Meet Julian “Fermino” Hall | Creative Executive & Film Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Julian “Fermino” Hall and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Julian “Fermino”, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, I always loved movies. I would watch countless movies with my dad, who is also very passionate about film. We would sit and discuss the storyline and character motives after the films. As i got older, I felt that it was my calling and more than just a hobby. I was the only one in my family and of my friends that pursued a creative path but that is what truly pushed me even more to excel.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am honestly learning everyday what it means to be a creative. Being in the entertainment industry, you are met with the constant feeling that you are not where you are supposed to be. Whether it is your age or career path, we feel that we are not doing enough. This is something, at times, I struggle with. That being said, everyday I find ways to progress my career in simple ways even if it is something as simple as reading a script, watching an educational video that pertains to my field.

I started in this industry as an intern for OverBrook Entertainment where I did small tasks on the set of the Netflix docu-series, AMEND: The Fight For America. This is where I got to shadow the great Kenny Leon, where I learned more about how directors move. I also had the unique opportunity of working under one of the executive producers of the project, Mrs. Jana Babatunde-Bey. She took me under her wing and later I became her assistant. Today, I am the Creative Executive at her company, JBey Entertainment. I say all this to say, first impressions can go a very long way in this industry and I am grateful that people saw something in me.

As a Director, I am currently working on a few projects independently. One of the projects being filmed is Love At First Site, executive produced by James Knox, Jay Reeves, and a few others. It’s been so great working with the cast and crew, knowing that they trust in my skills and vision to bring this project to life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be where I am today without the help of my parents who pushed me to pursue the entertainment industry in the first place. Growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, I did not see a lot of people moving out of our area to pursue the arts. My parents, however, always wanted me to find my passion and chase it. And that’s what I did.

When it comes mentorship, I really look up to my first real bosses in entertainment, Jana Babatunde-Bey and Jamal Watson. These executive producers guided me as an intern and as an assistant with their wisdom and heavy knowledge in this field. I also had an extreme amount of support from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, specifically Bettina Fisher, who opened the gate of the industry to me.

Instagram: @TheJulianFermino

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-hall-160026152/