Marcos Justo
Filmmaker/Immersive Storyteller/Creator of Circus of Nightmares

Can you tell us a little bit about what you do?
I’m a young filmmaker and visual artist who likes to blur the lines between reality and imagination. My family and I created Circus of Nightmares, a popular home haunt here in Burbank that transforms our house each October into an interactive movie like experience. It includes originally produced storylines, lights, music, and live performances from other local teens. We feature local bands and other interesting acts that add to the Circus’ vibe. What started as a small Halloween display has grown into a community art project where volunteers, friends, and families work together to make something exciting and completely free for everyone to enjoy.

How did you first become interested in art?
I’ve always loved film and immersive storytelling. Halloween gave me a way to bring it all together: lighting, sound, sets, live performance and emotion. Over the years, my small Halloween yard projects turned into short films, digital art, and finally the full-scale production that is the Circus of Nightmares today. Recently, I was accepted into the Cinematic Arts Department at the Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), where I’m growing as a director and screenwriter while continuing to build Circus of Nightmares outside of school every October.

How does art enrich a community, and what are some ways people can engage with art in Burbank?
Every fall, Circus of Nightmares becomes a place where neighbors, local artists, and even strangers come together to create something special. It proves you don’t need a big studio or a big budget, just imagination and teamwork. Burbank is world famous for it’s creativity and at it’s spooky core is everything from one of a kind galleries to pop up art fairs to home haunts like mine, and getting involved can be as easy as visiting, volunteering, or supporting our local arts scene.

If you could share with our community one thing about art and/or your creative process, what would it be?
My creative process starts with the question “What if?” Don’t wait for permission to start. Just start and let the creativity happen. Circus of Nightmares began in our front yard during the pandemic, using recycled props, a few lights, and a big idea. It’s grown into a local tradition that continues to evolve every year. Whether it’s film or immersive design, my goal is always to make people feel something real.