سيرة
Julian began his journey in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of a dance troupe named 'FLEX'. His group won numerous local dance competitions, earning national recognition. This success led him to New York City, where he spent nine years as a professional actor in theater, independent films, commercials, and soap operas. He trained under renowned acting teachers Sanford Meisner, Bobby Lewis, and Martin Barter at the Neighborhood Playhouse Theater.
During six of those years in New York, Starks supplemented his acting career by working as a mobile disc jockey. He also embarked on his filmmaking path by attending The School of Visual Arts, focusing on screenwriting and directing.
In 1996, he moved to Los Angeles to advance his film and television acting career, studying with Larry Moss, Ivana Chubbuck, and Aaron Speiser. He furthered his filmmaking education through UCLA Extension courses in screenwriting, directing, and editing.
By 2002, Julian dedicated himself full-time to filmmaking by enrolling at The Los Angeles Film School, concentrating on directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing. He directed three short films that toured the festival circuit and completed his first feature-length screenplay during the program. Recently, he finished his second feature script.
In 2004, he founded Hollywood Filmmakers, a film production company. He is currently in post-production on his debut feature documentary, "Journey to Sundance," which explores the Sundance Film Festival and independent filmmaking. Julian served as executive producer, producer, director, composer, and co-editor for this project.
Over five years of filming "Journey to Sundance" with crews of up to 13 people, alongside developing and pitching his two scripts, has provided Starks with deep insight into filmmaking, including story development, production, and post-production processes.
He directed Tim Coyne's one-man show, "American Puberty," and is preparing for "Moment of Silence," a 35mm short film he co-wrote and is directing. This short received the Panavision 35mm Camera Package award.
Julian later graduated from The Brooks Institute of Photography in Ventura, California, pursuing his passion for storytelling through a new medium. This medium enables him to share his love of animals in "Life Behind Bars Vol. I," his first Fine Art Photography book.
In recent years, Julian has traveled worldwide photographing wild animals in both natural habitats and sanctuaries. He recognizes that without sanctuaries and, at times, confinement, many species face extinction. To support this cause, he founded Visions of the World Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to raising public awareness and aiding organizations that improve the lives of endangered animals. He aims to make a difference by highlighting their struggles, educating the public, and donating a portion of proceeds to conservation efforts. Julian invites others to join in the effort to protect these noble creatures and their habitats.
View his photography at www.julianstarksphotography.com
With extensive experience across various facets of the industry, Julian offers a unique perspective on filmmaking. He is a creative and bold producer, director, writer, photographer, actor, and host who values and encourages the creative contributions of all performers and crew members.
