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ACTRESS | DIRECTOR | WRITER
Julie Simone is an award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, and actress. She co-wrote and directed the acclaimed music documentary FIDDLIN’, which qualified for the 2019 Academy Consideration List for Best Documentary Feature. The film garnered over 20 national and international festival awards and is available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, DOC+, Tubi, Kanopy, and Plex. www.fiddlinmovie.com
Born and raised on a farm in the Appalachian Mountains of Virginia, Julie spent childhood summers fishing, swimming, biking, and working at the family store. In high school, she discovered a love for acting, performing in numerous theater productions. Julie credits her high school drama teacher for inspiring her and ultimately changing the course of her life. After college, Julie moved to New York City to break into film and television. She modeled, studied acting at HB Studio, and worked to neutralize her Southern accent—though she remains drawn to Southern-rooted roles and stories.
In Los Angeles, Julie continued acting in commercials, film, and television while training with renowned acting coaches Candy Herman and Harry Mastrogeorge. Her love for comedy led her to study improvisation and sketch writing with The Groundlings.
After joining an LA Filmmaking Group, Julie became involved behind the camera, participating in all facets of filmmaking—including writing, directing, and filming. This creative experience led her to direct the comedy/documentary CANNES WITHOUT A PLAN, chronicling the spontaneous adventures of three moms—herself included—on a whirlwind trip to France. Armed with just a handheld camera, Julie captured their hilarious unfiltered adventure. Though filmed before FIDDLIN, the project was only completed in 2024 and is now streaming on Amazon Prime, YouTube, DocGuide, and Mometu. www.canneswithoutaplan.com.
After stepping away to raise her two children, Julie returned to acting and continues writing projects with her partner at Calamity J. Their latest project is a TV pilot that explores “a matriarchy run amok.” Julie is also developing a feature film script that blends comedy, country music, and some eccentric characters.
Julie lives in Los Angeles but will always be a Southern girl at heart.
