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JULIAN STARKS
Director | Producer | Filmmaker | Screenwriter | Photographer | Published Author | Editor | Actor
"My dream, thus mission in life, is to travel around the world and film and photograph beautiful people, animals, events and destinations. As I explore, discover and document these rich, hidden treasures of the world, I will bring my vision, unique voice and energy to images that bring the world beauties for all to imagine, dream and acquire”.
Julian Starks - 2017
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER:
Julian Starks is an eclectic and passionate filmmaker whose journey weaves together storytelling through both motion pictures and powerful still imagery. With a career spanning over two decades, Julian’s unique voice as a director is rooted in his deep understanding of human emotion, visual composition, and narrative authenticity.
Julian’s path began in the vibrant world of performing arts in Cincinnati, Ohio, as part of the dance troupe ‘FLEX,’ which ultimately launched him to New York City in 1985. There, he immersed himself in acting, training under legendary teachers such as Sanford Meisner, Bobby Lewis, and Martin Barter at the Neighborhood Playhouse Theater. This foundation as an actor sharpened his understanding of performance and character, tools that continue to inform his directing style today.
Julian’s pursuit of storytelling soon expanded beyond acting. While working in theater, national commercials, and television, he cultivated a parallel passion for filmmaking. His formal education in filmmaking began at the School of Visual Arts in New York City and continued at UCLA Extension in Los Angeles, CA, where he honed his skills in directing actors in Film and television, screenwriting, and editing. In 2002, he fully committed to filmmaking by enrolling at The Los Angeles Film School, where he focused on directing, producing, screenwriting, and editing under the mentorship of celebrated industry professionals like Richard Wenk, Michael Hauge, Jeff Young, Larry Kostroff and legendary film editor Donn Cambern.
In 2004, Julian founded Hollywood Filmmakers Inc. and embarked on his first feature-length documentary, A Journey to Sundance – a documentary about Robert Redford and the Sundance Film Festival. This ambitious project became a 13-year odyssey, mirroring the grit and tenacity of the independent filmmakers it showcases. Julian wore many hats—producer, director, editor, composer, and interviewer—bringing the spirit and struggles of indie cinema to life. The film was released worldwide in 2021.
While filming A Journey to Sundance, Julian discovered a profound love for photography. In 2012, he graduated from the prestigious Brooks Institute for Photography in Ventura, CA, and began working as a Getty Photographer, capturing compelling images for one of the world’s most prominent visual media companies. His photography journey allowed him to travel the world, documenting exotic and endangered animals in both captivity and the wild. This visual exploration birthed his fine art book LIFE Behind Bars Vol. 1, dedicated to Tippi Hedren at Shambala, honoring the beauty of Big Cats in confinement and the sanctuaries that protect them.
The fusion of filmmaking and photography has become Julian’s hallmark. His cinematic eye enhances the composition and emotional resonance of his still photography, while his photographer’s attention to detail and natural light informs his approach to filmmaking.
Whether capturing the intimacy of a single portrait or directing sweeping visual narratives on screen, Julian’s dual mastery creates work that is visually arresting and emotionally charged.
Julian is also the founder of Visions of the World Inc., a nonprofit supporting wildlife sanctuary through art and education. His commitment to conservation and storytelling is evident in every project, including his photography book LIFE Behind Bars...Except if You’re Free Vol. 2, dedicated to Dian Fossey and her dedication and life to mountain gorillas.
The relaunch of Julian’s first book with new publisher Citi of Books and its debut at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair was an unforgettable experience. While it was wonderful to see people’s excitement for his work and the stories behind Life Behind Bars, Except if You’re Free Vol. 2, the true highlight came from a deeply touching encounter. A gracious woman, moved by Julian’s dedications to Tippi Hedren (Volume I) and Dian Fossey (Volume II), asked: “Why not complete your mission with Jane Goodall, and the chimpanzees she championed?”
That one question inspired “Life Behind Bars, ‘Their Eyes Still Speak – Are We Finally Ready to Listen?” Volume III
In Honor of Dr. Jane Goodall: The Woman Who Taught the World to Listen.”
Her words helped frame what is now:
Julian’s deeply personal tribute to three extraordinary women who gave their lives to saving animals and awakening humanity’s conscience.
As he prepares for his next ambitious projects—including Moment of Silence, a narrative short, and The Independent Journey, a docu-series on global creatives—Julian remains committed to crafting stories that inspire, provoke, and connect.
Footnote: A Unified Vision Across Genres
Julian is currently developing Vocabrio, a real-time translation/Travel APP platform supported by the Pegasus Accelerator, designed to bridge language gaps and foster global communication. In parallel, he leads a bold three-year global campaign with Shades of Color, his apparel & collectibles fashion brand blending cultural pride and athletic elegance, culminating in a multi-event run-up to the 2028 Olympics, including the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Super Bowl & America’s Cup (Naples, Italy).
Though distinct in genre—language technology, fashion, and fine art—each of Julian’s ventures shares a common mission: to connect the world. Whether through storytelling, technology, or culture, Julian's life's work is rooted in uniting people across borders, perspectives, and disciplines.
Checkout all of Julian’s work at: https://www.starksworldwide.com/
Julian invites you to become more aware and to join in the worthy fight to save a place on this earth for these noble creatures to survive!
LIVE LONG, PROSPER & PEACE!
SPREAD THE WORD!!!
Finally, Julian has spent all of his adult life honing, creating projects and companies that sit at the top of his heart of Passion. Now he wants to share all of that with you.
"Take a look at the most eclectic projects and companies of all Genres and please
Spread the Word!!!"
Julian Starks - 2021
