Meet Justin Balczak | Filmmaker & Parkour Athlete

We had the good fortune of connecting with Justin Balczak and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always been a creative person, especially behind the lens of a video camera. Growing up I despised seeing cheesy poor quality commercials for local businesses, and always thought I could do better. I originally moved to LA to study film and work my up the ranks in the film industry. I was fortunate enough to work on multiple sets, and meet many great individuals, but I learned quickly that the politics behind the industry was something I did not want to deal with.

Going into my senior year I was given an opportunity to create my senior thesis on a theoretical business model. From that point on, I developed and created the brand that I still have today, Dextra Films. I now cater to many small businesses and their media content, as well as larger international brands.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
On top of building my Video Production Company, I too was a very decorated college track and field athlete. Fitness and movement have always been apart of my life. The first few years of my business, I gave 100% of my time and attention to getting that off the ground. But I very quickly realized that something was missing. I missed moving.

That is why in 2020, I decided to take up the sport of Parkour. Taking my video production knowledge, I started making Youtube videos centered around the sport. Parkour allows me to create content, be athletic and creative within myself, and build a network of amazing individuals. We just passed our 1 year anniversary on Youtube where we produce weekly training vlogs and content.

Getting that going wasnt exactly easy either. Anyone trying to build a Youtube knows that it is a grind beyond anything else youve experienced. This has forced me to learn how to balance a thriving business, with a passion project on a slow roll to grow.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My journey has taken me across the country and introduced me to dozens of individuals who have impacted my life in positive ways. But in the grand scheme of things I need to keep it simple. My parents and my wife are the key contributors to helping me get to where I am today. Starting a business from scratch is not an easy task, especially fresh out of college with zero money.

Their encouragement helped keep me motivated in those early stages, and still to this day.

Website: https://www.dextrafilms.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balczak/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-balczak-ab74a7125/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.balczak/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5oIfJY3fSqbMsEkyKCvzrQ