WORCESTER – This is part of a series of interviews of those in the New England film industry, produced in partnership with HollyWoot Film Group. All answers are unedited and as provided by the interviewee.
Julia Tutko-Balena has been working on independent films for 25 years. Even before that, she loved writing, acting, and directing. At last, she decided to collect and share the tips and tricks she’s learned over countless credited and uncredited projects — so that you can skip over a mountain of mistakes, and start creating your own art, your own way.
Q1: What is your favorite movie?
I don’t know how so many can answer this without hesitation.
SO MANY films live rent-free in my memory for different reasons, how can I choose just one? Disney’s “The 3 Musketeers” with Tim Curry and Chris O’Donnell and Charlie Sheen and Oliver Platt and Kiefer Sutherland and Rebecca De Mornay was a cult classic in my home — infinitely quotable, truly stacked cast, and Tim Curry chewing up scenery like a BOSS.
“Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” because it was simply perfect. You can’t beat Steve Martin playing a crappy conman, Michael Cain playing a good one, and Glenne Headly roasting them both of them.
The Godfather, because The Godfather.
The Maltese Falcon, Guess Who’s Coming To Dinner, Sabrina (the original, thank you), Star Wars, Lawrence of Arabia…
I could go on and on. Literally.
Uhm, I’m looking for a graceful end to this… nope, I got nuthin’.
Q2: Who is your hero?
Woof, another tough question.
Similar to the first one, I cannot choose just one. So many good people have set astounding examples….
But my top two would have to be my mom and dad. My Mom was a famous actress in Poland in the 60’s, and my dad was an Olympic Boxer. And that’s just two of their adventures. But, they’re my heroes for being truly incredible humans.
Q3: What is your preferred craft in film?
I like to joke that my top three are writing, directing, and acting. If I’m doing any two of those three on set, I’m a ridiculously happy camper.
Although recently, I was Cinematographer on my friend Jason’s film, “Mother Grimm,” which is only the second time I was D.P. for someone not-me… and I absolutely LOVE the experience.
So, yeah… add that to the list.
Q4: How long have you been working in film, and where?
I picked up my first camera almost 30 years ago. Classic movies-in-the-backyard stuff. I wasn’t allowed to major in film in school, but I was allowed to pursue it on the side if my grades were good – so pursue it I did!
In 2018 I decided to finally realize my dream and set up my own company, and make filmmaking my primary career.
Q5: What is your dream project?
What is your dream project?
Is it ridiculous to say, whatever I’m currently working on?
It seems like a copout answer, but it’s true. Would I love industry contacts and a dump truck full of money? Sure. But every time I write, I dream.
So I kid you not when I tell you, I’m living the dream right now, with every project I get to make.
Q6: The film that should never be remade is…?
Sabrina. Oh, wait, too late. Well, dang.
Fine. Don’t touch “The Apartment.”
Q7: If you were overlord for a day, what would change about the local film industry?
Locally? Yo, I think we’re good. Patriarchs and thieves and a-holes get sorted out pretty quickly here in a way that Hollywood wishes.
But if Overlordship comes with magical powers, I’d make it rain money for a day so all of the projects everyone has cooking can get funded comfortably.
Q8: What are you working on now?
I’m writing three features, two shorts, planning the next Friendly Filmmaker event, working on my first book, and running my weekly newsletter and YouTube Channel.
Q9: Where can we find your work and you?
On YouTube, look up Friendly Filmmaker. (Only sub if you mean it! 😉 )
My main site is
FriendlyFilmmaker.com. From there you can find my socials, as well as subscribe to my community newsletter.
Q10: What is the next step?
2025 is the Year Of The Feature for me! I’m going to try making my first one… maaaaaybe even two. I’m excited and soooo ready!
I’m also debuting the “Friendly Filmmaker Companion” in 2025, a special filmmaking production
workbook to help new filmmakers organize and take on all the steps of filmmaking without forgetting certain things that noobs sometimes forget.
Basically, 25 years of filmmaking experience boiled down into one guide book 🙂
Preorders open up in early 2025. I’m tremendously excited.
