Ep. 39: Julian Hershman, "Fly Away"

INSPIRATION, IMAGINATION & INDIE

What if your biggest creative breakthrough comes before you’ve even graduated high school?

In this episode of the Richmond Film Network podcast, guest host Alina McMahon interviews emerging young filmmaker Julian Hershman, a senior at Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School who wrote, directed, shot, edited—and starred in—his short film “Fly Away.” Julian shares how the film explores creativity itself: how ideas spark, disappear, return, and ultimately take flight. He reveals that his origami crane protagonist was inspired by a childhood obsession, and that he painstakingly animated the crane using Blender to make it “fly.”

Working solo with a tripod and YouTube-taught cinematography skills, Julian talks through the challenges of directing himself, embracing imperfection, and discovering the power of sound design. He opens up about balancing intense academics with artistic ambition, his dreams of Los Angeles, and wanting to act in the films he creates. It’s a conversation that proves you don’t need a crew—or a diploma—to make something that soars.

"Fly Away" screens at RFN Indie Fest on November 15 in the 12PM Negative Space block at The Park RVA.