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    Justin Bursch: Crafting Stories, Leading with Purpose, Exploring Without Limits

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    In an industry built on storytelling, few professionals embody the power of narrative quite like Justin Bursch. A dynamic Hollywood producer and executive, Bursch has spent over two decades shaping and delivering cinematic experiences that resonate on a global scale. More than a creative mind behind the camera, he is a strategic thinker, business leader, and production specialist whose influence stretches across media, entertainment, technology, and beyond. With a career rooted in adaptability, leadership, and bold vision, Bursch exemplifies what it means to thrive at the intersection of art and commerce.

    From his earliest days in production, Bursch demonstrated a rare fusion of creativity and business acumen. After earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Central Washington University—where he attended on a full athletic scholarship as a college basketball player—he set out to chart a path in the entertainment world. The discipline honed on the basketball court translated into a resolute work ethic and a deep understanding of teamwork, setting the foundation for his prolific career in production.

    Bursch’s career is a testament to both his versatility and his commitment to excellence. He began in hands-on production roles and gradually ascended the ranks, leveraging his strategic insight to lead increasingly complex projects. His tenure as Vice President of Physical Production and Business Development at MPCA marked a key chapter, where he not only managed large-scale productions but also helped steer the company’s business growth initiatives. This role foreshadowed a trajectory defined by balancing creative vision with operational precision.

    As Partner and Head of Production at Ranger 7 Films, Bursch oversaw a diverse slate of projects, enhancing his reputation as a producer capable of shepherding both indie gems and high-stakes commercial ventures. His aptitude for storytelling and production design proved crucial in bringing compelling narratives to life—projects that spanned genres, budgets, and global audiences. With each production, Bursch reinforced his ability to unify large teams around a shared creative purpose while managing logistical complexity with finesse.

    The momentum continued with his role as a partner at Bar45 Media, where he deepened his involvement in business development, sales strategy, and team leadership. This period allowed Bursch to further sharpen his executive presence, cultivating relationships across the entertainment ecosystem and building platforms for original content development. It was during this time that he solidified his reputation as a multidimensional leader—one equally comfortable on set, in the boardroom, or negotiating distribution deals. His influence was pivotal in titles being made such as “COLOSSAL” (2017), critically acclaimed, “I FEEL PRETTY” (2018), large comedy blockbuster,  “CRAWL” (2019), a surprise box office hit, and “THE GUILTY” (2021), a critically acclaimed Netflix thriller.

    Perhaps most notably, Bursch served as Executive Vice President of Production, Film at Entertainment One (eOne), a role that placed him at the helm of one of the industry’s most prolific content creators. While at eOne was acquired by Hasbro Entertainment (toy company) in January 2020. Bursch was now in direct oversight of not just the eOne movie slate but also all Hasbro IP which included titles such as; DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, TONKA and more. For those four and a half years, he led a wide array of projects, including the physical production of live-action features, animated content, Broadway live-capture and large-scale franchise films.  This experience led to his ability to navigate both artistic nuance and blockbuster scale.

    Beyond his impressive portfolio, which includes over 30 produced films and executive roles in another 20, Bursch is admired for his calm leadership, collaborative style, and enduring commitment to storytelling. He has spoken at universities, sharing his experience with aspiring creatives, and has built bridges across international markets, having worked extensively across the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. His global perspective adds a unique dimension to his strategic approach, enriching the narratives he helps produce with cultural depth and resonance.

    Justin’s interests extend far beyond film. A certified FAA pilot and rescue scuba diver, he brings the same sense of exploration and discipline to his personal life as he does to his professional endeavors. His passion for discovery—whether navigating the skies or diving into the depths—mirrors his approach to business: fearless, thorough, and driven by curiosity. These pursuits speak volumes about his character, reflecting a lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing challenge.

    Bursch remains deeply engaged in shaping the future of storytelling. Now an independent producer with a global footprint, he continues to advise on major productions and explore board and advisory opportunities where his expertise in marketing, financial analysis, team management, and creative strategy can drive organizational growth. His current advisory role with StandUp for Financial Literacy highlights his dedication to impact-driven leadership and mentorship.

    At his core, Justin Bursch is motivated by a simple philosophy: “Happy to be here, easy to work with.” It’s a motto that encapsulates his humility, professionalism, and collaborative spirit. Whether leading production teams, negotiating business strategies, or mentoring emerging talent, Bursch brings a steadfast sense of purpose and a human touch to every endeavor. His track record, vision, and values make him a compelling asset to any organization seeking leadership that blends creativity with results.

    Character:
    Justin Bursch demonstrates unwavering integrity and a collaborative mindset in all his pursuits. His approachable demeanor and sense of responsibility make him a respected leader in high-pressure environments.


    Knowledge:
    With deep expertise across film production, marketing, and business strategy, Justin offers a rare combination of creative insight and operational fluency. His international experience enhances his ability to navigate complex industry landscapes.


    Strategic:
    Justin’s career is marked by deliberate growth, smart risk-taking, and forward-thinking vision. He aligns business goals with creative execution, delivering projects that are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.


    Communication:
    A natural storyteller and experienced speaker, Justin articulates ideas with clarity and inspiration. He builds consensus across diverse teams and ensures that every voice is heard and valued.

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    Kacey Card
    Kacey Cardhttps://boardsi.com
    Kacey Card is an accomplished editor at Leadafi, bringing a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling to the team. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where he graduated with a 3.8 GPA. Kacey has honed his skills in content creation, editing, and digital media, ensuring that every piece of content meets the highest standards of quality and engagement. At Leadafi, he is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with readers and drive the publication's mission forward. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to editing make him an invaluable asset to the team.