing & Creative Storytelling
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I continue my conversation with filmmaker, producer, and author Brent Lindstrom as we explore the intersection of filmmaking, technology, and creative storytelling.We dive into the real challenges filmmakers face during the editing process. Brent shares his experience spending hours editing every second of his short film while dealing with an unreliable computer that constantly crashed. After struggling through that process, he eventually built a powerful editing machine that transformed the way he works and dramatically improved his workflow.Our conversation also explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking. While AI tools can streamline certain tasks and assist with production, Brent emphasizes that technology should enhance creativity — not replace it. The craft of storytelling, directing actors, and building meaningful narratives still depends on human insight and artistic vision.In this episode we discuss:• The realities of film editing and post-production• How technology is changing filmmaking workflows• The benefits and risks of AI in film production• Maintaining creativity in an age of automation• Writing and developing complex characters• The importance of feedback when refining storiesBrent also discusses his book “One for the Money, Two for the Soul,” which explores powerful themes through storytelling and examines how creative work can balance artistic purpose with financial realities.Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, writer, or creative professional, this episode offers insight into navigating new technologies while protecting the core principles of storytelling.Join us as we explore the future of filmmaking and how creators can use new tools without losing the heart of their craft.Visit Brent’s website:https://lightmindedarts.comCheck out Brent Lindstrom’s book One for the Money, Two for the Soul:📖 https://www.lightmindedarts.com/books/one-for-the-money-two-for-the-soul/00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:05 - Editing Experience and Challenges00:01:44 - Discussion on Adobe Suite and AI00:01:54 - AI as a Tool, Not a Solution00:02:46 - The Evolution of Filmmaking00:03:18 - The Importance of Craft in Filmmaking00:05:20 - Discussion on the Book 'One for the Money, Two for the Soul'00:05:47 - Inspiration Behind the Book00:11:17 - Discussing the Characters in the Book00:16:00 - Character Analysis and Writing Challenges00:18:36 - Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing00:22:35 - The Importance of Peer Review in Writing00:25:08 - Writing Process and Routine
- Mar 13, 202628 min
DMF Episode 335 — Brent Lindstrom: Filmmaking Mistakes, Storytelling & The Business of Movies
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this episode I sit down with filmmaker, producer, and author Brent Lindstrom to discuss storytelling, filmmaking, and the business side of building a career in the film industry.Brent shares his journey from growing up in a small town in Utah — where many people doubted his dream of making movies — to building a successful career producing films and founding his company Light-Minded Arts.Throughout our conversation, Brent explains his mission to create family-friendly films and clean fiction that resonate with audiences across generations. He believes storytelling has the power to connect people, inspire empathy, and create meaningful entertainment without relying on sensationalism.In this episode we discuss:• The most common filmmaking mistakes creators make• Why filmmakers must understand the business side of movies• Building a production company from the ground up• Creating family-friendly and clean fiction films• Storytelling that connects with audiences across generations• Financial planning for filmmakers and creative entrepreneursBrent also talks about his book “One for the Money, Two for the Soul,” where he shares insights into balancing creativity with financial responsibility in the entertainment industry.Whether you're an actor, filmmaker, producer, or storyteller, this episode explores the practical lessons needed to navigate the complex world of filmmaking while staying true to your creative vision.Join us as we dive into storytelling, filmmaking strategy, and how to turn a passion for movies into a sustainable career.00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:09 - Guest Introduction00:00:38 - Early Life and Background00:01:22 - Initial Career Aspirations00:01:45 - Influence of Movies and Storytelling00:02:28 - Favorite Films and Filmmakers00:07:01 - Educational Background00:09:02 - Transition from Finance to Filmmaking00:11:33 - Establishing Light-Minded Arts00:11:42 - Discussion on Clean Fiction and Branding00:14:37 - First Steps into Filmmaking00:15:10 - Creating Own Curriculum for Filmmaking00:16:02 - Learning from Short Films00:16:22 - Keeping a Filmmaking Journal00:17:23 - The 10-Year Plan00:20:20 - Influence of Books and Learning00:23:19 - Balancing Theory and Practical Application00:23:39 - Filmmaking as a Team Effort00:24:43 - Specific Goals for The Matrix00:26:36 - Importance of Creative Vision and CollaborationCheck out Brent Lindstrom’s book One for the Money, Two for the Soul:https://www.lightmindedarts.com/books/one-for-the-money-two-for-the-soul/
- Mar 8, 20261h 6m
DMF Episode 334 — Leif Bristow: Cultural Storytelling, Filmmaking & The Power of Empathy
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in this full interview I sit down with Emmy-winning filmmaker and producer Leif Bristow to explore storytelling, empathy, and the power of film to connect cultures.Leif shares his filmmaking journey from Toronto to Alaska and eventually into international film production, explaining how travel and diverse life experiences shaped his approach to storytelling.At the center of our conversation is his latest project, “Dancing Through the Shadow,” a film based on the book by his wife Agnes Bristow, which tells the story of a family struggling during the Chinese Cultural Revolution.In this episode we discuss:• The power of global storytelling in film• Adapting powerful books into movies• Directing actors and building authentic performances• The role of empathy in filmmaking• Cultural perspective in storytelling• The challenges filmmakers face todayLeif also offers insights into working with actors, the importance of collaboration on set, and how filmmakers can create stories that resonate with audiences across cultures.This conversation highlights how film can bridge cultural divides, spark dialogue, and remind us of our shared humanity.Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, or film lover, this episode explores how storytelling can deepen our understanding of the world.Join us as we dive into filmmaking, empathy, and the stories that bring us together.00:00:08 - Introduction and Guest Background00:00:39 - Leaf Bristow's Early Life and Travels00:01:26 - The Importance of Cultural Understanding00:02:45 - The Power of Film in Building Empathy00:03:31 - Exploring Different Cultures at Home00:06:27 - Leaf Bristow's Film Career00:10:12 - Leaf Bristow's Early Interest in Arts00:10:16 - Incorporating Financial Knowledge in Filmmaking00:11:58 - Understanding the Capital Required for Filmmaking00:15:39 - The Art of Collaboration in Filmmaking00:16:20 - Leaf Bristow's Entrepreneurial Spirit00:19:35 - The Balance Between Career and Family00:21:27 - The Value of Practical Knowledge and Formal Education00:24:26 - Influence of Mentors and Wisdom from Various Sources00:26:54 - The Role of AI in the Film Industry00:30:19 - Transition into Directing and Setting Standards00:31:36 - Themes in Leaf Bristow's Films00:32:58 - The Power of Family-Friendly Content00:35:43 - Cultural Understanding in Filmmaking00:42:25 - The Challenges of Adapting a Book into a Movie00:46:10 - The Fear of Retaliation in Filmmaking00:47:04 - The Process of Adapting 'Dancing Through the Shadow'00:47:37 - Challenges and Decisions in Filmmaking00:48:41 - The Importance of Authentic Representation00:51:00 - Language and Cultural Barriers in Filmmaking00:52:15 - Filming Locations and Visual Effects00:53:52 - Directing Actors and Building Relationships00:58:14 - Working with Hallmark01:00:27 - Family Involvement in Filmmaking01:01:40 - Future Projects and Plans01:03:36 - Leaf Bristow's Daily Routines01:04:10 - Leaf Bristow's Physical Fitness Routine01:04:24 - Leaf Bristow's Current Reading Preferences01:04:56 - Leaf Bristow's Music Preferences01:05:14 - Leaf Bristow's Viewing Preferences01:05:32 - Contacting Leaf Bristow01:05:49 - Conclusion and Appreciation
- Mar 1, 202636 min
DMF Episode 333 — Leif Bristow (Part 2): The Dark Side of Hollywood & Why I Refuse to Glorify Violence
Welcome to The DMF — Discovering Meaning in Film and Acting. I’m Justin Younts, and in Part 2 of my conversation with Emmy-winning filmmaker and producer Leif Bristow, we dive into the ethical challenges of working in Hollywood and the values that guide his filmmaking career.Leif shares why he made an early decision to avoid projects that glorify violence or rely on exploitative themes. Instead, he focuses on the power of suggestion over graphic content, creating films that uplift audiences and emphasize resilience, strength, and meaningful storytelling.In this episode, we explore:The dark side of Hollywood filmmakingEthical film production decisionsFamily-friendly content in a competitive marketCreating strong female leads and role modelsProducing films with purpose and integrityEmpowering women through storytellingAs a producer of over 40 films, Leif discusses how his personal life — including being a father to daughters — has influenced his commitment to portraying women as strong, capable, and multidimensional characters.We also examine the broader question facing filmmakers today: Can you build a successful career without compromising your values?Whether you’re an actor, filmmaker, producer, or creative professional, this episode offers insight into maintaining integrity in an industry often driven by trends and commercial pressure.Join us as we explore how storytelling can inspire, empower, and create lasting impact.00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:05 - Transition to Directing00:00:18 - Personal Directing Philosophy00:01:51 - Preference for Family Friendly Content00:02:45 - Success of Family Friendly Movies00:04:15 - Making Movies for Hallmark00:05:06 - About the Aggies Book00:08:33 - Cultural Differences and Similarities00:10:35 - Relating to Other Cultures00:11:54 - Repeating Atrocities00:12:12 - Origin of Dancing Through the Shadow00:12:27 - Writing Process00:14:52 - Challenges of Making the Movie00:15:24 - Filming Challenges Due to COVID-1900:16:49 - Adapting the Book into a Movie00:21:48 - Choosing the Filming Locations00:23:39 - Directing Actors00:23:39 - Working with Family00:26:30 - Relationship with Jonathan Rhys-Davies00:28:00 - Working with Hallmark00:31:25 - Future Projects00:32:22 - Closing Remarks00:33:18 - Inside the Actor's Studio Questions00:35:21 - Contact Information and Closing
About The DMF With Justin Younts
The DMF with Justin Younts (Discovering Meaning in Film & Acting) is an acting and filmmaking podcast for actors and creatives. Host Justin Younts explores acting technique, audition tips, casting insights, career strategy, and the craft of film and theatre. Featuring actors, casting directors, and filmmakers, DMF delivers real-world advice to help you book roles, build your reel, and grow as a professional actor.
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