Uncover Columbus' Hidden Gems with OSU Star Fatouma Conde

Discover How Columbus Brothers Julien and Justen Turner Bring Local Flavor to Filmmaking

Update From Christmas Videos to Sundance Stardom When brothers Julien and Justen Turner received the life-changing call from the Sundance Film Festival, they could hardly believe their dreams were coming true. Their comedy pilot, FreeLance, premiered in Park City, Utah, bringing Columbus talent to the forefront of the film industry. With a background tracing back to childhood video projects, the Turner brothers have come a long way from their Christmas music recordings, evolving into successful filmmakers with their production company, Dreadhead Films. "As kids, we were always filming our neighborhood stories, making goofy short films while our dad filmed us playing music during the holidays," Justen explained. Their first foray into serious filmmaking, however, came after they moved to Columbus from Champagne, Illinois. At the young ages of 10 and 14, they realized they had a passion and a gift for storytelling that could be turned into a career. The Formation of Dreadhead Films The name Dreadhead Films emerged from their unique hairstyles that became a recognizable trademark. "Many people would point out the 'dreadhead kid' at local events, and it stuck as a brand," Justen mentioned, recounting how their childhood inspirations shaped their journey. Their aim was clear: build a Black-owned production company that celebrated quality storytelling while challenging stereotypes associated with Black hair. Shining a Light on Columbus In the current landscape of film and television, where coastal cities often dominate, the Turner brothers are committed to showcasing Columbus as a vibrant creative hub. They actively recruit local talent from the community, emphasizing collaboration as a crucial driver of their projects. "Filmmaking is inherently a cooperative effort. By working with local creatives, we’re not just around to tell our story, but we’re also opening doors for others to find their place in this industry," Julien shared. This philosophy is evident in FreeLance, which features a cast of local actors and friends who have shared in the Turners' journey. A True Columbus Tale FreeLance brilliantly embodies the real-life experiences of the Turner brothers, mirroring the hustle and struggles faced by aspiring creators in Columbus. Each episode focuses on relatable gigs the characters undertake, filled with humor and authenticity. "While the show isn’t strictly autobiographical, there are certainly elements from our lives that are embedded in the narrative," Justen remarked, citing funny encounters from their freelance experiences. Looking Toward the Future As their film festival journey continues with screenings in Cleveland, Atlanta, and beyond, the Turners have set ambitious goals for the future. Their vision includes establishing an 8-episode series based on FreeLance, which would require significant funding. "We’re seeking $2 million to $3 million to produce it fully," Julien explained, expressing their desire to ultimately pitch the series to major networks. Community Support and Cultural Impact Throughout their journey, support from Columbus has been overwhelming, with friends, family, and local fans showing out in full force during their Sundance appearance. "We had so much love from home with Columbus cheerleaders shouting 'Go Bucks!' on the streets there. It was surreal to see our community lifting us up on such a big stage," Justen recalled. Their mission goes beyond entertainment, as they hope to inspire a new generation of filmmakers in Central Ohio, proving that one can achieve success without leaving their roots behind. Join the Creative Revolution As the Turner brothers continue to carve out a niche for themselves in the filmmaking industry, they invite the Central Ohio community to get involved. Whether attending local screenings or supporting emerging talents, the continued growth of the arts scene in Columbus hinges on collective engagement. “Together, we can nurture creativity, challenge norms, and build a thriving local film industry. We're just getting started, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for Columbus,” said Julien. Are you ready to be part of this vibrant landscape and support local creators?