Creative storytelling boutique Thinking Machine–founded by directors Matthew and Jason Docter, aka Docter Twins–has added director Julia Kupiec to its roster for her first commercial representation. Kupiec captured the attention of the industry with her documentary short about a Long Beach roller skater, Andi, which was shortlisted in 2022 at Cannes Young Directors Awards. This year, Kupiec won Cannes YDA Gold in the Dream Pitch category for her screenplay, Growing Pains. She’s also directed narrative commercials for the U.S. Air Force, UMass and By Liv Handmade, along with music videos for Columbia Records’ Clinton Kane and Jake Tavill.
An NYU Tisch School of the Arts alumna, Kupiec honed her craft as a cinematographer and editor before quickly hitting her stride as a writer/director. After seeing Andi, GSD&M hired her to direct a Women’s History Month spot, USAF “Airman.” The powerful spot juxtaposes highly skilled women at work in the Air Force today with archival audio of politicians and military personnel arguing against their participation in the military. It landed her on the radar of Thinking Machine.
“I was instantly drawn to Julia’s work,” said Thinking Machine executive producer Alon Simcha. “You can see how she embraces all aspects of filmmaking because so many disciplines elevate her storytelling, everything from the performances and cinematography to production design and wardrobe choices. She’s developing a distinctive voice as an artist, and we’re excited to collaborate with her on new opportunities.”
“As soon as I started speaking with Alon and the Docters, there was no question Thinking Machine was the partnership I wanted for this next phase in my career,” Kupiec said. “Their style of working with me as a director is very hands-on. They bring valuable insights about the industry, along with a passion for filmmaking to every conversation. We’re aligned creatively and I feel very supported there.”
Before embarking on writing her first screenplay (the aforementioned Growing Pains), last year Kupiec decided to enroll in method acting classes with renowned teacher Tony Greco in New York. “They’re month-long sessions and I absolutely love them,” she said. “If there’s any one thing that’s influenced and inspired me as a writer and director in the last year, that class is definitely it.”
Kupiec’s work often conveys an easy observational style. She drew from real life to make By Liv Handmade’s “In Process” after attending an impromptu clothing swap her designer friend, Liv Reinertson, hosted in her apartment. “It just looked like something collaged out of a Sofia Coppola movie,” Kupiec explained. “All lace, shared confessions and teeth stained with red wine.” The resulting spot draws a playful connection between Liv’s improvisational creative process and her ongoing relationship with self-questioning and self-invention at a quintessential age.
Strong performances can be seen in Kupiec’s music videos as well. Kane’s “Go To Hell” features the artist in a frank and visually gripping exploration of infidelity, and “Truth” for Tavill is a very original take on outing the façade of a happy family that was an official selection at Raindance and won Best Music Video at Fusion Film Festival.
“It’s not often that you come across a young director with such a strong voice,” said Thinking Machine co-founder/director Jason Docter. “We love Julia’s versatility in craft and strong storytelling ability–as both filmmaker and writer, and have no doubt she will soon be a sought-after director in our business.”
