Digital Horizon Studios

Julian is a visionary and distinguished leader, celebrated for his exceptional ability to assemble high-caliber professionals who share his vision and transform them into synergistic teams that achieve remarkable feats. His unwavering commitment to excellence and success sets him apart, constantly inspiring those around him to exceed their own limits, encouraging them to think and operate on a more ambitious level than they ever thought possible. Julian serves as a powerful source of inspiration, motivating others to reach unprecedented levels of accomplishment in pursuit of a larger vision.

In 2009, Julian stepped into the role of a network executive when he co-founded MCB Network 55.4 KTBU, a broadcast television network headquartered in Houston, Texas. MCB Network stood as a pioneering business venture, emerging as one of the earliest television networks tailored for English-speaking Latinos in the United States. This opportunity was made possible with the backing of Texas billionaire and telecommunications trailblazer, Mr. Lee Cook. During this phase, Julian assumed a pivotal role in creating extensive content, crafting the network’s 24-hour program schedule, overseeing contracts, acquiring shows, and essentially mastering the operational intricacies of running a television network from the ground up.

After leaving MCB Network, Julian embarked on a new journey with Concepts in Advertising, a leading Hispanic advertising agency based in Houston. Within just one year, he rose to the position of Production Manager, where he took charge of supervising all aspects of commercial production within the agency. His duties encompassed a wide spectrum, including copywriting, production, and editing, and he successfully managed nearly 1000 television and radio commercials in a major top-10 market. Furthermore, Julian cultivated strong connections with media buyers, station contacts, and clients who operated with substantial annual budgets surpassing the $1 million mark.

At present, Julian is deeply engrossed in production, steering several intellectual properties (IPs) through various stages of development. He also serves as a feature film editor based in Los Angeles, holding membership in the Motion Picture Editors Guild. Significantly, he engages in an exclusive mentorship program led by Q DeChambres and Emmy Award-winning editor, Mary DeChambres A.C.E., with the ultimate goal of attaining membership in the esteemed American Cinema Editors (A.C.E.). Julian‘s portfolio encompasses 17 feature films and counting, including Netflix hits directed by Xander’s very own Shaun Paul Piccininho, such as “A California Christmas: City Lights” (ranked #1 globally on Netflix in December 2021) and “That’s Amor” (ranked #2 in the USA and #3 globally in August/September 2022). In December of the same year, two films Julian contributed to, “A Hollywood Christmas” (#1 on HBOMAX) and “A Christmas Mystery” (#4 on HBOMAX), ascended to the pinnacle of the HBOMAX charts. Additionally, another film he worked on, “I Believe in Santa,” secured the #2 spot on Netflix in the US and even claimed the top position in the UK in December 2023. Another accolade to add to the list: Julian is also a member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.

As the landscape of video-on-demand and streaming services reshaped the conventional realm of television networks, Julian redirected his focus from initiating a new television network to crafting scripted content encompassing feature films and television shows. These original projects have evolved into Julian‘s newfound mission.

Fueled by his fervor for creativity, Julian embraces a proactive business approach, diligently working to actualize the films and shows he is deeply passionate about.

SHAUN PAUL PICCININO is an award-winning Film and Television Director who boasts an impressive portfolio with six feature films on Netflix, with three achieving global recognition and topping Netflix’s global charts. Two of them, A California Christmas and A California Christmas: City Lights hit #1 and #2, respectively (worldwide) for over two weeks in 2020 and 2021. Piccinino’s latest Netflix hit, That’s Amor reached the #2 position in the world and remained in the top ten for fourteen days. Shaun’s three global hits garnered over 250 million watched hours on the streaming giant.

With his career rocketing skyward, Piccinino has directed 11 feature films, three television series, and worked on countless others, showcasing his versatility across various genres and platforms. 

In 2022, the Piccinino-directed movie Holiday Harmony, starring Brooke Shields, jumped up the charts for HBOMax and stayed in the Top 10 globally for over four weeks in a row, grabbing the #2 spot at its height. Over the past six years, Shaun has directed ten feature films and multiple episodes of two television series. His projects have been distributed by Netflix, HBO, Warner Brothers, Lionsgate, Amazon Prime, Crackle, Tubi and more. Shaun is also known for his extensive experience in action/stunts and visual effects. Earlier achievements include the hit television series “Deadliest Warrior”, directing, stunt coordinating and portraying Scottish hero William Wallace, the Call of Duty Franchise, Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, Robot Chicken, Star Wars Specials (editing and visual effects), and The Lackey, an award-winning feature film made for a meager $7,200).

Piccinino has been pursuing his passion of entertaining through the lens of a true fan of movies and filmmaking. Since his move to Los Angeles from Northern California in 2001, he has worked in every aspect of the business, from acting, editing, visual effects, script writing, stunts, producing, and, of course, directing. His training began early in life on stage as he was classically trained by his father, Barry Piccinino, a renowned drama professor and stage director in his own right. With a gift for creativity and a thirst to entertain others, Shaun has developed a solid reputation for creativity, sincerity, and staying on budget. Shaun utilizes the time he has on set efficiently to achieve the best version of any project. Piccinino’s latest release, the action film, The Island stars Michael Jai White and Jackson Rathbone for Saban Films. The Island secured the number one spot on Starz, marking Shaun Piccinino’s fifth chart-topping movie.

A graduate of both the International Film School of Australia and Australian Stunt Academy, David van Es has honed his storytelling skills over the last 20 years. He has been involved with many aspects of the industry, directing and producing many shorts, long-form shows, commercials, documentaries, and feature films.

David has strong ties to the Australian Film and TV industry where he got his first break and is working towards bringing international feature film production back to Australia.

Most recently, David served as a Co-Producer and Editor on the feature film “Sanitatum,” which had a theatrical run. David is also an award-winning Editor as well.