GUEST
Julian Domanski— A Creative Director
Meet Julian Domanski, Videographer and Creative Director of Future Collective, who sits down with us to talk about working in Japanese film production, as well as with Netflix and some of Japan’s biggest YouTubers, like Chris Broad (Abroad in Japan) and Tom Scott.
Why did we reach out to Julian Domanski?
With social media being bombarded with digital content featuring Japanese culture, scenery, food, and more, we were interested in speaking with someone working behind the camera promoting Japan. For individuals looking to start a career or take on freelance work in media, it is very insightful to hear directly from a videographer firsthand.
What we talked about:
Upbringings & The Japan Journey
Julian spent his first 18 years growing up in Birmingham, England, before moving to Brighton. His initial introduction to Japanese culture wasn’t a textbook, but his huge love for Nintendo games! He first visited Japan at 26 with his brother on vacation, had an absolute blast, and immediately knew he wanted to learn Japanese. He dove in, quickly connected with his Japanese partner, and the rest, as they say, is history—he moved here soon after!
Before Japan, Julian was actually designing circuit boards for a company that ended up being bought by a Japanese firm. He studied music at university, even worked as a professional engineer, but soon rediscovered another hobby behind the camera. Back in the day, he’d be making comedy skits with Windows Movie Maker and old webcams.
Finding Work in Japan
Julian boasts a diverse professional background, combining engineering, music education, and a lifelong hobby of content creation. Initially, he was a bit nervous about working for a Japanese company, unsure how he’d fit into the work environment. He started by giving part-time guitar lessons at a music school. However, it was after coming to Japan that his creative media side truly came alive, and he soon found himself filming his life here. It all comes down to taking that first step and connecting with others, as he landed his first freelance project by simply sending some of his videography work to GaijinPot as a portfolio piece.
Networking & Freelance Work
From speaking with Julian, one thing is especially evident: the power of networking. Knowing people in the industry you want to work in, especially in freelance, can significantly pay off in the long run. He mentioned that work often gets passed down through word-of-mouth and personal connections (‘knowing a guy’), particularly due to busy schedules, where referrals from friends of friends lead to opportunities. This eventually led him to secure opportunities to film with BBC, TikTok Japan, and for behind-the-scenes shoots on Netflix!
Creative Projects & The Future
Julian eventually transitioned to his own larger-scale projects, which is where Future Collective comes in. It started with two business partners he met through networking, who shared many similarities. They’re behind a powerful mental awareness project that delivers a strong message to Japanese society to promote mental health. In the future, Julian plans to delve deeper into documentaries. He is also involved in playing traditional Japanese instruments like the Shamisen and Koto.
Are you interested in pursuing a creative career in media in Japan? Julian is proof that you can make your dreams a reality. Hear more about Julian’s journey by watching or listening to our podcast below!
