Murray Mile

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The year was 1984. Ronald Reagan would become president, the Cosby show would make it's television debut, and MTV would host it's very first Video Music Awards. On May 21st of that year, Justin "MurrayMile" Murray would be born into a single parent home in Buffalo, New York. By his own admittance he was an obstinate child who always desired the spotlight. Those ways sent him straight to the head of the line when Parent-Teacher conferences came around. That time brought about many decisions and changes in Justin's life, the most notable changes stemming from motivation imparted to him by his teachers at the time. Always referring to life as a road, Justin was encouraged to avoid the bumps and not take any exits. To be successful at the end of every mile he must learn something new, and only after giving one-hundred-and-fifty percent would that be possible. Fortunately, during those years Justin's adolescent love of hockey and subsequent dreams of playing for the Buffalo Sabers kept him out of trouble, allowing him to tend goal for numerous years. Soon, Justin found himself admiring the art of cinematography. Utterly mesmerized by the very notion of capturing events as they occurred, he became determined to own a camcorder and push the play button for the rest of his life. In order to do so, he made the decision that his love for film was a larger factor in his life than the budding social scene around him. By the time he graduated from Williamsville High School in 2002 Justin had immersed himself in the world of cinematography. By constructing homemade videos he began to familiarize himself with the camera. As a young filmmaker he would cast his friends and neighbors in his productions, always staying true to his vision. Editing his footage was as simple as one, two, rewind. The scenes would be re-recorded until his specifications had been met. Editing software? No, thanks.
While on set he has a tendency to shoot extremely fast with multiple cameras and the general perception is that he is a perfectionist with his work. In a 24 year span, Justin has been inspired by the collective works of Stephen Spielberg, John Woo, and the captivating work of Micheal Bay. Other inspirational figures include his role model and mother-turned-manager, David Fincher, Stanley Kubrick, Guy Ritchie, and the Coen Brothers. These figures provided a solid body of work whose effort, originality, and style would provide the creative motivation for many emerging directors and cinematographers. Justin would draw on that motivation while working on his first project after being accepted to Full Sail University in 2006. Working with Wesley "Wuz Good" Armstrong they successfully directed a "Converse" commercial. Exercising good judgement and well thought out pre-production the collaboration found that their respective work ethics had fed off each other and produced an end result worthy of the effort that was so clearly put in. Soon afterwards, Justin would would be credited with work on a Papa John's commercial for the Mummy III. After an interviewing a cinematographer by the name of Stephen F. Campbell, Justin was able to work with Mr. Campbell and eventually obtained a role as a movie extra for an Amanda Bynes project entitled "Sydney White". Near that time he met a group of students with exquisite talent and they began working with him on his next project; a commercial for Absolut Vodka. Soon, producers, along with independent third parties began to invest money into these projects. In addition, people were volunteering their time to be associated with Justin's projects because they believed in both his vision and his work. Realizing how blessed he was to have his comrades investments, and more importantly their support, he became even more passionate about striving to succeed in his chosen path. While graduating from the Full Sail University Film Program, he managed to win an award for his commercial work outside of school.

Now, if success were measured in views, Justin's music video TREAL - "Spaceship" should speak for itself with over one million views in only twenty-four hours, on worldstarhiphop.com. Currently Justin is in post production on a disclosed project for Universal Music Group. While he does dedicate his time to work on music videos and commercials, he is ready to leap into his biggest project to date. It's release will be his feature film directing debut, working title; Fox Hunt. With work spanning several genre's, multiple markets, and the repeated successful completion of projects both public and private Justin Murray aspires to be one of the most prevalent and innovative action movie directors in the nation, known world wide for his diversity and creative intellect. While his road has been laced with potholes, and dead ends at every turn, it's hard not to see his motto at work. Regardless of the circumstances surrounding his life, his work, and his future he never ceases to take that extra step. One foot forward, one in front of the other, the first of many steps toward his always evident quest to achieve, of all things, the extra mile.