Julia Verdin, p.g.a.

Veteran filmmaker Julia Verdin is a multi-hyphenate – she is known as an accomplished producer, award-winning Director and writer. Having been in the film business for 30 years, Julia has established herself as one of Hollywood’s leading independent filmmakers, with over 40 critically acclaimed feature films produced to date. She founded and has been running Rough Diamond Productions since 1995. She has also made her mark as a writer and director and has just completed directing her fifth film.

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Julia transitioned to directing from a successful producing career. These include theatrical releases “Merchant of Venice” with Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons, “Stander” with Thomas Jane and Deborah Unger, and “2 Jacks” with Sienna Miller, Danny and Jack Huston and Jacqueline Bisset, which played in many major film festivals including Sundance, Toronto, Venice, AFI, Montreal and London film festivals.

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Julia’s directing style is informed by her extensive experience in producing, allowing her to balance creative vision with practical considerations such as budget and scheduling. Her background in acting also enables her to effectively support and guide performers, eliciting powerful performances from her cast.

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Julia's directorial debut, "Lost Girls," featuring Bar Paly, Marisol Nichols, and Jamie Harris, achieved notable success on the festival circuit, garnering multiple awards, including the esteemed Best Social Impact Film accolade at The Culver City Film Festival. This poignant narrative has transcended traditional entertainment realms, being integrated into educational programs addressing the harrowing issue of sex trafficking of minors.

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Her first feature film as writer, director, and producer, "Angie: Lost Girls," received a limited theatrical release in December 2020 amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Distributed domestically by Freestyle and internationally by Jinga Films, the film delves into the complexities of child sex trafficking, focusing on a difficulty reintegrating with her family, re-finding her self-worth whilst combating ongoing threats to herself and loved ones from traffickers. The cast features esteemed actors including Olivia d'Abo, Dylan Sprayberry, Antony Montgomery, and Jane Widdop, among others.

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Julia's subsequent project, "Maya," which she scripted, directed, and produced, premiered theatrically and on-demand in January 2024. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Patricia Velasquez, Rumer Willis, Rena Owen, Gian Franco Rodriguez, Billy Budinich and newcomer Isabella Feliciana as Maya. "Maya" offers a gripping portrayal of the cyclical nature of abuse, shedding light on prevalent societal issues such as child trafficking, domestic violence, and substance abuse.

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Currently in post-production, Julia's latest endeavor, "No Address," showcases her versatility as a filmmaker, tackling the poignant narrative of individuals experiencing homelessness who forge unlikely bonds amidst adversity. The film boasts a distinguished cast, including Lucas Jade Zumann, Billy Baldwin, Ashanti, Patricia Velasquez, Xander Berkley, Kristana Loken, Isabella Ferreira and Beverly D’Angelo.

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She also co-directed a companion documentary Americans with No Address about the homeless crisis in America due to be released this fall. 

 

Other directing work includes a short promo for GIFT (Global Initiative Fighting Trafficking) and 5 short films in partnership with non-profit Kids in The Spotlight. Brown, The Inheritance, Scripted, To the Bridge and In This House stories written by and acted in by foster youth from the Ridgeway Foundation. Brown screened at Paramount Studios in November 2019 and screened at several film festivals. The Inheritance premiered at the Orpheum Theater in November 2021. Scripted screened at Paramount Studios, November 2022. In This House screened at Paramount Studios, November 2023 and To the Bridge will screen this November.

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In addition to her filmmaking endeavors, Verdin is actively engaged in mentorship and advocacy within the industry. She has served on the board of BAFTA LA, where she championed initiatives to support emerging filmmakers and foster mentorship opportunities. Her commitment to empowering aspiring filmmakers is further demonstrated through her participation in film festival panels and speaking engagements. Julia received the La Femme 2015 Executive Achievement Award and was honored for her work in film and supporting female filmmakers.

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Julia founded and serves on the board of directors of Artists For Change, a 501c non-profit with a mission of raising awareness on key social issues through film and media.

Julia is passionate about raising awareness on critical social issues through the powerful medium of film and encourages filmmakers to think about making content that contributes to a better world. She is an inspiring public speaker when raising awareness on issues or encouraging people in taping into their talents, reaching their full potential and using their voices for good.

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As well as holding an MA in Film, she has also trained as a director with Joan Scheckel, Judith Weston, John Osborne, and John Penney. Julia holds both US and UK passports and is based in LA.

 

For more information visit:

https://www.roughdiamondproductions.net/julia-verdin/

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0893845/

https://www.artists4change.org/

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