Julia Verdin

Producer Bio

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

Julia’s comprehensive understanding of filmmaking encompasses every stage of the production process, from story development and casting to budgeting, financing, and distribution strategy. Her adeptness extends to on-set management, where she excels in fostering a collaborative environment that brings out the best in her team. Known for her creative acumen, interpersonal skills, and problem-solving abilities, Julia is adept at navigating the complexities of film production while ensuring a seamless execution.

Some of the memorable, acclaimed theatrical releases and top film festival favorites Julia has produced, include No Address which she also directed, 2 Jacks, directed by Bernard Rose, based on the Leo Tolstoy short story “Two Hussars”: the film starred Danny Huston, Jack Huston, Sienna Miller, Jacqueline Bisset, and Billy Zane; Stander, directed by Bronwen Hughes starring Thomas Jane, Deborah Unger, Dexter Fletcher, and David O’Hara; Sony Pictures Classics released The Merchant of Venice, directed by Michael Radford, starring Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, and Joseph Fiennes; and Riding The Bullet based on a Stephen King story, directed by Mick Garris, and starring David Arquette, Jonathan Jackson, Erica Christensen, and Barbara Hershey. Julia’s faith-based film, The Least Among You was a Lionsgate release, starring Lou Gossett Jr., Lauren Holly, and William Devane, and featured in major festivals, being nominated for two N.A.A.C.P awards. Julia also Executive Produced the 2015 Lionsgate release Born of War, directed by Vicky Jewson, starring James Frain and Sophia Black D’Elia.

Award-winning films that Julia has directed, produced, and written include No Address, starring Lucas Jade Zumann, Billy Baldwin, Ashanti, Patricia Velasquez, Xander Berkley, Kristanna Loken, Isabella Ferreira and Beverly D’Angelo; Maya, starring Patricia Velasquez, Rumer Willis, Rena Owen, and newcomer Isabella Feliciana as Maya; Angie: Lost Girls, starring Olivia d’Abo, Dylan Sprayberry, Antony Montgomery, and Jane Widdop; and Lost Girls, starring Bar Paly, Marisol Nichols, and Jamie Harris.

Recent producing work includes Double Exposure for director Howard Goldberg, starring Alexander Calvert, Caylee Cowan, Kahyun Kim and Anne DeSalvo, Pursued for director Jeffrey Obrow, starring Sam Trammell, Molly Ringwald, Angus Macfayden and Miesha Tate and Paul Sorvino, One by One directed By Jeffrey Obrow, starring Dwight Yoakam and Christopher Lloyd and The Unwilling starring Dina Meyer, Lance Henriksen and Jake Thomas which has won many awards at top horror festivals.

Julia’s films have been selected for many major film festivals including Sundance, Toronto, Venice, AFI, Raindance, Vancouver International, and London.

Some other films Julia produced earlier in her career include: I Witness, directed by Rowdy Harrington, starring Jeff Daniels and James Spader, Blast, directed by Tony Hickox, starring Eddie Griffin, Vinnie Jones and Vivica Fox, Green Mail starring Steven Baldwin and Tom Skerritt, The Shipment starring Mathew Modine, Nick Turturro and Elisabeth Berkley, The Contaminated Man starring William Hurt, Peter Weller and Natasha McElhone and STYX starring Peter Weller, Angus MacFayden and Brian Brown, directed by Alex Wright, Ballad of the Nightingale with Virginia Madsen, Maria Cuccinota (Il Postino), Seymour Cassell, Michael Madsen and Harry Dean Stanton, Lone Hero directed by Ken Sanzel starring Lou Diamond Philips, Sean Patrick Flanery and Robert Forester, Slipstream starring Sean Austin and Vinnie Jones, The Set Up, a bank heist thriller based on a James Hadley Chase best-selling novel, directed by Strathford Hamilton starring Billy Zane, James Coburn, Mia Sara and James Russo for MGM/Showtime, and Temptation, an action-packed revenge thriller for Dino De Laurentiis Communications starring Jeff Fahey, David Keith and Alison Doody, also directed by Strathford Hamilton.

Julia is renowned as a prominent figure in film education. Her publication, “Success in Film,” serves as a comprehensive manual covering the intricacies of developing, funding, producing, and marketing independent films. It is a staple in numerous college curricula worldwide and has been instrumental in guiding countless filmmakers. Julia frequently shares her expertise on film-related topics, addressing audiences across various platforms including BAFTA, Women In Film, WGA, AFM panels, and Story Expo. Additionally, she is highly sought after as an indie film consultant, having supported numerous filmmakers in realizing their projects. Holding an MA in film from Staffordshire University, Julia also imparts her knowledge to film MA students through tutoring sessions and filmmaking workshops.

Recognized for her significant contributions to the industry, Julia received the La Femme 2015 Executive Achievement Award, specifically honoring her dedication to film and her support of female filmmakers. Her involvement extends beyond accolades, as she actively participates as a judge at esteemed events like the 2015 LA Shorts Festival and contributes to film festival panels, advocating for emerging talents. Julia’s commitment to nurturing future filmmakers is evident through her decade-long service on the board of BAFTA LA, where she chaired the film committee. Her initiatives include the establishment of the BAFTA newcomer program and the promotion of mentorship opportunities, ensuring the continuous growth and support of up-and-coming filmmakers within the industry.

Julia’s philanthropic efforts extend to her role as the founder of Artists For Change, a nonprofit committed to leveraging the power of media to address pressing social issues. Through her work, she continues to champion the transformative potential of film as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring fellow filmmakers to create content that resonates with audiences and contributes to a better world.

For more information visit:

www.roughdiamondproductions.net/julia-verdin
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0893845/
www.artists4change.org

Producer Reel

JULIA VERDIN
Director/Producer/Writer

Director Bio

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

www.roughdiamondproductions.net/julia-verdin
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0893845/
www.artists4change.org

Julia Verdin is a top film consultant in the industry.

Learn More

Director Reel

JULIA VERDIN
Director/Producer/Writer

Writer Bio

Julia Verdin has written 4 full length feature award-winning screenplays and 1 short film, 3 of which have been made and achieved success and critical acclaim, the fourth starts principal photography on 30th Jan 2023 and the fifth has been optioned and scheduled to go into production fall 2023 and Julia is currently working on two new screenplays.

Lost Girls (short) – released in 2016
Angie: Lost Girls – released in 2020
Maya – in post-production, set for release in 2023
No Address – in pre-production, to be filmed January 30th, 2023
Amy and Angel – set to start filming Fall 2023

Julia is passionate about making social-issue-driven films as a writer and using the power of film to shed light on important social and humanitarian issues.

Julia is also known as a leading educator in film: her book Success in Film, a guide to developing, funding, producing, and marketing indie films is on many college syllabuses around the world and has helped many filmmakers. She tutors Film MA students and provides consultation for many writers on their scripts. She is also regularly hired by production companies as a script consultant/script fixer over the years and has a knack of identifying what is lacking in a screenplay and fixes needed to make it great.

Awards/Selections for Amy and Angel: https://www.amyandangel.com/awards

Awards/selections for No Address: https://www.noaddressmovie.com/awards

For more information visit:

www.roughdiamondproductions.net/julia-verdin
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0893845/
www.artists4change.org

What others are saying…

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"I have known Julia Verdin for more than 12 years and I worked with her on several films when I was head of production at Promark Entertainment. I hired her as a producer on several international productions because of her knowledge of international distribution, physical production and talent relationships. She has great story instincts and knows how to re shape a script to make it talent and production friendly.

She also has great on set producing skills and all the films she produced were done on time and on budget. She has great talent packaging skills and put together the casts for several of our films as well as producing them. She was great at getting us top name talent and also finding really interesting choices for all the supporting roles. She is very professional and experienced at what she does and I would highly recommend her both as a producer and for casting purposes."
David Bixler - 20th Century Fox Home EntertainmentSVP, Acquisitions & Productions VP, MGM Worldwide Distribution

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"Julia is one of the best producer I have ever worked with. She really understands a director’s needs and always seems to solve problems before they happen. She keeps a wonderfully calm, focused set and has a great eye for casting, always delivering me wonderful actors for every role. It helps that she has the best talent connections of anyone I know in the business. Julia will always be my number one choice of producers to work with."
Anthony HickoxDirector: Knife Edge, Blast, Contaminated Man, Consequence, Hellraiser 3

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"I worked with Julia Verdin recently on TWO JACKS. We had a wonderful working experience and she worked tirelessly as a producer to get the best for every aspect of the film. She pulled together miracles on the smallish budget we had. As a director I was given all the tools I needed to make a great film and felt backed up by her every step of the way. She fights to get the best of everything.

She also has great taste in actors – we did not use a casting director and cast the film ourselves. She also got me great Heads of Departments who were really creative and good. She also creates a really good energy working environment for all concerned and it was a really good experience all round. I was really pleased with the way the film turned out."
Bernard RoseDirector: Candyman, Immortal Beloved, Mr. Nice and 2 Jacks

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"Producer Julia Verdin and I embarked on the most ambitious and exciting feature film of my career thus far, shooting STANDER in the cities and townships of South Africa. The film re-created dozens of notorious bank robberies, as well as riots with thousands of extras and military convoys.

Julia had the ability to keep our production calm, focused and smooth running, even under difficult and challenging conditions. She always maintained a fantastic attitude, and has terrific people skills. As a director, I felt incredibly well supported, especially with her level of perseverance and solution-oriented way of thinking. Working with producer Julia Verdin meant I had an invaluable ally and creative partner.

In addition, Julia through her management background was instrumental in putting together our cast. She has terrific personal contacts in the acting community, and great taste to know who is right."
Bronwen HughesDirector: Stander, Forces of Nature, Harriet The Spy

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"Julia has consulted with me on a number of occasions and I have always been more than happy with the results. I have made several feature films and always begin the process by bringing Julia in at the beginning to give story notes and casting suggestions.

Her story ideas are insightful and her understanding of casting is amazing. The lists of actors she provides me with are fantastic.

When I am in the editing process I turn to Julia again because I have to start the ‘selling phase.’ Julia knows the players out there and who is looking for what kind of film. My investors and I, again, are always happy with the results.

Julia has a wealth of knowledge and gets the job done quickly and perfectly. I couldn’t recommend her more. She really knows the lay of the land."
Jeffrey ObrowProducers and Artists Development Group, LLC

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"Julia is one of the most wonderful producers I have worked with. She did an amazing job for us with ‘STANDER’ and as a result I have hired her on a number of other films for the company. I also invited her to join our board of directors on which she served a 3-year term and always had great insights and suggestions. Julia has also consulted for us on a number of projects and is great with script notes and casting ideas and has really good production knowledge and skills. Most importantly, she is passionate, smart, honest and reliable and gets things done quickly and efficiently. I highly recommend her."
Peter HoffmanCEO – Seven Arts Pictures

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"Julia has been an excellent partner in polishing my script for ‘An Invisible Army.’ Her insights into story and character are strong and were most helpful in sharpening the script. Not only was working together a truly creative experience, but has proved to be successful as we now have placed the project with a financing and production company and plan to be shooting the film next spring.

I am most grateful for her passion and commitment to the project and highly recommend her to anyone who wants to take their script out to the market place."
Eva GardosDirector: An American Rhapsody