My parents are reality show junkies, so it was not uncommon to hear the theme song of shows like Asia’s Got Talent in the background. And while the heart of the show is about the talents, the hosts, Justin Bratton and Alan Wong, undoubtedly provided much of the energy as they were introducing the talents.
For Justin Bratton, the road to being a host on Asia’s Got Talent has been particularly exciting. Originally from Texas, he eventually moved to Asia, where he is now a familiar face in Asian productions. But Justin is more than just a host. He has also been acting (you may have caught his appearance in HBO’s Halfworlds) and even set up his own production company, Creation Circus.
This month, Justin Bratton is back in the hosting spotlight, exploring Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes in a brand-new travelogue production called Unfading Memoirs. We caught up with him to discuss his beginnings in the Asian TV and film industry, starting his own production company, as well as talking about his adventures in Malaysia.
Let’s start right at the beginning. So, Texas and now working in Asia. How did that all come about?
Justin Bratton: It’s been a wild and rewarding ride from Texas to working in the film and TV industry here in Asia. My path has been a bit unorthodox. I was born in Brownsville, Texas, on the border of Mexico, and mostly grew up in Dallas and Austin. After graduating from the University of Texas, I spent about half a year living and working in Monterrey, Mexico. During that time, a university friend from Singapore suggested I explore Asia. Given my mother’s roots in Myanmar, reconnecting with that part of my heritage felt like a natural step.
I started out in Asia as a bright-eyed backpacker eager to explore the world. Then, a friend got me into modelling, which I thought was a horrible idea at the time. I simply had no idea where it would lead. Modelling became a career of sorts, and I based myself in Bangkok, where I immersed myself in the indie film scene. Here, I began writing and delving deeper into the world of film. Then, around 2012, modelling and acting budgets had plummeted in Bangkok, and the money just wasn’t there.
Then, a friend mentioned that I should move to Singapore and start TV hosting. So… I just headed off to Singapore to become a TV host. A year later, I was on HBO. It was one of the best decisions I ever made. Moving to Singapore allowed me to expand into TV hosting at an international level while continuing to nurture my passion for writing and film in both Bangkok and Singapore. Basically, I stumbled into a modelling career, and the rest is history.
What has it been like working in the Asian film and TV industry since you’ve been here?
Justin: Working in the Asian film and TV industry has been incredible! The talent and creativity here are off the charts. Since I never studied acting or film in school, I had to learn on my own and from the amazing people I’ve worked with in the Asian entertainment industry. I owe a great deal to those who have taught and guided me throughout my career.
Furthermore, my journey in Asia has given me a unique set of skills and a cultural perspective that enriches my work. Being in Asia has broadened my horizons and provided me with a global perspective I wouldn’t have gained if I had come up in Hollywood.
It’s been exciting to see the way people consume content change as well. So many creative outlets on social media which can be utilised. And It’s thrilling to see the growing global audience for Asian films and drama series. The content being created here is now consistently becoming hits internationally. I’m just proud to be a part of all of it!
Getting to host Asia’s Got Talent was pretty huge — a spin-off of a big-name American reality show — how was the whole experience, and were any juicy behind-the-scenes things that did not make it to air?
Justin: Hosting Asia’s Got Talent was an absurd amount of fun! I love the thrill of being on stage in front of a live audience and knowing it’s being broadcast to millions. There’s something magical about the instant connection with a live audience, the spontaneity, and the adrenaline rush that comes with live broadcasting. It’s my happy place! The energy is electrifying, and I truly miss it. Not many people get to experience that, and I am so thankful for having the experience. I can’t wait to have that again sometime soon.
One of the best parts was getting to know contestants from all around the world. Hearing their stories, witnessing their unique talents, and helping them on their journey was incredibly rewarding. It’s amazing to see how much talent and passion people bring to the stage. Each contestant had a unique story and background, and being part of their journey was a privilege.
Working with an international production team was also a highlight. We had people from all corners of the globe, each bringing their own expertise. It felt like one big, multicultural family, and that camaraderie made the whole experience even more special.
Having watched your energetic self in things like Asia’s Got Talent, I must admit that seeing your dramatic acting roles is quite the change! What’s the thought process behind choosing these types of roles?
Justin: Switching between acting and hosting as an occupation is an absolute dream come true. I genuinely love both! Hosting shows like Asia’s Got Talent allows me to be my lively, high-energy self and just have a blast.
But acting is a whole different ball game. It is a completely different creative outlet. It allows me to dive into the process of figuring out who a character is from the words on the page and pretending to be someone else. I have a bit of a darker side that doesn’t come out during TV hosting, and dramatic roles give me the opportunity to explore that. These roles challenge me creatively and let me delve into deeper emotional and psychological layers. Each character offers a unique journey and a chance to connect with audiences on a more profound level, which is incredibly rewarding as an actor.
As far as choosing roles, it’s as simple as having a good script and a director you can trust.
You’ve also established your own film production company in Creation Circus. Why did you choose to pursue this endeavour?
Justin: I’ve always had a deep love for movies, and shortly after I started acting, I had the desire to create my own. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember, and back in my modelling days, I had lots of free time; I would spend days on my laptop hammering away at the keys. I soon started shooting my own short films and learning the art of editing; I couldn’t stop doing it! I then knew I wanted to tell unique and compelling stories for the screen.
Let’s get into Unfading Memoirs, which isn’t your first travel show. What differentiates it from the previous ones you have done?
Justin: I’m no stranger to travelling and love taking on projects that take me to new places. When AXN approached me about Unfading Memoirs, I was thrilled to embark on another adventure. What set this project apart was the extensive journey across Malaysia, exploring diverse and lesser-known corners that were entirely new to me.
One of the most memorable aspects of Unfading Memoirs was collaborating with my best friend, the incredibly talented actress Selina Lo. We had dreamed of working together for years, so when this opportunity came along, we were both ecstatic. Sharing this experience with Selina brought a unique energy and camaraderie to the production, elevating it beyond just another shoot. Her enthusiasm and our witty banter made each day on set unforgettable.
The production itself was also a departure from my previous work with AXN. It allowed for a deeper dive into the cultural exploration of Malaysia, which distinguished it from other productions. We travelled extensively throughout Malaysia, uncovering hidden gems and learning about the diverse cultures that make up the country.
With Unfading Memoirs covering the Adventure, Culture and Food in Malaysia, which has been your favourite aspect to experience?
Justin: I’d say the adventure was the most memorable part. We got to do things I’d never experienced before. For instance, we ate live sago worms, which, while technically food, was quite the adventure! I wasn’t sure what to expect when I put that large, wiggly thing in my mouth, but it wasn’t too gross at all. A dipping sauce would have been nice, but the thrill of trying something new and crazy with my best friend made it so much fun.
Another highlight was venturing into the jungle and seeing orangutans in the wild. I’d only ever seen them in zoos, but watching them swing through the trees and devour fruit in their natural habitat was surreal. It was an unforgettable experience.
Without giving away anything, what has been the best or most memorable moment shooting Unfading Memoirs?
Justin: There were so many great moments! One of the funniest was when our director, Hilda, was talking to the sago worms, trying to get them to wake up. The way she said “Wake up” and then started tapping on them to get them to move had Selina and me in hysterics.
Another highlight for me, as a fan of epic views, was going to the top of the Kuala Lumpur Tower and taking in the breathtaking perspective of the city. We got some incredible pictures up there. And another that comes to mind is when, one evening, when we had some free time, Selina and I went for a walk in George Town. We visited a few different places for food, strolled along the beach, and just soaked in the beauty of the city.
It’s been a busy period for you, with Unfading Memoirs and your other film projects like Surviving Silence happening so close together. How has it been managing all these projects?
Justin: The process of making this film (Surviving Silence) has been a whirlwind of emotions—insane, exhausting, mind-numbing, fun, rewarding, exhilarating, and intense. It has been the most mentally, emotionally, and physically demanding project I’ve ever undertaken, and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of it. The actors are all phenomenal. We asked them to do some pretty insane stuff for this film, and they dazzled us every step of the way. Everyone brought their A-game.
There are so many moving parts to making a film, from writing the script and securing financing to casting, assembling the production team, and finally, shooting the movie—which is where we are right now. The team behind the camera working on this film has truly given it their all. Their sincere passion for making this movie has gotten me rather emotional on more than several occasions, and I will be forever touched by their commitment to making this happen. I’m getting choked up right now just thinking about it.
All this hard work is paying off because the film is looking amazing. A select few have seen a very rough trailer, and the response has been fantastic. A proper trailer will be released soonish, so follow the film on Instagram at @surviving_silence_film to check out behind-the-scenes pics and stay up to date with the latest happenings.
Catch Unfading Memoirs and more from Justin Bratton!
Unfading Memoirs features Justin Bratton and Selina Lo, accompanied by food and travel enthusiast Erwan Heussaff, who takes them to experience the best that Malaysia has to offer. The travelogue show will be screened on AXN Asia’s social media platforms and channels. More information about the show can be found on its official page.
There’s more to come from Justin Bratton as well, as he works on several film projects; you can stay updated on what Justin is getting up to by following him on his Instagram profile.
Visuals courtesy of KC Global Media and AXN Asia.
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