Filmmaker // Photographer // Camera Operator
Commercial | Editorial | Documentary
Hi, I’m Jules!
(they/them/she/any)
I am a multimedia artist and storyteller––a commercial and documentary filmmaker and photographer who specializes in outdoor, lifestyle, environmental, and human interest work. I am especially drawn to working with eco-conscious brands, B corporations, and companies that are committed to equality and the environment.
Whether I am shooting a commercial, filming branded content, or documenting an individual's story, whether I am working in LA, or traveling across the state or the globe, whether I am speaking or writing words to attach to visuals, I always seek to combine artistry and empathy.
Helping to tell stories with and show images of all ages, races, body types, abilities, genders, and sexual orientations is essential. I believe inclusivity and accessibility is not only important, but also vital. I strive to promote this honestly in both collaboration and casting. Not only do I want people to be able to see themselves in print and film, I actively work to build bridges and make the world a more accessible place, to push against norms with compassion––highlighting individuals who fight against silencing and erasure in media and representation on a daily basis.
I strive to encourage people to reach for big goals, look outside the box, to care for the world and people around them, and experience life in ways they haven't before.
Film and photo clients include: The North Face, Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research, Guayakí, MTV, Outside Magazine, Encompass Films, Red Bull, Ford, Fair Trade Federation, Bird, NPR, Swift Adventure Co.
I am also an IATSE Local 600 Camera Operator and have operated on TV shows, commercials, feature films, and documentaries, for HBO, PBS, and many Fortune 500 companies + indie productions. As a camera operator I love the element of dance, movement, composition and/or placement that every shot requires along with the collaborative nature of closely working with and supporting the Director, DP, fellow CamOps and being the eyes for all departments.
You will also find many previous credits, writing, art, personal interviews, etc. under the name Julie A Hotz.
This is a LGBTQ+ friendly and transgender safe space. Black Lives Matter.
Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr.
Want to know more?
I was born and raised in Dallas, TX. My parents taught me to be a good steward of the land and to treat people with kindness. To this day they often call me by my nickname “juju” and I am still a connoisseur of BBQ sauce.
In 2005 I received a Bachelor of Arts in Photography from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Afterwards, I began pursing film and received a Master of Fine Arts in Film Production from Florida State University in 2007.
In 2010, I went backpacking for the first time, attempting to thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in one season. This was both a privilege and a transformative experience. This combined with my film and photo background is what has lead me to pursue telling stories that blend environmental advocacy, sustainability, equality, and accessibility both in the commercial and documentary realms.
After hiking along the Pacific Crest Trail I relocated to Los Angeles, CA, because I’d fallen in love with the west coast. I am currently Los Angeles based but will happily work anywhere around the state, country, or globe. I am also a camera operator in IATSE Local 600.
When I’m not filming, photographing, or eating dark chocolate, you might find me hiking through the mountains, walking through a city park, listening to a podcast, pouring over maps, painting with watercolors, or picking up new hobby.
Photo by Gale Straub
