“Expect a diversified array of artistic knowledge from an old soul who’s worked amongst the best in the industry, even walked the Red Carpet with Steven Spielberg. ”
Director. Cinematographer. Educator.
Dustin James Leighton brings a filmmaker’s perspective to actor training, drawing from his experience both in front of and behind the camera. His training focuses on helping actors understand the craft of acting and how it translates to the screen.
ABOUT DUSTIN
Dustin James Leighton is an established American Voice Actor and Narrative Filmmaker whose work has been described as “a throwback to a previous era that somehow feels completely relevant and fresh.” Born and raised in Arizona, he began his artistic journey as an actor and dancer, later studying at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London. Afterward, he moved to New York City on a workman’s scholarship, mopping floors at Broadway Dance Center by day and training by night.
Within two years, he revived the role of David in Harvey Fierstein’s Torch Song Trilogy, earning his AEA card and signing with ICM’s Voiceover Department as one of the youngest actors on their roster.
Dustin went on to join the Transformers franchise as the voice of Autobot Evac on Transformers: The Ride 3D, and his commercial voice work has been heard across North America for brands such as Tresemmé, Fandango, and McDonald’s. He spent over six years as the network voice of Fox Sports and continued to resonate across VH1, MTV, HBO, and more. His occasional on-camera pursuits allowed him to work under directors such as Michael Bay and Timothy Busfield - experiences that sparked his second artistic passion: cinematography.
In 2019, Dustin shifted his focus behind the camera, studying light shaping under Larry Sher (Joker, The Hangover) and Wally Pfister (The Dark Knight Trilogy, Inception) at the ASC Masterclass in Los Angeles. He is a lover of tungsten lights, shadows, distinctive compositions, and vivid color palettes, with a focus on cinematography, lighting, and visual storytelling.
Most recently, Dustin wrapped 48 episodes of The Ange and Addi Show as Director/DP and released his new vertical series, Outlaw Lover, which placed 8th internationally in the “Best Series” category in the ReelShort Vertical Competition. The series is now streaming on the ReelShort App.
In addition to his narrative filmmaking, Dustin mentors actors through his sister companies, Headshots and Cold Brews and Leighton Atelier, a private, invitation-only film ensemble devoted to cultivating cinematic excellence and creating award-worthy work for the screen.
Humble. Kind. Grateful.