Alum | Julian Shaw
Julian Shaw graduated from our program in 2003 and has since carved a remarkable path in the world of entertainment. New Zealand-born, Australian-raised writer, director, actor, and model is a testament to the versatility fostered within our school’s walls.
Julian’s filmmaking journey began at a young age. While still a teenager, he directed the documentary “Darling! The Pieter-Dirk Uys Story,” which garnered international acclaim, including the Inside Film Independent Spirit Award and a runner-up spot in the Berlin International Film Festival’s Panorama Audience Awards.
Following his early success, Julian turned his lens to the world of sports in “Cup of Dreams,” a documentary chronicling the legendary New Zealand All Blacks rugby team’s triumphant journey to the 2011 World Cup victory. This captivating film reached audiences worldwide, airing on television across continents, including NBC Sports in the US.
Julian’s directorial debut in narrative filmmaking, “Use Me,” solidified his talent for storytelling. This critically acclaimed film, with a stellar 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, secured the Grand Jury Prize at the Sydney Underground Film Festival and Best Editing at the Brooklyn Film Festival. Distributed globally, “Use Me” even became a trending title on Amazon Prime in 2020.
His short film “Clearing the Air” earned him the Best Young Australian Filmmaker of the Year award at the Byron Bay International Film Festival. His portfolio includes numerous short films showcased at prestigious festivals like Cannes Cinephiles, St Tropez Film Festival, FLICKERFEST, and the Melbourne International Film Festival.
Julian’s dedication to his craft is evident in his academic background. After graduating from The McDonald College, he obtained a Master of Film and Digital Image degree from Sydney University, a Graduate Diploma in Directing from AFTRS, and a Master of Screen Arts in Directing from the same institution.
He has graced the silver screen in films like “San Andreas” and television shows. Additionally, his modeling career boasts national campaigns for prominent brands like Google, Squarespace, and Columbia Sportswear. Notably, Julian played a pivotal role in promoting marriage equality through the viral short film “It’s Time“, in which he acted and served as a producer. This impactful video received the AdNews Viral Ad of the Year Award and was shared by celebrities like Madonna and Stephen Fry.
Julian Shaw is a shining example of the exceptional talent nurtured within our Performing Arts program. We are incredibly proud of his achievements and his continued contribution to the entertainment industry.
