Bio
Dustin James Leighton is an established American Voice Actor and Director/Director of Photography 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.
Today, Dustin works nationally as a Director and Director of Photography through his production company, Finding You Pictures.
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 production work, Dustin mentors actors through his sister companies, Acting and Cold Brews and Headshots and Cold Brews, and is the founder of Leighton Atelier, a private, invitation-only film ensemble devoted to cultivating cinematic excellence and creating award-worthy work for the screen.
He also serves as Vice President of Leighton Agency, a SAG-AFTRA franchised talent agency, where he advocates for actors and ethical representation.
Humble. Kind. Grateful.
Press
American Cinematographer - “Dustin James Leighton’s “Lostless” extend[s] this theme to existential exploration, emphasizing human fragility amidst disaster and the transformative power of the human psyche.”
MovieMaker Magazine - "‘Lostless,’ directed by Dustin James Leighton and starring Jade Soto and Mitch Morrison, is an introspective and contemplative film that explores the human psyche and the duality of the mind. Echoing the spirit of Tarkovsky's "Solaris" and Lynch's "Mulholland Drive," Leighton expertly crafts a narrative that oscillates between the real and the imaginary, showcasing his directorial prowess in this silent film.
Leighton's experience as a Director of Photography, since attending the ASC Masterclass in 2019, is evident in the film's striking visual elements. "Lostless" tells a powerful story without words, with captivating performances by Soto and Morrison, and expertly crafted sound design by Abbot Miller. A unique voice in contemporary cinema, the film serves as a testament to Leighton's boundless creativity and artistic vision, inviting viewers on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.”