Justin Robinson: Rising Filmmaker One to Keep an Eye On

When I think of the phrase, "Rising Filmmaker", there is but one name that always comes to mind: Justin Robinson. Since 2004, Justin's J-Rob Productions has turned out both comedic and dramatic short films, and if you haven't heard of him yet, I predict you will soon.

It was my pleasure to first meet Justin back in 2006 when he began to play basketball for the Covenant Christian Lions in Palm Bay, Florida. Soon, his older brother Jordan, was playing as well. The entire Lions team was always fun to cheer, but it was especially a joy to see these two brothers play so hard, and so well, both on and off the court. A few months later, during one of my daughter's parties at my house, a DVD was put into my hand and I would discover a whole new side of Justin.

"What's this," I asked, over the laughter and frivolity of the party around me.

"Some of Justin's films," the young person said. "He wanted you to have it."

"Justin?" I asked. "Justin Robinson? The Lion's point guard?"

In went the DVD and without even announcing it, the entire house of young people began to crowd around the screen to watch. As the comedic short films began to roll, we laughed and laughed. There were crazy basketball stunts, wacky moments at the beach, physical slapstick, practical jokes... just good, clean fun.

Over the past three years I've watched as Justin's films began to deepen and take on some more serious issues. Not that he's lost his humor. No, that's still in place. I rather enjoyed watching his High School Graduation ceremony. The just-under-4-minute video tells quite a bit about this fiery young man, his accomplishments and goals, and just when you think the whole ceremony is going to be serious, well, the comedy comes back much to the delight of the crowd in attendance.

Who is Justin Robinson?

There are a lot of things that make Justin Robinson who he is. He doesn't consider himself a "Christian filmmaker", but rather a filmmaker that seeks to tell the "whole story". He believes that God has called him to the area of filmmaking whether it contain action, violence, comedy or love.

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Remember

Some of Justin's filmmaking connects straight to my heart, and Remember is no exception. Focusing on a beloved older brother, Jordan, who lost his life to cancer, this piece is sometimes hard for me to watch. I remember being in the stands as much of the basketball footage was filmed. Seeing Jodan in his element, loving what he did, playing hard and playing well...wow. Truth is, I miss him. Jordan's earthly fight ended in August of 2008. Now he enjoys the company of the Savior he loved.

Remember by J-Rob Productions

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Fear

Though Fear is described as "a short film we shot on a whim while hanging out at the beach" it features a fantastic foot chase and an even greater discovery of Who can truly drive away fear. Jeff Robinson, Justin's brother, supplied the script. Voice overs, and fancy footwork... well, that would be Justin.

Fear placed first in the Red Carpet Film Festival and has also been featured at church and youth group events.

Fear by J-Rob Productions

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Traffic

In May, 2009, J-Rob Productions really ramped up the adrenaline with the two part release of "Traffic". The action and sometimes violent film takes aim at the subject of children being sold into sexual slavery. The film was shot in just two and a half days, yet has the look and feel of something that took much, much longer. The Traffic Teaser, contains chilling information such as, "Every minute, 2 children are sold into the sex trade."

Because of it's size, Traffic is divided into two parts. There are a lot of subtle details in this short film. (The scene with the finger bruising on the arm really freaked me out with its realism.) I recommend watching it in the HD, or high quality setting. Note: this might not be suitable for younger viewers.

* Traffic - Part One

* Traffic - Part Two

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Sword and Shield

Among my all time favorites is J-Rob's Sword and Shield, a short film about spiritual warfare with a basis on prayer. (Ephesians 6:12, 16-18) The use of sound effects, music and excellent camera work really set this one apart. Michael Gentillini, Jr (www.gvideoe.com/) directed the photography and co-edited the film.

Sword And Shield by J-Rob Productions

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What's next for J-Rob Productions?

I had the pleasure of speaking to Justin Robinson last night via phone where I learned that he is currently in production of Foxhole, a short film that will revolve around two soldiers -- one atheist, the other Christian. John 15:13 ("Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.") will be one of the key Scripture verses behind this war-themed drama.

It is likely that this 19-yr old filmmaker will have a premier showing of Foxhole both in his home state of South Carolina and (Yes, I'm really, really hoping) in Florida as well.

This J-Rob fan will certainly be there. Why, this J-Rob fan would like to recreate the scene that started this whole article out.

So, Justin, if you're reading this... I'm warming up the popcorn, friend. :)

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There are currently 46 videos available for viewing on J-Rob Production's YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/jrobfilms1

J-Rob's Official Website: http://www.j-robproductions.com/

If you like what you see, you can be part of the excitement by donating to the cause. J-Rob's Donations page can be found at: http://www.j-robproductions.com/make-a-donation.php