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Long Game: A Heated Rivalry Podcast is a re-watch and deep-dive podcast dedicated to Heated Rivalry, hosted by Declan and Silvan. In each episode, we revisit key moments across the series, unpacking the slow-burn tension, character development, and emotional beats that make the heated rivalry world so compelling. Through thoughtful discussion, close reading, and a fan-informed lens, we explore themes of competition, intimacy, identity, and growth over time, celebrating not just the heat of the rivalry, but the long game it takes to truly understand these characters and their relationship.
New episodes published every Sunday
Silvan (00:00)
Hi everyone, welcome to Long Game, a heated rivalry podcast. My name is Sylvan, and I'm not joined with Declan today. He is working on a very special project, but I am joined by a very special guest, Justin Stanek
Justin is an actor and musician based in LA and has been blowing up on my FYP since he starred in the vertical movie Next Door, which was directed by Carolyn Plyler, who we've had the pleasure of speaking to on the podcast a few months ago. So thank you so much for joining me on the podcast, Justin.
Justin Stanek (00:34)
Yeah, of course. Thank you so much for having me. Happy to be here.
Silvan (00:38)
Yeah, and it's such a treat because when we were talking to Caroline, she was saying the nicest things about you. And Declan and I were like, How do we get Justin on the podcast? Like, when can we make this happen?
Justin Stanek (00:49)
I love Caroline with my whole heart and she's the best person ever and so talented. So yeah, I'm so happy that this got to we got to work this out. 'Cause it's been like a a little bit. We've been trying to like schedule and things are happening. So happy we finally made it work.
Silvan (01:06)
Me too, and I'm gonna ask you lots about Caroline and your experience on Nextdoor a little later. But for those people who aren't maybe familiar with you, first of all, Please get on Justin's Instagram and TikTok. I'll put the links down later in the description box.
It's so varied, it's so funny, and it's so quintessentially you.
Justin Stanek (01:30)
I really appreciate that. Yeah, I with social media, I feel like there's like an Instagram personality and then like a TikTok personality. and mine are very, very, very different. but yeah, I d I like I love the aspect of social media and just kinda like being able to show a little bit more about like who I am and I'm a really unserious person, believe it or not. So yeah, if you're into that kind of stuff.
Check out my TikTok.
Silvan (02:01)
I feel it takes
like a really funny person to be that unserious on social media to really put yourself out there.
Justin Stanek (02:10)
Yeah. You know what? It it it took me a little bit. like I think I started posting very frequently on TikTok like two years ago. And I was so afraid that people would find it that I would like block everyone in my life. eventually that didn't work and you know, someone found out. But it's like it it was so freeing. Like the saying, you know, to be cringe is to be free.
I love that and I live by that. but also yeah, it's just like it's fun to like get to I at least me as an audience member for you know, people that I love, that aren't just like social media people like actors or whatever. It's cool to like see them kind of be like be normal people. So I decided to get to it.
Silvan (02:59)
Absolutely. And and speaking of acting, so a lot of people will sort of be familiar with you from your work as an actor. I wonder if you can tell me how you got into acting to start with.
Justin Stanek (03:11)
Yeah. so my I'm one of six kids in my family. So I'm like number four. my oldest brother and my older sister were both really into musical theater. so like growing up I wanted to be a gymnast. like I was I would go to like gymnastics until I was twelve and I hurt my
Ankle one practice and I like took a break and never went back. But I was really inspired by my two older siblings who were doing theater at the time and I was like, Well, I think I want to try that out. and so I think my first project was like it was called Mother Goose Pocket Full of Rhymes and at a community theater and it was the most fun ever. I had a show on my birthday, like I just I f instantly fell in love with it.
And then after that I did like a bunch of community theater throughout high school I did a bunch of theater and yeah and then I wanted to go to school like college for theater and I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. if you're I don't know if you're familiar with like at least like in America, the like theater audition process is
So cutthroat, you they accept like twelve people from like thousands and thousands of applicants and people get like coaches and they they practice their rep for years leading up to their auditions. I didn't know any of that. needless to say, I didn't get into the two schools that I applied to. and I was like, Okay, well, you know what? Like life is life and that's the end of it. And so I went to school for advertising.
and then my sophomore year of college was like when things were kind of opening up after like COVID and everything. And I got a like casting call through like opportunities in my college for a Penn St like I went to Penn State, so it was like a Penn State commercial. So like, yeah, you know what? I'm I would love to do that. So I sent in my senior pictures from my senior year of high school and they were like, Yeah, come in for an audition. So I then
did not audition and did a callback and I landed the role of greenhouse student. which I got paid for, which was less like I was like, my gosh, this is crazy. Like I get paid. And now now being like further in the business and I'm like, I I got paid nothing. But like at that time I was like five hundred dollars. I was like, that's crazy. and I was like on set for like three days and like
Like was like an overnight shoot in like a greenhouse. And and I was like, my gosh, this is crazy. This is amazing. For how long we shot, I was in that commercial for maybe two seconds. But
Silvan (06:08)
No way,
Justin Stanek (06:10)
but it was r so cool and it made me fall in love with film because just seeing the amount of work that goes into two seconds of something was so interesting to me. And I love the fact that I could like mess up and we could go again.
And I loved just kinda yeah, I mean like obviously like commercials aren't the same as like narrative acting or anything, but yeah, that really inspired me to get into to T V film, so I did a bunch of student films and then my junior year I did like a year long film. So we filmed throughout the entire year and the casting crew of that were like, You're really good. Like you should you should think of like
maybe doing this. And I was like, really want to, but like I don't like, would that ever work? And they're like, I don't know. I mean, like, it's weirder things are ha have happened. and so then I used that footage to apply to or to submit to agencies around me. And I got signed to an agency in Pittsburgh where I'm from. And then from then on I was like, well, I'm gonna try this. And so yeah, long, long story short, it started with a little commercial and here I am.
Silvan (07:26)
That's amazing. I feel like there's a lot of actors who started out with commercials, especially like child actors. And I know Jennifer Lawrence started in commercials as well, so you're in good company, I think.
Justin Stanek (07:37)
Yeah. yeah. Love commercials. They're fun. Not too serious.
Silvan (07:39)
Yeah.
And you can definitely get the musical theatre vibe from your socials and I wanna ask you a little bit later on that and especially
Justin Stanek (07:50)
Okay.
Silvan (07:50)
about your music as well. But I suppose I was wondering was there a moment where you thought Yes, I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna pursue this professionally. This is this is what I'm going to do.
Justin Stanek (08:02)
Yeah, I think well, I have kind of two times. So one was during that year long thesis film that I w I was a part of. the producer of that, his name's Sebastian Reyes. He's so talented. he's like editor DP, like does everything. But he was a producer on that and he would drive me to and from set.
Just 'cause like they needed people to be there on time and have a car. Like if we were going places outside of college, like I mean I'd I there was no way for me to get there. but I remember he's dropping me off at my house one night and he was like, I really think I really think you should pursue this. Like, do you think you'll pursue this after you graduate? And I was like, I really want to, but I don't know, Seb. Like I don't I don't know if that's in the cards for me. And he's like, I think I think you should. And that's the first time I started like really considering it.
and then I think
Once I had I booked a a show, like a guest star on like a true crime, you know, TV show like anthology kind of thing. the same thing where I was like in it for like maybe a minute or two, but like I had lines and it was like on cable TV and I was like, Wow, like I can I can do this. I got to go to New York to shoot it. and I was like this is yeah, I'm doing this.
But yeah, I think I knew I was gonna move to LA at some point. I was gonna give myself a year after graduating college. And then yeah, I just had a friend who was like, Hey, my roommate's moving out. Who lives in LA? who was my roommate's moving out in August. I don't know what your timeline is, but room's yours if you want it. And I was like, Well, that's my sign. And
Yeah, I moved here. It's gonna be a year on August twenty sixth on Wednesday. that I moved to LA. And it's just been the craziest ride. And I don't think like I'm w I'm where I'm supposed to be, you know? That's how it feels.
Silvan (10:19)
Yeah, I've only been to LA once and that was like fifteen years ago. What was
Justin Stanek (10:24)
Mm.
Silvan (10:25)
actually moving from Pittsburgh to LA like for you and then acclimatizing to to LA life? 'Cause it's very different.
Justin Stanek (10:35)
so okay, the first time I the first time I was in LA was in the eighth grade for a robotics tournament. and it was like I I remember thinking I'm gonna live here at some point. I'm gonna live here one day. And my mom was with me on that trip and she was like, No, you're not. I won't let you do it. Because I'm very close with my family. I'm very, very close with my mom and my dad. doesn't happen.
but yeah, I'm I mean like I knew graduating college that I was gonna do it at some point. but I also didn't want to set myself up for failure financially. So that's why I did stay in I worked in corporate as like a graphic designer for a year. I lived at home with my parents and saved like every penny I could. and then I I bought a car.
And then I shifted out here and I was like, okay, now I have almost no money but enough to like survive for a little bit. and it was like I it was soul crushing to like walk into the airport and turn around and see my mom just like bawling. And I was like, What if I don't see like what if I don't see them again? Like my mom's like, you can always come back. and that was the thing, like
I was so nervous to go, but my parents were s and are so supportive. And they're like, We like very clear, we don't want you to go. We don't want you to leave. But like we believe in you and you need to try this. Like you need to you need to give it your own into this. And so yeah, I mean, I still call my parents every day. I miss them so much. but it was just yeah, the the adjustment here, thankfully I knew a lot of people from
College and so it's been great. but it's a grind. It's a grind every day. and it's tough. Like and there's always something that's gonna go wrong. Like my car, of course, you know, just bought it. a year ago, there's like I had have some things wrong with it, so now have to spend like thirty four hundred dollars on it. And it's like there's always something, but that's part of the journey, and if it was easy, everyone would do it. So that's what I keep telling myself.
Silvan (12:58)
Yeah, and that's such a sweet story as well, how you know, your mum didn't want you to go, but she was almost cheering you on. I wonder what, you know, the reaction from your siblings has been like since you've been out there. I mean, one of six, that's that's a lot of cheerleaders to have.
Justin Stanek (13:16)
they're the best. I I miss them so much. We're all so close. a lot of times I think, like, how did I get so lucky to have a family like them? and also in the same vein, it's kind of like a blessing and a and a curse because it's like I love them so much that it hurts so much to not not be there. But they really are the like my biggest cheerleaders.
every time I, you know, have something come out, I'll send it to our family group chat. And like, my gosh, it's so good. And three of my siblings have visited me visited me already. my sister has been out here twice. She's coming again at the end of October because we're gonna go see the Phoebe Bridges concert at the forum. So it's like I'm never away from family for too long, which is great. and
I still go home for work every now and again. So it's like I get the excuse to see them and my brother had a baby right before I left, him and my sister in law and my niece is like the she's just like the cutest thing ever. She started to like walk now and yeah, I just I miss them all and they're all so amazing, but also very supportive and and I love it.
Silvan (14:39)
Yeah, I think a lot of people will resonate with your story and you know, leaving home, travelling long distances, being away from friends and family and just literally starting a new life somewhere completely out of your comfort zone.
Justin Stanek (14:52)
Yeah, yeah. And that's so true. Yeah, it w it literally is a completely new life. like I did ha like in college I had the best experience. I have the best friends, and I I my gosh, I miss my friends from college so much. but it's like I've never felt more fulfilled or like content with my life than I have since I moved here. and you know, like moving here was so so scary.
but I had booked as soon as I got here, I booked that I guess technically it's a commercial, but it's like a very narrative commercial where it all began. That's on my it's on my Instagram if you want to go take a watch. but that was in North Carolina, so or South Carolina. So I like
Moved here, I was like, my gosh, I'm never gonna be back on the East Coast and then immediately booked that. But it was like that was such a you're in the right place, you're doing the right thing, universe is telling me you're gonna be okay kind of kind of deal for me. and that was just yeah, that was a great shoot too. It was an amazing shoot.
Silvan (16:07)
Yeah, I almost have visions of you doing like an Audrey Hobart and bringing all your siblings round to like shoot
Justin Stanek (16:14)
I will do that.
Silvan (16:16)
right? Have you seen her new music video? That's what she did.
Justin Stanek (16:18)
yes,
I am. I love Audrey Hobart. Gee And you know what? I have been on that wave since I moved to LA. That was like when I would drive when I had no job, was doing nothing. I would just drive around listening to her to Who's the Clown. And now now this summer everyone's like listen to her. I like, You're late. You're late. Yeah.
Silvan (16:36)
Right right.
I was obsessed with it last summer. Nobody I knew
Justin Stanek (16:40)
it's time.
Silvan (16:40)
was listening to it. I saw her two days ago in London. She played a festival here.
Justin Stanek (16:47)
wow, okay. You're lucky. I didn't get to see her in coffee yet.
Silvan (16:49)
She's so good. She's so so good. Like and the commitment to like the stilts and the trampoline and everything. Like the woman can put on a show.
Justin Stanek (16:57)
yeah. I know. Her vocals are amazing. Her time desk was
so good. wow. Yeah. I love
it.
Silvan (17:04)
Please
go see her. I think she's coming back and touring in the States this fall. So
Justin Stanek (17:09)
I so will, whatever I get a chance.
Silvan (17:11)
Hundred. but yeah, I just had visions of you like gathering your siblings, putting them in one of your projects and being like, right, this is my family, right?
Justin Stanek (17:19)
I so will. And you know what? Four out of the six them were big theater kids too. So like they could they could probably deliver some lines. I have full confidence. My sister's a wonderful actress. she didn't pursue it, but she's amazing, so
Silvan (17:34)
I mean get your sister her SAG card and you know, you'll be the favourite.
Justin Stanek (17:38)
I so will. my gosh. That would be so amazing. I w I want my sister to come live with me. That would be the best.
Silvan (17:45)
And one of the things you were talking about was, you know, traveling to South Carolina. I wonder what it's like for you to sort of book a project sort of very quickly and have to travel and almost be camera ready like all the time.
Justin Stanek (17:58)
yeah. It's it's really, really stressful. Especially like a lot of the stuff that I've done, like my shirt is usually off at some point. so it's nerve wracking to like always have to be on. but in a sense, like I think it's good. It keeps me accountable. not only just for like how I look, like obviously like that's something you have to consider, but I think it like keeps me
I need a routine, I need to stay healthy, I need to be, you know, in good health. forever. but yeah, I mean I think booking things on a whim has it's happened to me quite a bit. but I love to travel. I think if I ever get to travel for things, it just makes a job like two hundred times better.
Or like get to be on location somewhere. Like it's just yeah. I I I love that aspect of the job.
Silvan (18:58)
Yeah, those are the perks of the job, surely. Now when someone sort of walks up to you or someone introduces you to somebody else, do you tell them I'm an actor? Like how at what point are you in your career where you say that?
Justin Stanek (19:13)
You know what? Yes, I do. And that's not because I'm like I I think I'm still trying to convince myself that 'cause like I do t I have you know, I have my day jobs that I go to to pay the bills. you know, I like obviously that's the goal for anyone who's an actor is like you want to be able to live off of that, but that's not my reality right now. I
I know like I know in my heart in the future it will be, but just now right now. right now though I am working on trying to say when someone asks me what do you do? Especially in LA, it's a lot easier to be like, I'm an actor. And but my knee-jerk reaction is to say, or at least trying to be. And I'm and I'm really trying to work on st I'm gonna stop saying that because it's like like what is it to say you're an actor? 'Cause like inherently like I
I get paid to act. That makes me an actor. I I act in commercials. Like you can pull up you can pull up a show on HBO Max and I'm there. Like that I think that makes you an actor. And I think it's like a difficult thing to like am I is it pretentious to call myself an actor when I'm like not only doing acting or like what what does make an actor is like the the question. But I think
Starting to say that over and over, like, I'm an actor, I'm an actor, I'm an actor. it just makes me more confident in what I'm doing. 'cause it it used to feel like a lie and now it doesn't. Yeah. It feels like the truth.
Silvan (20:54)
Yeah. I feel like once I can sort of like IMDB you, I feel like you're an actor.
Justin Stanek (20:59)
Right,
exactly. My brother my brother is a a physical therapist, and he does a lot of like home health stuff. So he goes into like people's homes who can't make it to you know, appointments in person and he's like, yeah, I tell my patients about you all the time and they're just so intrigued. They're like, You're a real actor because you have an IMDB. And I'm like, you know what? Okay, I'll take it.
Silvan (21:28)
That's such a proud brother moment for him as well. Like
Justin Stanek (21:31)
Yeah.
Yeah. I mean he tell yeah, him and my sister in law tell me all the time how proud they are of me and I mean I'm so proud of them. Like they are wonderful parents and just like amazing people and their daughter's just she's gonna be s amazing and yeah, I just another reason why I'm like man, I wish I wish I was home for to be able to like experience that with them. But I try to do like do things, you know, like you know, text people.
people whenever I can. For my niece, every time I'm like on location somewhere, I'll buy a postcard and like tell her what I'm doing and I'll send it to their house so that they can like 'cause like I don't want to like grow up and not know who I am, you know? So I try to like do something sweet like that every time I'm somewhere.
Silvan (22:17)
You are definitely the favourite uncle, I feel. That's that's what I do with yeah, like
Justin Stanek (22:20)
I hope so. That's the goal. That's the goal. There's a lot there's a lot of them. There's
Silvan (22:25)
I I'm all about bribery with the kids.
Justin Stanek (22:28)
Yeah. I mean there's three other uncles, so and a and an aunt. So like yeah, Aunt Libby's probably gonna be the favorite. I already know it's okay.
Silvan (22:37)
So okay, when you take them to the first pre their first premiere, you will trump Libby.
Justin Stanek (22:44)
And that's the goal.
Silvan (22:44)
telling
you. as you were talking, I was thinking about the the realities of being an actor and you were talking about having a day job and you know moving around and things like that. I mean how much of being an actor is actually acting because you talked about doing so many other things as well.
Justin Stanek (23:02)
Yeah, I mean like I th this is like a cliche kind of saying I guess, but like auditioning is the job. I yeah, I mean like between commercial auditions and you know like regular theatrical stuff, I mean it's usually like three or four a week that I have to get done and then on top of that I I cater waiter, which is
Honestly it's r it's a really great gig and I get to work a lot of premieres and cool events and meet cool people and and with that it's like you're face to face with a lot of, you know, celebrities that you're like love and it just kind of makes it feel a lot more attainable 'cause you're like, I'm in the same room with this person and they're nice and they're just a person. and then I also work at a frame shop. So it's like I do all these all these different things and I also do social media. So then it's like I have all these different avenues so that way
Whenever the time comes, like I can just put my all into to the acting. but yeah, I mean these past like three or four months I've been r really busy acting wise. I'm so so grateful for that. Cause like it's tough. It's really tough out here. and to be able to like be booked on projects and like get paid.
to do this, it's like every time someone posts me are you sure? You you sure you wanna do that? but then like I get on set and it's like I could do that forever. Like I you know, long hour like long days, 14 hour day, like I I never get tired of it. I just love it. So
Silvan (24:47)
Yeah, what does like an average day onset versus not being on set look like for you?
Justin Stanek (24:53)
Okay. well day on set. probably my call is gonna be like eight AM and to get anywhere in LA, you know, you have to budget like two hours. So I'll probably get up at s like seven, shower, leave. Get on set, get your hair makeup done, get your sides for the day, look at what scenes you're you're shooting, make sure I know all my lines. Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, lunch for an hour.
Shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot, shoot. Go home, fall asleep, and do the same thing the next day. other days when I'm not on set, it really varies. It depends on like what job I'm working that day. Like today I'm off, which is great. So I I slept in. because last night I I went out to dinner with some friends. and then
Obviously we're doing this, which is like it's so fun. I'm so thanks again for having me. I'll probably go to the gym and then I don't know, I'm reading Fourth Wing right now, the book. So I'll probably just go on my roof and read for the rest of the day.
Silvan (26:07)
what a luxury, right? Because a lot of our listeners are avid readers. So I'm sure they'll have lots of recommendations for you after you finish fourth wing.
Justin Stanek (26:14)
please, yeah, please.
DM me all of your suggestions, please.
Silvan (26:19)
And you also spoke about sort of working, sort of cater waiting jobs and
Justin Stanek (26:23)
Yeah.
Silvan (26:24)
you know attending premieres. But and I feel like you're being a little bit humble here, I spied you on the Ted Lasso premiere of Red Carpet. What was that like?
Justin Stanek (26:33)
Yes, yeah, I got
that was awesome. Yeah, I got invited. and I was like, Well, that's crazy. and then like, yeah, you can walk walk the carpet. And was like, no, that's terrifying. That's so scary. and so you know, you he like I hear a lot of stories about like people walking carpets and it's so true, 'cause like you get there, you give your name, the people like hold up your name so that
They know who you are, so they can like put it in the system or whatever. You have one guy who's like taking a picture, show you at least get one. And then you walk down the line and you're like looking at all these people, and not one of them is like lifting their camera up to take a picture of you. Cause it's like, really, why would they? Like, who are you? I'm not part of the not part of the Ted Lasso cast, unfortunately. but yeah, I got it like a one or two pictures taken of me, and then I was like just
There's a video of me. I guess one person would take a video, but I was like looking around and was like, Okay, I'm s I was like no one's no like there's not there's no clicks happening. So I I'm just gonna I'm gonna go. Like I I think I had like two more stops I probably was supposed to make and I like I'm just walking off this carpet right now. But that being said, everyone I met that night was so sweet. the show is hilarious and funny. I don't know if you've ever seen it, but it's like awesome.
Silvan (27:54)
Yeah.
Justin Stanek (27:57)
And then there was like a fun after party that they had like they always have like the fun themed foods and stuff. so I had that. It was at the Academy Museum, so that's like a great view of LA. And it was beautiful, but also like I work those all the time, so I knew what to expect. and it was so weird because like I knew some people that were working, I was like, hey, how's going? but it was yeah, it was a great experience, and I hope it's not my last, and I hope.
The next one I go to is for something that I'm in. but yeah, I'm just super grateful and super super cool to have, you know, a getty image of me. You know, that's a dream.
Silvan (28:40)
Again, more evidence you're an actor. Like who else is getting get it images?
Justin Stanek (28:42)
Exactly. Actually, you know what?
There we go, Simon. That's that's how I can tell myself tell people I'm an actor. I'm like, Yeah, I'm on Getty images. So if you have any
Silvan (28:51)
Like
Justin Stanek (28:52)
questions, consult Getty, please.
Silvan (28:55)
Exactly, just you know, the getty, the getty.
Justin Stanek (28:58)
Video tip.
Silvan (29:00)
and you mentioned about sort of like having to audition and I imagine it's a grueling process. How many times do you hear the word no before you actually get a yes? And how what's that like to take like on a personal level?
Justin Stanek (29:16)
Yeah. I mean, honestly, it's not even no. It's just like you don't hear anything back. You just get ghosted. so honestly it's kind of nice. Like it's like a mutual ghost thing. Like you just forget about it, they forget about you and you move on with your life. I think what's more difficult is like when you start having like callbacks or like tests and you get to read more of the script and you get to like kind of like fall in love with the character and then it's like you don't get it.
Or it's like there's like a it's like a super great story and you really want to be a part of it, but then it's just like it's just it just doesn't work out. And I think for me it's always the mindset of, you know, what's meant for you will never pass you by. I think a lot even before I technically started acting professionally, I got told no so many times.
whether that be like in community theater or like when I was auditioning for schools, like that was when I didn't get into I auditioned at Penn State and Carnegie Email and I didn't get into either which I knew based on my auditions I wasn't getting in, but still to get that email was devastating. And
I think that's just like a testament to like who you have to be as an actor. It's like you have to expect that you're gonna get ninety nine no's for every one yes. but it just makes those yeses way more rewarding. Yeah.
Silvan (30:43)
Yeah. And does
that sort of process of hearing the no's before sort of create that resilience so that when you do get the yes it's just more euphoric?
Justin Stanek (30:53)
Yeah, I think so. I think I mean also like I am a person who's like most of the time I can let pretty much anything roll off my back. I don't know why. Granted I may like obsess over it for a couple days and be really sad, but then it's just like what can you do? You know? You have no control over it. And it could be something as stupid as like you have brown hair and
We already have too many brunettes in the cast. And these people already cast. So you it's no for you it's no for you. It's n and I feel like ninety percent of the time it's not because of your acting, it's because of other factors that you have no control over.
Silvan (31:37)
Yeah, yeah. And so when you do get off with the role, what is it about a role that makes you say yes?
Justin Stanek (31:50)
I think luckily, at least for me right now, everything that I've kind of been auditioning for, it's like something that I'm like obviously willing to do. but something that makes me like jump at saying yes is you don't always get the script, but a lot of times you you can read it before. And if I read it and I like I just feel like I need to be a part of it. or I feel like it's really gonna touch people.
'cause I think I don't know, the type of stuff that like I consume and that stays with me, 'cause like obviously I'm addicted to TikTok and like everything's in one ear out the other these days. But
Silvan (32:31)
Right.
Justin Stanek (32:31)
things that I consume and like that stay with me and stick with me and I remember them. I wanna be part of projects like that.
And I think f for the most part, a lot of the stuff that I've done, I it really does it really does do that. I mean, especially with next door, I think was just yeah, it was a a great experience, a great script, a great everything. And yeah, I just love to be part of things like that, you know?
Silvan (33:04)
Yeah, and when we spoke to Caroline, like she shared so many of the like the behind the scenes stuff and it just genuinely looked like you were just having fun. It looked like summer camp.
Justin Stanek (33:13)
my god, that's how I explain like verticals have 'cause I've done a few. they're like five days and you just become like family with all these people. And it's like, yep, five days and then you gotta say bye. And it really is like summer camp. It's so it's so awesome. So awesome.
Silvan (33:33)
Yeah. And and speaking of next door, I wanted to ask you 'cause that's one of the acting jobs that you did get, and it meant so much to some of our listeners because they went, they binged it, like it has that bingeable quality to it. How did that role come to you?
Justin Stanek (33:50)
Yeah, so I had auditioned for River. I sent him my tape and I didn't hear anything. didn't even get a call back. So I was like, okay, whatever. Just like another one of those jobs that I didn't get. It's whatever. and then of course I had a friend in town. And so whenever a friend's in town, of course, you have something that you have to do acting wise because why wouldn't you? and I get an email from Danny, our producer.
And she was like, We wanted to offer you the role of Darius. And I was like, okay. Sweet. Awesome. happy with that. They were like, But we want to kind of like do like a Zoom read with you. 'cause I think Harry and Caroline had like a little plan because I think there was someone who was like in the running for River that they had, and then it just kinda fell through with him. I'm not
I'm not entirely sure, don't quote me on that. but I think they both were kind of pooling for me as River, and I hadn't led anything big at that point, and so it's kind of like I don't know if this is gonna work. So then I think when they had me read for Darius, they kinda had me read Darius as River and kind of set it up the chain and they were like, Well, let's let's bring him in for a chem read. and so I did a Zoom chem read with Nick.
And it's Zoom can Zoom anything are so awkward. It's like especially when it's like you have like these scenes where you're supposed to be like intimate or like touching and it's like like, hey. it's just it's really awkward. So like I walked out of that, and I was like, I don't know how that went. Like it felt good, but like I don't really know.
And so yeah, my friend Will was visiting, and then we like went to, I think we were going to the Grove or something because he needed to close. And then I got the email that they they booked me for, which was great. I was like, sweet, awesome. I I was so excited. so that was like on a Wednesday. We had I had a fitting stunt rehearsal, regular rehearsal on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, I shot
A short film called A Rope Around the Wind. and then and in that I had like long flowing hair, a beard, and then the next I shot that until like one AM and then the next morning I had to be on set at seven AM for next door and they gave me a haircut and shaved my beard and everything. And it was like right into the next. It was crazy how it worked out.
Silvan (36:39)
I mean when it rains it pours, huh?
Justin Stanek (36:41)
Yeah. Exactly. Exactly.
Silvan (36:44)
Literally.
And did you know a lot about vertical dramas or vertical films before you auditioned for Next Door?
Justin Stanek (36:53)
yeah, I mean like I feel like that's what everyone in the industry kind of talks about. It's like where is the vertical space kind of going. I had did or I had done vertical called The Cheer Scandal, with with Candy Jar, like right when I moved here. and I was playing like like the bully, kind of like the Darius character of that one. and
I was like shocked when I got inside because I heard that they were like overly sexual and like poor quality and whatever. And I walked onto that set and I mean they was awesome. I mean the production value of candy jar work is just it's great. I mean it's amazing. It looks great. It's great scripts and great crew and yeah, so I think
I was happy to happy to do that, especially because they shoot it horizontally. I don't know if you like if you know that. So they shoot
Silvan (37:54)
Yeah.
Justin Stanek (37:55)
it horizontally, you can watch it like it's a regular, you know, piece of content, which is great. And especially for actors, I think it's awesome to have that. because like if you're starting out, like you kind of need footage that you can submit yourself to to either projects or agents or managers or whatever. and it's really great quality and it's really
something that like I'm happy to do. and I loved I love doing it. I love working with Candy Jar. So
Silvan (38:25)
Yeah, and Caroline was so sweet in talking to us about sort of like the the production value and the type of cameras that they were using and she
Justin Stanek (38:32)
Mm-hmm.
Silvan (38:33)
explained a little bit about how she shoots horizontally as well. What's that like as an actor for you? Because you're shooting horizontally, but you know you're gonna get these real close ups when they start to edit for the vertical format. What's that like for you? Are you conscious of how you're supposed to be conveying things on camera?
Justin Stanek (38:52)
Yeah, it's I mean it it's kind of difficult. So yeah, like Caroline probably sa I think she said, 'cause I watched your interview with her. I think she said, Yeah, we shoot on RE Alexa Minis, which was like one of the best ones in the game right now. And the lenses that we had for next door were so good. Kenji, our DP, was he's just so talented. and like
lighting too, Justin Usami. He was everything was perfect. Everything was perfect. I need to shout everyone out. But yeah, it's so difficult when and it's specifically in like two shots. So like when you have two people on on camera, you just have to be so close. And everything feels so intimate. Even if it's just like a completely platonic relationship, like you have to be like shoulder to shoulder, which is
really awkward sometimes. but that's just kind of the name of the game, I guess. but what's really beautiful is like you know Caroline and and Kenji together are able to film this in a way that yes it works vertically but it also is beautiful horizontally. and yeah I mean like sure the framing isn't like always
You can't necessarily do as much artistically as you want to, but I mean I watched it multiple times and like horizontally and I was like, this is this is great. This is awesome.
Silvan (40:28)
Yeah.
And you've gone on to work with Caroline on Studybody, and there's a new movie that you shot with her. I don't know if you can tell us a little bit about that.
Justin Stanek (40:37)
Yes.
yeah, so Studybuddy, that was another like such a fun like such a fun shoot. And it's out now, but we so like my character who's kind of just like they're like all in like frats and everything and Cam Summers, he he's just the funniest.
guy I've ever met, I think ever. And he's just so he's so willing to just like ad lib stuff. And so I got like the freedom to kind of do that. And like we had Noah Andre just like there's one point where he like could not stop laughing during takes. it that was just awesome to like be able to be a part of that and like kinda like do a little bit more comedic stuff 'cause I don't really
get a chance to do that. But I was so happy when Caroline asked me to be a part of it. not only because I got to work with Caroline again, because I mean, I I told her I I tell her all the time I was like, I'll literally play a rock if I if it means I get to to work with you again. But just like the cast was awesome and Sophia Soto, who was the the lead of that, well that was like her first acting job ever.
Silvan (42:01)
Wow,
you would not have known
Justin Stanek (42:02)
Yeah.
Silvan (42:02)
that.
Justin Stanek (42:03)
Yeah. And she, I don't know if you you should stock her TikTok. She has an insane voice. She's so talented. and say like Noah too. Noah sings and has music out. Like, it's crazy. We I I keep telling people we need to do like a boy band vertical where it's like all of us together. I feel like that'd be good. Anyway, but so yeah, then I got another fun little email from Caroline and
Danny, the producer, like the team from next door, and they were like, Hey, how would you feel about maybe being a part of this next project that we're doing? And I was like, I would love to. because I had seen it and I
Like I had seen it and I was going to audition for it, but I just wasn't available for all the dates and I like I know the way that those projects work. Like you have to be available for all of them if you're gonna, you know, audition for Leading. So I just kinda passed on that one. but then they had reached out to me for a supporting role and I that was on a like Thursday we shot and I was flying out Friday for a short that I was filming. And I was like, I can do I can do Thursday, but like that's the only day. And so they were able to like kinda like fit me in there for a little bit.
Which was nice, especially 'cause this is like another queer vertical and they're like it's like a little cameo 'cause you know, you you and Nick were the first, so and I didn't really like I read the script and it's an awesome script. I didn't get to see much of it, but it I it's gonna be a good one, so
Silvan (43:40)
feel like the fans are gonna be really surprised when they see you in it and looking forward to it as well. And I feel like you know
Justin Stanek (43:46)
Yeah, I hope.
Silvan (43:46)
how Christopher Nolan like costs the same people in every movie? I feel like
Justin Stanek (43:49)
That's what people were saying
on Sat. They're like, You're you you're like or I forget who it is. But they were like, it's like Chris it's like Caroline's Chris Nolan, yeah.
Silvan (43:57)
Yeah, literally.
Like you'll have a job for life, hopefully, as long as Caroline keeps making movies. But
Justin Stanek (44:01)
I don't know. I mean she's so talented, so I she better.
Silvan (44:05)
Caroline, if you are listening to this or watching this, you need to cast Justin as the lead in a boy band movie.
Justin Stanek (44:13)
Let's do it. Caroline and candy jar. Let's do it. Or Indy.
Silvan (44:16)
Original music, please.
Justin Stanek (44:17)
I don't know. Maybe it'll be indie horizontal. Who knows? So
Silvan (44:21)
Right? You could literally write the music for it.
Justin Stanek (44:23)
Right, let's do it. I'm sold. I'm sold. I'm so sold.
Silvan (44:25)
There you go, get those royalties.
I want to ask you a little bit more about Nextdoor because our listeners will kill me if I don't ask some of these questions.
Justin Stanek (44:35)
Yeah.
Silvan (44:36)
But what did you think of River when you read the script for Nextdoor?
Justin Stanek (44:42)
Yeah. I thought that honestly, well my initial interpretation of him was like a lot different than than after I like had talked to Caroline and we kind of like developed him a bit. I think because I'm so used to just always playing like the asshole, like I initially was gonna play him as like you can't tell that he's interested in in kid at all.
you know, he's just another another dude. And it just just so happens that this, you know, event or whatever that he's tutoring him in is like, whoa, shock. But with Caroline, we kind of had the discussion that he was he's just like a flirt, and that's kinda like how he gets anything he wants in life. and so in my mind, he's had interactions with Kit in the past.
And he's done that little flirting thing because he doesn't like to be disliked. And eventually along the way, he's like, wait, I kinda like kinda like flirting with this guy. And and so then once we got to to shooting, I think it was like that point in his relations or the relationship with him in his own mind that he's like
I like him. 'cause I know I've seen a lot of comments where it's like, I could tell that River was into him. He was looking at his lips the entire time. that was intentional. and also it's like, you know, you have to get the the audience like hooked with these kind of things too. So it's like you kind of have to like give away the secrets.
Silvan (46:21)
Give the guys what they want, Justin.
Justin Stanek (46:23)
Right. Yeah, yeah. s right away. Just right away. We you know, don't wait.
But yeah, so that's that's kind of it was it's fun to to do that. And then also Caroline does this wonderful thing as a director is she makes playlists like with songs of like the kind of tone that she wants the the movie to have. And so for this it was very like Y2K, like teenage dirtbag, kind of feel. and
I think it really like came across and that's just it's so helpful 'cause like for me personally, especially with acting, it's like music is so beneficial to me in like creating a story in a world and a character. just 'cause like me myself, I mean, I obviously like I love music and it helps me work out things like as a person. So it's fun to like give a character kind of like those those songs as well.
Silvan (47:27)
Yeah. When I spoke to Caroline she almost described it the movie as a sort of gay high school musical. Disney Channel
Justin Stanek (47:34)
Yes. my god it is.
Silvan (47:35)
vibe.
Justin Stanek (47:36)
It is, where he like randomly like I don't know, River River's like a baseball star, but also but also he's like randomly now good at at guitar and also can sing. I came
Silvan (47:48)
Multitalented.
Justin Stanek (47:49)
out of the blue. He wasn't taking singing lessons, but
It worked out.
Silvan (47:53)
I mean,
it it it did work out. We got happily ever after. I suppose
Justin Stanek (47:56)
Yeah. Yeah, it did. It was so sweet.
Silvan (48:00)
when you were talking about sort of auditioning and and things like that, like a story like next door, so much of it depends on the chemistry, right? Between you and and Nick who plays Kit. How how do you create that with another person, another actor really, and make it convincing?
Justin Stanek (48:18)
you know, I don't know if it's necessarily something you can create. I feel like I have and like I feel like chemistry is like such a like a like little chemistry. It doesn't it's not always like, you know, like romantic or whatever, but it's like basically like do these people feel like they go together? It's like a puzzle piece. and so I feel like I'm really good at like connecting people. or connecting with people.
in general just like as a person so I think a lot of times like I'm able to do that. But yeah I met Nick at our first stunt rehearsal. And obviously whenever I get like casting something and I see other people I stalk them on Instagram.
Silvan (49:06)
We all do.
Justin Stanek (49:07)
I want to know who these people are. Yeah it's
Silvan (49:09)
Right.
Justin Stanek (49:09)
in the whole thing. Thank you. I yeah I don't know if other people yeah
Silvan (49:11)
I did that today.
Justin Stanek (49:13)
and you know what that's fine.
Silvan (49:16)
And I called it research.
Justin Stanek (49:18)
exactly research. I was doing research. I was doing
Silvan (49:20)
There you go.
Justin Stanek (49:20)
research on on Nick. and we had so many mutuals on Instagram. I was like, what? Because he lives or at the time lived in New York, and I was like, I know him. we actually grew up like 30 minutes from each other. He's like friends with like my fourth grade girlfriend. They went to the same
Silvan (49:40)
No.
Justin Stanek (49:40)
performing arts high school, like knew a bunch of like people.
that I know. And it's just it was crazy that now like we're both in LA like doing this together. But yeah, so Danny, our producer, was like, I think it's would be beneficial if like the first day, like what if you guys like car pulled the set? So Nick was in a hotel that was pretty close to me and I picked him up and we drove to set, which was like an hour and fifteen away. So it's like really had to to to get to know each other, then. But like we like instantly clicked. It was
Yeah, it was great. Like, driving back 'cause we were at that location for two days, I think, and then a closer one for like the last three. but yeah, it was super like easy. It just kinda like made sense and we got along really well. And like same with the whole cast. I mean, by the time we got to like lunch on the first day, we were like best friends. I remember
Cause I always bring up my my film camera with me, like my point and shoot, to take just like BTS photos. Cause like I just it's one of my hobbies and I love doing it. but we were like, we should take like a you know, like just like a high school, like like early 2000s movie poster picture in the stairwell. And we're like, okay, fine, yeah, we have like 10 minutes in like left in lunch, so we'll just do that. And
And we had our production designer Skeeter, we were like, Skeeter, get over here. Like, can you please take a picture of us? And so we just like literally like all gone formation and then just did it. He like took two pictures and whatever. And it's like it's on my Instagram. It's it looks like a movie poster. Like it was just it's perfect. And I like knew at that moment. I was like, Yeah, this is gonna work out. But yeah, I think also it just you know, you gotta commend the casting director, Moran Hope. I mean, she's like she's amazing.
and she just saw. again, don't quote me on this, but I've heard someone say that maybe sh maybe I don't know again, don't quote me on this. That she said that like Nick and I had probably some of the best chemistry and like anything that she's casted so far. So
Silvan (52:00)
I believe it.
Justin Stanek (52:02)
Yeah, it was it was it was really it was a great, great shoot, so
Silvan (52:06)
I feel like Miranda wouldn't lie
to us. Not to us. I mean
Justin Stanek (52:09)
I agree. I agree.
Silvan (52:12)
I remember joking when that came out and posting on like commenting on your videos like Justin, I'm manifesting season two of heated rivalry for you.
Justin Stanek (52:22)
I know, I I was too, I was too.
Silvan (52:26)
I could so see you there and I was like, come on, we just have to put it out and manifest this in the universe.
Justin Stanek (52:31)
Yeah.
You know what? And it's like it again, it's like a what's meant for you will never pass you by. But yeah, I saw that that casting announcement and I was like, man. but it's like, I mean,
what are you gonna do?
Silvan (52:46)
Exactly. And and you're right, things do come to you when they're supposed to come to you. And I I d I feel like that about, non acting jobs, I suppose. You know, like opportunities to study or or or to land a certain job are going to happen when it's right for you. And it sounds so cliche to say, but it it does make sense when you look back on it. It's like, okay, this is what I was supposed to do to get
Justin Stanek (53:09)
Yeah. Yeah, exactly.
Silvan (53:10)
Definitely.
And of course next door was a vertical film. What do you think the impact of vertical filmmaking has had on the industry thus far?
Justin Stanek (53:19)
Yeah. I think I think it gets a lot of like bad like bad PR. and some of it for good reason. I think there's a lot of times where it's like very harmful to women. a lot of it's can be really overly sexual for no reason. and some some people I know have, you know,
Had bad experiences, but I don't think that that should overshadow the good that a lot of these these projects are doing. I mean, for one, in general, it's like it's bringing filming back to LA. a lot of stuff was not shooting. I mean, so like you're giving not only actors, but like, you know, crews who live here that have families here, like they're able to like go and like work and make money doing what they love to do. and then also just like I think
Like anything. I mean, when T V was coming around, everyone was like, I would never do TV. I'm I only work in film. But then now it's like TV is like kind of the thing. Like it's like
Silvan (54:32)
The whole. Yeah.
Justin Stanek (54:34)
you get an acting job and it's like a solid acting job that you have, you know, if it does well, you have multiple seasons, like you have job security, you have health insurance. so
All that to say, I think I I don't think verticals are going anywhere. I don't like I think that they're they're they're great. I mean, I love at least the ones that I I I'm picky about the ones that I do. I I won't do ones that are that are harmful to any group of people anyway. but I think that yeah, they're kinda here to stay and
They're probably gonna change and grow and evolve. And yeah, right now they're very like campy and rom com and whatever, but like like there's obviously an audience. People are watching it. So like and it's a good way to get your name out there. I mean, we wouldn't be having this conversation if I didn't do a vertical, you know? so
Silvan (55:30)
Exactly.
Justin Stanek (55:31)
yeah, I'm I am never going to be ungrateful to be able to be paid to do s what I love.
Silvan (55:39)
Yeah.
Justin Stanek (55:41)
And if it's double bonus points if it's something that I believe in and that I wanna be a part of. And luckily the ones that I've done have have been just that. So yeah, I guess l long story short, I think it's gonna have a positive impact on the at least economically in LA on the industry. yeah, and I I mean I see myself like I
Obviously I want, you know, I want to be in a horizontal setting. but I I would yeah, I would never throw verticals under the bus just because like they're verticals. Now, granted, I think a lot of them could get better titles. You know, maybe not
Silvan (56:24)
Yeah.
Justin Stanek (56:24)
all of them have to be a baby daddy billionaires mafia boss. Cause like some of those are genuinely like a good story. But I
Silvan (56:34)
Right?
Justin Stanek (56:34)
you know, they turned they turned me off.
If I'm if I see baby daddy's I no, it's yeah.
Silvan (56:42)
Are those on your FYP as well? Because I have been inundated
Justin Stanek (56:45)
yeah, yeah.
Silvan (56:45)
with the AI ones.
Justin Stanek (56:48)
I AI I I immediately will dislike and
Silvan (56:52)
Like those have just blown out of nowhere and I don't know how it got onto my algorithm. And I'm just like, wait,
Justin Stanek (56:57)
Yeah.
Silvan (56:57)
when did this become a thing? And that's that's a bit scary to me. I'm like, okay.
Justin Stanek (57:01)
Yeah.
yeah. It's I mean it's scary as an actor, yeah. That people are watching it. Yeah.
Silvan (57:04)
Ye right. Right.
I I agree, like s people are consuming so much media on their phones anyway. And I know we talked about s sort of the impact of social media earlier on. I wanted to get your take on how much of a brand you might have to be on social media, what you're sort of having to produce on your own accord to so on social media, as an actor nowadays versus maybe what an actor would have done twenty, thirty years ago, for example.
Justin Stanek (57:34)
yeah. I mean like twenty, thirty years ago an actor just got to walk into a room and like do their audition and then go live their life however they wanted to. And now it's like everything's kind of under scrutiny and I mean like I'm not in no way am I like a public figure, but like maybe eventually that might happen and people might know me and so it's like you always have to be so conscious of like what you post and like what you're doing and
And I think that's honestly like good. Like it's good. You shouldn't be posting things that would get you canceled in the future anyway. But it's like you always have to have that second like you know, eyes in the back of your head kind of thing. but I think that for me when it comes to social media, I am just trying to like kind of market myself as someone who's like
you know, bookable. especially on my Instagram. It's like it's a lot more like professional.
Silvan (58:34)
There's vibe.
Justin Stanek (58:35)
yeah, there's a vibe to it. you know, I have a lot of like my modeling stuff on there, like, you know, examples of like projects I've been in and stuff like that. So like when people 'cause I mean like I that's what I do when I'm doing my research on people.
Silvan (58:51)
There you go.
Justin Stanek (58:52)
Immediately I'm going to Instagram and just kind of like seeing
what's what's going on there. So like casting directors I know like do they like scroll through your socials and all of that as well. And then when it comes to my TikTok, I take that a lot less seriously because what is life if you're not having fun? And I have always loved to just like do silly little videos myself and I would never post them. Like back in my Vine days, actually I would post them in my Vine days, if I if anyone finds this video, I would literally die. But there's like
You know, the Tory Kelly like the sun is out in a fun, okay. The thing I thought that I was gonna do a cover of that and I was going to become the next, I don't know, Sean Mendez. And it didn't happen. there's also other ones of like me jumping on a trampoline and doing like a a backflip and like also my family got a new minivan and I'm like filming it from my the window of my room and I'm like, New car, new car, I got a new car like
Weird. So hopefully that never resurfaces. But growing up, I mean it's just like I it's really sad, and I see this in a lot of like today's youth is like I I grew up being such a fun and silly kid and then it's like like society kind of creeps in and you feel pressure to like be something and be cool and like just I don't know, just like hide yourself.
And I kinda did like I did, like all of high school and a like a lot of college. Like I was just kind of not really like being myself because I'm afraid that like people are gonna like make fun of me or like what if I wear something I like and people are gonna like say that I look weird. Like it's the stupidest stuff and now I'm like now that I moved to LA and that's been a lot of something that I've been been able to work through a lot is just like doing what I want because it's my life and
I get to live it and you don't. and so like you don't get to make decisions for me. And that's su been such a freeing feeling. And so yeah, I try to convey that on my on my TikTok. but yeah, I actually have two TikTok accounts. One is one is more silly and just like I like to talk to the talk to the camera and stuff, and then the other one is like I'll just post singing videos and yeah.
Silvan (1:01:16)
What
I'm hearing is somewhere out there is a cover of a Tory Kelly song of yours.
And I don't know if you've met the fans of Heated Rivalry. They are better than the FBI at finding stuff, so
Justin Stanek (1:01:32)
You know what? If they can find it, I honestly want that video. I I want it so bad. but Vine has d disappeared, so
Silvan (1:01:42)
Nothing's disappeared forever. There's always a digital footprint. And in a way, as you were talking about sort of how like kids growing up now, I can almost imagine like you're almost not allowed to make a mistake. Because everything is filmed, everything is documented, with or without your permission. So it must be such a scary time in which to be able to not make mistakes. Because Lord knows I did when I was growing up, but nothing was ever filmed, thank God, because
I can't imagine the stupid shit that I did when I was a teenager, like really.
Justin Stanek (1:02:16)
It's cra yeah, it's crazy. I there's I mean like and it's it's the thing too where like the internet doesn't give people grace. It's like they're acting like a lot of times people will act like, you did this thing like ten years ago. You're that person now. And now granted, obviously people need to be held accountable for for things if they need to be held accountable, but it's like also in in context, like a lot of times that's not like someone was probably like eight. They they might have not a not a known thing.
things, which is kinda crazy, but I it's always a bless blessing and a curse with those ki type of things because like people I mean I agree people need to be held accountable, but it's it is scary to like think that like some stupid mistake that you didn't even think about or got resolved is like could like end your life. Yeah.
Silvan (1:03:03)
Right. This is why I love editing the podcast, because every week I have a conversation with Declan, my co-host, and I'm like, Declan, is this what's going to get us cancelled? Because we might need to take that out.
Justin Stanek (1:03:13)
Right. you have to think about it, yeah.
Silvan (1:03:16)
Cause there 'cause y everything you put out there is it's fair game then. Once it's published, it's out there. You know,
Justin Stanek (1:03:21)
Is there?
Silvan (1:03:21)
it's it's not yours anymore. It belongs out there to somebody else. And there was whilst you were talking, there was a quote that an interview, sorry, with Maya Hawke, and she was talking about how she
had to have a certain number of followers or something like that on one of her socials in order to even book a job or be considered for a job. And this is a while ago. I wonder if you ever feel that pressure to have a certain presence or a certain number of followers to to be able to do what you do.
Justin Stanek (1:03:51)
Yeah. I mean also that's just like sc like scary in general because she's like her dad is literally Ethan Hawk and if she if she can't get a j just being Ethan Hawk's daughter, like that's that's scary. yeah. I think it's really like I th it's the stupidest thing ever in my opinion, but it's like it from like a business standpoint, I'm sure they're like, well this person has followers, so we're gonna h have eyes on it and then it's like
technically money that we're gonna get because people are gonna like free publicity basically. which is like yeah, every now and again w you kinda do have to do what you have to do to get a movie made. And sometimes like if you have someone who's well known, like that will bring more investors and you can actually get the movie in and it's kinda how it works. but you see things like obsession that
You know, I mean, granted, these were actors that have worked and like worked in big things, but like no one really knew who they were. And they were just great actors and it was a great story. And it blew up. And it's and I'm not saying that every single movie that like a big studio makes should be, you know, doing that. But it's like every once in a while, why can't you take a gamble? Like produce, like you know, get a get a good script and like
You can make someone's life by doing that. and I think it's really refreshing to see. And I don't know. I mean, obviously social media is super tailored to like who you are as a person, but I see it all the time where people is like, like finally a new face. Like, and no, no, hey, to end Hathaway at all. I literally will watch anything she's in ever. But she's like in everything. And so like people get sick of it. you know, so it's like, yeah, I don't I don't know. It's it's tough to like think that my
career is based on like just like people clicking the follow button. But at the same time, it's really cool to have that that audience. Cause like I on TikTok, I think when I before I shot Nextdoor, I think I had like three thousand followers and I have like twenty thousand or something. And I think that's pretty much due to to Nextdoor. I I posted a clip of like the party scene where
Kitten River Kiss for the first time. to Everything's Romantic by Charlie X. And it got like a million something views, which was crazy. And I was like, This is this is wild. But
Yeah, I mean I don't know, it's it's a difficult relationship. So I mean it's nice to kind of like have that like tool in your pocket, I guess. But it is kind of disheartening when you think that like maybe you aren't getting a job because you don't have as many people following you. But I don't know, it's something you have to work towards.
Silvan (1:06:47)
Yeah, and I think I mean that certainly happened when they casted you know, for season one of Heated Rivalry. You know, Hudson Williams,
Justin Stanek (1:06:54)
Yeah, same thing, my god.
Silvan (1:06:56)
you know, and
and Conastory, you know, instantly blew up. Yes, they weren't sort of, you know, new and fresh. They had done stuff before, but like they just their rise has been meteoric.
You mentioned music and I wanted to ask you a little bit about this. So people who follow you online will know that acting isn't your only creative sort of outlet. Now you write and perform your own music. And I had to go on a deep dive here because there's some posted from way back when, which is really, really fun to watch and listen to. How did you get into performing and where does that fit in into your life for you?
Justin Stanek (1:07:35)
Yeah. so I mean like growing up music was always like something special to me. I loved singing. I took guitar lessons when I was like I think starting at like ten years old on like a Phineas and Ferb childhood guitar from Toys R Us. And yeah, I mean since then I would like write little songs in like my journal and I would never like share them with people, but
I think once I got to college, and granted again I had like the best college experience ever, but like it's lonely. Like it's really lonely trying to figure out who you are and what what you want. And I found myself like writing songs and that's when like TikTok kind of started to become a thing. And I was like, why not post it? I was starting to get in that that mentality of like, why not? Like it's my life. I'm gonna live it. So
Yeah, I think probably so yeah, starting my freshman year, I started posting my own stuff. and once I moved to LA, I was like, well, I should probably start like taking it a little bit more seriously. so I started going to like open mics and I'll sing some originals there. Like I think I'm gonna go tonight to one. and just kind of get a feel for like what I want.
to be as a as a performer. But again, it's like it's a lot of time, a lot of effort, a lot of money to like get this stuff up and off the ground. And I don't want to put something out that I'm not not proud of. so it's just a process. I'm still like kinda like shopping around for for producers to finally record something. But then also it's like I mean the day job's gotta get done and
You know, obviously like acting is is the main goal. so that's like my first and foremost thing. So it kind of like takes a little bit of a back burner, but I'm trying to really get something out there because I've yeah, I've had a lot of messages from from people, really sweet messages that are like you should you need to release music, you need to release music. So I hope it happens in the near future.
Silvan (1:10:01)
Yeah. And is that something that you'd like to do professionally as well, alongside the acting?
Justin Stanek (1:10:07)
yeah, I would love to. I mean like I like I say growing up I was like doing musical theater. and that's like inherently like just like one of my first loves. but then I also did like choir, show choir. yeah, it was I I it's so funny just like thinking about how like that's kind of where I started and what I could like possibly do with it. But yeah, I mean I love to perform, so that would be that would be amazing.
Silvan (1:10:34)
And am I correct in my deep dive where you are quite the fan of Ben Platt?
Justin Stanek (1:10:42)
yeah, I am. Yeah, I love Ben Black.
Silvan (1:10:46)
Did
you see him and Rachel Zaglin the last five years when they came over and did it?
Justin Stanek (1:10:51)
I
sure did. I was at the bowl for that. I was not gonna miss that.
I my friend Sheer and I went and it was wow, I it was so good. We were both crying.
Silvan (1:11:02)
Wasn't it? So I saw the same show in London when they were there. And
Justin Stanek (1:11:06)
Yeah, yeah.
Silvan (1:11:07)
honestly, like right from and the last five years is one of my favourite musicals. Like, I
Justin Stanek (1:11:12)
Same. Yeah.
Silvan (1:11:14)
I just love the music and I love the musicality of it. And the simplicity of it. It doesn't have to be big and showy. The music is just raw and simple. But the way they both play those characters, I was like, Rachel Zegler flawed me.
Justin Stanek (1:11:30)
I I still can't get over her. yeah. Her like still hurting is like it it lives in my brain rent free. She is the most insane talent like ever. Ever. Yeah.
Silvan (1:11:47)
Yeah, and I think obviously like the movie came out years ago with Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan and that was s
Justin Stanek (1:11:54)
Jalen Jordan. Yeah, yeah, I watched that.
Silvan (1:11:56)
so good in itself. And I couldn't you can't help but compare and you think but I think like what Rachel and Ben did from a live perspective, like you can tell they're musical theatre kids.
Justin Stanek (1:12:09)
Mm hmm. yeah, for sure.
Silvan (1:12:11)
I
can't imagine what that must have been like for you as musical theatre child yourself, watching these people in the Hollywood Bowl like just singing their heart out.
Justin Stanek (1:12:20)
my gosh. Yeah, well I had never been to the Hollywood Bowl before. So I was one just shocked at like the venue itself. but like it's like like being in a show, you like right before you go out, you kinda like get like all the nervous jitters and stuff. I still get them whenever I watch shows. So it's like I was so excited to see it. and like Grant, like I was like in the back. I was like, well, I'm
you I'm getting the cheapest tickets, whatever. So like I was in back. like, you know, I wouldn't be able to see or anything, but just like to hear their voices live. And I had gotten to see Ben Platt in concert like a couple months before, but to hear both of them live and singing those songs was just like wow. I was like, I can't believe I get to like it's like one night only, you know, in LA. So it's like that you're you're only gonna get to hear this once here ever.
And then they announced the alb the cast album and everything there. And yeah, it was gosh, it was so good. That was a great night.
Silvan (1:13:24)
So interesting because they did multiple nighting, they did like a week in London. You guys only got
Justin Stanek (1:13:28)
I think so.
Silvan (1:13:29)
one night of that?
Justin Stanek (1:13:30)
Yeah, I think it was one night in LA and like two in New York. Yeah.
Silvan (1:13:33)
Wow, so that was like your only opportunity.
Justin Stanek (1:13:36)
yeah, I was like I'm not missing this.
Silvan (1:13:39)
No. And what I really liked with that production speci specifically was the stage design was so it was on different levels. And you could see them walking upstairs and downstairs. And I think it added that sort of that that layers to to not
Justin Stanek (1:13:51)
Yeah.
Silvan (1:13:52)
just watching it in plain view. And I really I don't know, I'm just like I love Rachel Zagler. Like she can do no wrong for
Justin Stanek (1:13:58)
Me too.
Silvan (1:13:59)
me.
Justin Stanek (1:14:00)
same. I know. She gets so much hating for what? For what? She's
Silvan (1:14:05)
Right.
Justin Stanek (1:14:06)
done nothing wrong. She
Silvan (1:14:08)
Literally.
Justin Stanek (1:14:09)
she is the yeah, she's the be all end all. I I I was I was I was working at an event one time. She was she was like there and I was like, my god, I'll like I wanted to say something, but I obviously did not. but I just wanna be like, You're so amazing, God I love you. But you know.
I know you are, but
Silvan (1:14:34)
Next time, there's always a next time. And she's so
Justin Stanek (1:14:36)
Next time.
Silvan (1:14:37)
nice.
Justin Stanek (1:14:38)
Super sweet, yeah. Yeah.
Silvan (1:14:39)
So so nice.
yeah, I we could do a whole podcast we could do a whole podcast on musical theatre.
Justin Stanek (1:14:46)
All right, invite me back. I'll I'll I'll do it.
Silvan (1:14:49)
Please
do.
And so when I've watched, videos of you singing, can I say one of my favorite songs of yours that you've posted is Ask the Moon?
Justin Stanek (1:14:58)
Yeah.
Silvan (1:14:59)
It's so beautiful, it's so sad and so beautiful.
Justin Stanek (1:15:03)
Well, that's my brand, sad music. I love beautiful sad music. that's all I listen to.
Silvan (1:15:10)
I was gonna
ask who who are your musical stylings? Who inspires you?
Justin Stanek (1:15:14)
Yeah, like
my inspirations. number one is Lizzie McAlpine. I just love everything she puts out. I remember she I was probably like what in ninth or tenth grade in high school. she put out like her first EP or something and the song Means Something.
came out and it was like when my f my sister and I like we used to kinda like hate each other. But this is when we started to like become friends and like we were like sharing music and I I heard that song I sent her. I like, you're love this. And so then we kinda bonded over Lizzie McGalpine. And then she just kept releasing more and more music and I I I just loved it so, so, so much. but yeah, like her, Noah Khan, the Lumineers, Phoebe Bridgers,
Jake Minch. Yeah, those are all pretty pretty big inspirations on like the stuff that I write. But yeah. Love sad music.
Silvan (1:16:17)
And you can s
right, I think we all can tap into a little bit of sad music.
What inspires you to write and then perform and then release it, albeit on on your pages?
Justin Stanek (1:16:32)
Yeah. I so writing for me is honestly it's like really hard because like I'll write a course that I love and then I'll be like, how do I write verses that make sense to with this song? Or like I don't know where this is gonna go. Like I don't necessarily have a bunch of like music theory experience. So like I don't know like this chord should go into this chord and it'll sound this way if you do this. So it's like a lot of trial and error. and I get really down on myself when I'm trying to write.
to be honest with you. Like it's like I can never finish a song. But like the songs that I do end up writing and recording or finishing and posting is like ones that just like kinda like flowed out of my brain. Like it just kind of like was all in one sitting and like I just kinda did it. And then I'll go back and like make adjustments or whatever. but my decision for ones that I I decide to like perform or put out there are just like ones that I'm like I would listen to this. and a lot of my songs are just kind of like about
like life and feeling inadequate, whether that be like in, you know, friendships or romantic relationships or just like not being wanted or and it's like feelings that we all feel at some point or another. And I don't know. I mean when I listen to songs like that or like that kind of have those messages, they make me feel better and like help me work through things. So I just kinda wanna be that for other people. I don't know.
Silvan (1:17:59)
I feel like you can be the Phoebe Bridges to somebody else.
Justin Stanek (1:18:04)
I hope. I hope. One of these days. One of these days. Yes, the male Phoebe Bridgers.
Silvan (1:18:09)
And
then somebody will come into you and be like, I wanted to say hi to you, but I didn't know how to
Justin Stanek (1:18:13)
My god, well, no, everyone has to say hi to me. And and yeah, my god, that'd be so crazy. I haven't gotten that yet. One time I was outside of a bar in Silver Lake and I heard river, and I was like, and I it ended up being the the costumer. but I was like, I was shocked. I was like, what is going on? Because I was like, there's no way no one here, like no one knows.
which they didn't, but it was so funny.
Silvan (1:18:46)
I feel like you know, when you found a role so synonymous that you respond to the character's name.
Justin Stanek (1:18:54)
It was so funny.
Silvan (1:18:54)
Yeah, like yeah, it's tuned in.
Justin Stanek (1:18:56)
my gosh. Yeah, well 'cause I was like no. I was like, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. but yeah, just ended up being Kat Elgarista, our lovely, lovely costume designer. She was great, so
Silvan (1:19:09)
I think what I like about your voice is you've got this very sort of baritone tenor. There's a warmth that comes through some of the undertones when you're singing. And even when you're, you know, show me on the guitar, it's still so it's crisp and it's clear. 'Cause a lot of people like when you hear them, like you can't make out what they're s what you're what they're saying, but with your videos, with the with the music that you've been releasing, I I can I can I can tap into it really, really well.
Justin Stanek (1:19:36)
Thank you. I really appreciate that. Yeah, I granted those are not one take wonders most of the time. I'm recording them over and over and over again until I get it to sound how I want to. But yeah, I think I've had a really difficult relationship with my voice. because like growing up in like high school choir or whatever, I was like mainly a bass or a baritone. and I always
you know, doing musical theater, like all the male leads are like tenors, basically altos at s at that point. and it's like I would I would do shows, you know, and I was gonna like lose my voice. Or like I wouldn't be able to talk because I just have to like save everything for those three nights of the show. and I think that's also something I love about writing my own music 'cause it's like I get to write in whatever key I want and whatever sounds good in my voice.
like do whatever I want to do melodically. Like it doesn't have to like be subscribed to like what someone's wrote before. And yeah, I've I've kind of found that I really like to use like I love like my falsetto and kind of like going in and out of that is like I feel really confident and comfortable doing that. And I think a lot of times, especially with guitar, I play a lot in open D tuning and it's really kinda like goes well. It's very
very beautiful together. So like I love to write write in Open D, but
Silvan (1:21:08)
Yeah, that's amazing. I'm also wondering, like, is there somebody that you would love to play in a musical biopic?
Justin Stanek (1:21:17)
Mm. You know, I was
I was thinking probably Jeff Buckley. He's had like an interesting life, has some great music, obviously, some like hits. but then just kinda has like that tragic end where he like accidentally drowned. and so I think that could be really fun. And I feel like we kinda look like you know, I could I could get a little bit of prosthetics and look like him.
Silvan (1:21:47)
Hey.
I'm all for it.
Justin Stanek (1:21:50)
Yeah, I think that would be awesome. I I mean, I love his cover of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen. And that song has been like such a through line in my life. like even when I was I guess when I was a baby, my parents told me like I would be crying at night and they would put me in the car to drive around and the only thing that would calm me down is like being in the car and then putting on the Shrek playlist and so like the Shrek Hallelujah.
is what would calm me down. And then like my junior year of high school, I was doing a c choir competition and there was like a huge solo where the entire choir was just like kind of like the accompaniment. and then there was one soloist and like I think like a hundred and twenty people auditioned for that solo. And I was like, there's no way I'm getting this. and I ended up getting it and like I mean I
And it was like in a point where like guys and girls both auditioned for it. And this girl that I knew auditioned right before me and she's so good. And I was like, Well, I'm not getting that. She's getting that. And there's guys that I know that are like now and like they go to like Michigan for musical theater, which is like the top school ever. And but it's like that was such a
like an amazing point in my life just like to validate me as a singer because I I never really thought that I was that good. Like, but then I did that, you know, there's a concert to end the and the festival and I ended up getting like a standing ovation. Which is like, this sounds really like I peaked in high school. I promise you I didn't, but it just like a really formative moment in my life where I was like, wow, people think that I'm good. and yeah, and then I mean I would listen to that song
Like in college all the time. but I guess I haven't really had my LA Hallelujah moment. So we'll see. Maybe it'll be a Jeff maybe
it'll be a Jeff Buckley biopic and I'll get to redo his cover. You never know.
Silvan (1:23:51)
get you that Oscar nomination, but I love that you
Justin Stanek (1:23:55)
Only
Silvan (1:23:55)
Rachel buried that audition.
Justin Stanek (1:23:58)
Ha ha.
Silvan (1:24:01)
Like, you know what? Fuck you all, I got this.
Justin Stanek (1:24:04)
That's so funny. I didn't think that at all. I d I probably needed some Rachel Berry confidence. But I like the third person to go in for the audition, so I was like, they've gotta find someone better than me after this.
Silvan (1:24:15)
Well, you know, like psychologically you get something called like the primacy and recency effect. So you remember things or remember people right from the beginning or right from the end. So you did well.
Justin Stanek (1:24:25)
I guess, I guess. It worked out.
Silvan (1:24:29)
You and Rachel Barry, always on top.
Justin Stanek (1:24:31)
Yeah, my gosh, yeah.
Silvan (1:24:33)
And considering some of the roles you've already had and the experiences you've already had living in LA and working as an actor, are there still roles that you're waiting for someone to be like?
Yes, this is this is for Justin.
Justin Stanek (1:24:50)
yeah. I mean, I hope that that's just like anyone who's like writing or directing something is like thinks of me. that's like the biggest compliment as as an actor. and I mean I've gotten kind of like have a little taste of that with like Caroline where she's like invited me back to different projects that she's doing and it's just like the biggest compliment ever. but in terms of types of roles, I mean
I'd like to play a nice guy one of these days who's like just genuinely like nice. or like a rom com. maybe horror. I know horror's having its moment and I may have something in in the books that's that'll be coming out soon, so keep an eye out for that.
Silvan (1:25:35)
Sounds like an exclusive to me.
Justin Stanek (1:25:38)
Yeah. so yeah, it's just yeah, ev you know, keep an eye out on social media for that. but yeah, just I mean I right now I'm loving Sterling Point. I don't know if you watched that online.
Silvan (1:25:51)
Yes, I just finished it last night.
Justin Stanek (1:25:53)
my god, it's so good. I wanna be on the next season of that. So putting that out there
now.
Silvan (1:25:57)
Do they have a season two? Have they been grinlit?
Justin Stanek (1:25:59)
Yeah, they just got
Greenlit. They Greenlit for season two. So I don't know.
Silvan (1:26:02)
Who would you play on Starting Point? If they could
if you could recast season one, who which male character would you play? Or which character period would
Justin Stanek (1:26:10)
I would I
Silvan (1:26:11)
you play?
Justin Stanek (1:26:12)
Well, I would I would want to play Ellis because like like I was saying, like a nice guy. Like he's just nice and he's a good person and he's yeah, he's like a sweet guy and you know, But I could see myself playing, you know, the other guy, the the asshole, 'cause that's like my typecast and
You know, I'll play like a little little rich rich rich A hole. Why not? literally again,
Silvan (1:26:38)
Do know what?
Justin Stanek (1:26:39)
it's I'll play anything. I'll I will do anything. I'll say one line to be in that jar. I d I yeah.
Silvan (1:26:46)
I could see you on Stelling Point because Stelling Point sort of gives me like a CW vibe. Like the summer I
Justin Stanek (1:26:52)
Yes.
Silvan (1:26:53)
turned pretty mixed with a bit of Dawson's Creek.
Justin Stanek (1:26:55)
Mm-hmm.
Silvan (1:26:56)
Like it just gives me like wholesome, good quality production. And it's made by the same people who make Gossip Girls, so you they're doing something right.
Justin Stanek (1:27:04)
Yes, exactly. And I mean like just in general, I d I love I've watched a lot of interviews with Megan Park, the director and creator. And she was just like, Yeah, I I let them kind of like do what they want. Like I'm like in terms of dialogue, like if they were like, I don't think my character would say it like this, like she was like, Go ahead, change it. And I love that amount of amount of freedom like as an actor. Like I would just love to be on that set. So yeah, putting it out there right now, please cast me in season two.
Silvan (1:27:34)
Starting point. What else are you watching? I know you're reading Fourth Wing, but is there anything else that you're
Justin Stanek (1:27:38)
Yes, right.
Silvan (1:27:39)
watching in terms of like movies or T V shows?
Justin Stanek (1:27:42)
Yeah, I Don't say good luck on Netflix. It's Adam Sandler's daughter is in it. she's like the lead and they're doing they're like putting on a production of Waitress at her high school while her mom is like going through a terminal cancer diagnosis. One, Waitress is my favorite musical in the entire world ever.
And two, it was just like such a wholesome movie and s like I love a sad movie, just like I love sad music. It was so like I cried, and I don't cry ever, like ever. So, yeah, I love that movie. other shows? Hmm.
I don't know. I'm try I I've been trying to like watch things, but I just don't really have a lot of time. Like I binge sterling point so quick. Yeah. But
Silvan (1:28:37)
Right. I almost
wish they had just released one episode a week for Starting Point, 'cause I got through it way too
Justin Stanek (1:28:44)
Yeah, I know.
Silvan (1:28:45)
quick.
Justin Stanek (1:28:46)
I know. I got to so quick. So so so so quick. but maybe we'll do that next season 'cause it now is gonna have a huge following, you know. Yeah, I
Silvan (1:28:54)
Right. And I love that Adam
Sandler is making movies for his daughters to just star in. I love a Neppo
Justin Stanek (1:28:58)
so I would do that if I was him.
Silvan (1:29:01)
Baby moment.
Justin Stanek (1:29:02)
Right. I know and she's she's very talented, like so talented. So I mean hey,
Silvan (1:29:07)
Yeah.
Justin Stanek (1:29:07)
why not?
Silvan (1:29:08)
You talked about waitress as well. Did you see the original movie with Carrie Russell?
Justin Stanek (1:29:13)
I did. I did. I watched it after I saw the musical though. Yeah. So
Silvan (1:29:17)
So good. Like the way
Sarah Barrialis conjured up a musical from that movie, like I was flawed.
Justin Stanek (1:29:24)
I know.
I know. She's I d I saw that she's writing a new musical, Sarah Bareles.
Silvan (1:29:31)
I saw that too.
Justin Stanek (1:29:32)
so I'm very, very excited to see what she comes up with because it's been too long since the waitress came out.
Silvan (1:29:40)
I mean she's making bank, good for her.
Justin Stanek (1:29:42)
Yeah, yeah.
Silvan (1:29:43)
Speaking of new musicals, my god, Justin, we could literally spend another hour on this, but I won't, I promise I won't. But Cardi Ray Jebson and Lena
Justin Stanek (1:29:52)
Uhhuh. yeah.
Silvan (1:29:53)
Dunham creating the new Ten Things I Hate About You musical.
Justin Stanek (1:29:56)
Yes, I saw that. I saw that, yeah.
Silvan (1:29:59)
I mean, let's
manifest some casting for that, hello.
Justin Stanek (1:30:02)
Right. my gosh. I would love to to be able to do theater again. that's like I miss it a lot, but just unfortunately like that's yeah, I can't afford to do it.
Silvan (1:30:15)
I can see
you in the Heath Ledger role, though.
Justin Stanek (1:30:18)
my gosh, I would love that. I love that movie. So that would be amazing.
Silvan (1:30:22)
So so good. But yeah.
Justin, where can people find you on socials if they want to do a deep dive or some research?
Justin Stanek (1:30:29)
Yeah. Some research. well, my Instagram is Justin underscore Stannic. you can find pretty much anything you want to know about me on there. Or if you want to have a laugh, my TikTok is underscore juddy, J-U-T-T-Y underscore, 'cause that's the nickname my mom gave me when I was a kid. or I also have a single account on TikTok where I'll post like some some theater covers and like
like my own stuff as well and that's the same Justin underscore stanic but yeah keep an eye out for me there's some stuff in the works I have a short film coming out at some point soon it's gonna go on a festival run called a rope around the wind where I where I sing as well in it so if you're if you love love me singing and playing guitar I'm doing that as well but the the trailer for that's on my Instagram
So we should go check.
Silvan (1:31:31)
Amazing. Thank you so much for spending this time with us and just talking
Justin Stanek (1:31:34)
Thank you for having me.
Silvan (1:31:35)
to us and reminiscing about how great Caroline is as well.
Justin Stanek (1:31:39)
Yeah, I miss her so much. Caroline, if you see this, I miss you and we should get lunch or something.
Silvan (1:31:44)
And Caroline Boy Band Movie, this is what we're on next.
Justin Stanek (1:31:46)
Yes.
Boy band movie. All right.
Silvan (1:31:49)
Thanks so much, Justin.
Justin Stanek (1:31:51)
Thank you.