Since the launch of his first company in 2007, entrepreneur Julien Abril has transitioned into the position of President at Graphics eMotion, where he operate alongside its co-founders, Hassan Aziz and Nadir Moukheiber…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
When I am not travelling to meet with producers, I am busy working on and discussing the conceptualization of new projects with my partners. The other half of the job is watching your and your team’s work come to life in front of a live audience. We specialize in the creation of visual projections for events such as product launches and local festivals.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I founded Graphics eMotion because I believed I could create a work environment where artists were valued beyond the recognition they could receive working at a firm.
As far as my inspiration is concerned, AKIRA, directed by Katsushiro Otomo, might have had something to do with why I ended up doing what it is that I do: Creating visual universes through which people are able to feel true emotion based on fantasy.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
On a daily basis, I enjoy getting in touch with my partners and associates from across the world via Skype, let’s say, or speaking with them over the phone with regards to a project that is on the rise.
Every day is different and consists mainly in follow-ups, as well as the promotion of new ideas, some of which eventually blossom into full-blown projects.
With agents and productions in different time zones and projects progressing at different rates, it is a balancing act to ensure that the outcome of our collective efforts are successfully completed in a timely manner. Of course, my main challenge lies in directing. This entails overseeing and co-ordinating everything from the scenario of a given project to the technical installation side of things, all whilst ensuring that the artist’s work follows the guidelines that my team and I have established with regards to their vision.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I envision myself in an Olympic stadium, aligning projectors with my team and preparing to execute a notable experience for a grand audience.
What does success look like to you?
Success looks like a team that is relatively free of constraints in terms of what they can achieve artistically.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I have had the privilege of leading a project that was launched for the anniversary of Gabon’s independence through a Gabonese partner of mine. On this particular project, I had the chance to work with teams from San Francisco, Shanghai, Montreal, Paris and Libreville.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
In this business, where teamwork is imperative in achieving success, you must remember that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
This is the best advice, however: Log out of your Facebook and get to work!
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Graphics eMotion, through our CEO, Nadir Moukheiber, supports “Vues & Voix,” a cultural institute which produces audiobooks.
What, to you, is notable?
What I define as notable may not necessarily be tangible. It lies in the brilliance of the ideas and propositions that people forward me. An imaginative idea is a notable one.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
