Julie Simone

Julie Simone, an actress, director, and writer, is a multi-award-winning filmmaker who directed and co-wrote the 2019 music documentary "Fiddlin'." Winner of over 20 Best Feature Film, Audience Choice, and Music Awards in 32 film festivals worldwide, "Fiddlin'" had a U.S theatrical tour playing upwards of 50 markets and rocketed to the top of the iTunes Doc Charts upon its release. Julie's feature directorial debut also made the Academy Qualifying List for Best Documentary. "Fiddlin'" can be seen on multiple platforms. (Amazon Prime, Apple TV/ITunes,Curiosity Stream, Documentary Plus, Kanopy) Julie grew up on a farm in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia where childhood summers were spent fishing, swimming and riding bikes on country roads. Julie helped in the family store and worked as a lifeguard. In high school she was a cheerleader and gymnast and very involved in doing theater. Julie's high school drama teacher had a very significant impact on Julie's life choices. After attending the University of South Carolina, Julie headed to NYC and began taking acting classes at HB Studios. She took diction classes to lose her southern accent, modeled, and acted in commercials and music videos. She also performed with a comedy troupe in the city. Eventually moving to Los Angeles, Julie continued acting while studying with The Groundlings, Candy Herman, and Harry Mastrogeorge. She joined The LA Film Studio and took on a multitude of roles behind the camera as well as in front of it. In this corroborative environment she was fully immersed in all aspects of filmmaking. Though Julie's first love had been acting, she realized she enjoyed being behind the camera as well. Following this creative endeavor, Julie went on to direct, film and co-star in "Cannes Without A Plan." This comedic reality/feature follows three divorcees fleeing mundane life for a romp in the South of France. Deciding to shoot the pilot, with no crew, and only her handheld camera, was as impromptu as the trip itself. After a hiatus to focus on her two children, Julie is excited to be creating again. She is writing a limited television series, two features, and developing a makeover show with her partner at Calamity J Productions. Julie has also resumed acting and considers herself to be a versatile actress who is as comfortable doing serious roles as well as the wacky comedic ones. She believes being involved in many creative aspects of the industry is the best way to remain a part of this ever changing business.