The Business of Creative Joy | Filmmaker and Photographer, Justin Friesen

Filmmaker and photographer Justin Friesen joins the program to share his journey through the creative trenches of the music and film scene in Toronto.Justin originally studied film production with the goal of becoming a film director, but his path took an unexpected turn when his first paid project turned out to be a music video. That opportunity opened the door to the local music world and set him on a creative trajectory he didn’t initially plan.During the pandemic, Justin began reaching out to bands he already knew, offering to collaborate and create. The momentum snowballed. Between 2024 and 2025 alone, he worked with over 200 artists, building a reputation in Toronto’s music scene as both a filmmaker and photographer who understands musicians and their stories.In this conversation, Justin breaks down the realities of creative freelancing: the challenges of collaborating with other artists, how to price your work properly, and the delicate balancing act of avoiding burnout while staying creatively alive.We also dive into:• Why keeping art in the city matters• The idea of trying to get bored with your own photography* to keep evolving• The power of soft goals vs. hard goals• The real challenges and freedoms of being a freelancerThis is a conversation about creativity, collaboration, and staying curious in a fast-moving artistic world.Justin https://www.instagram.com/justin.friesen/Follow Open Shutter for future show announcements!https://www.instagram.com/openshutteryoutube/like and subscribe:)