Julia Butler
Writer/Director/Executive Producer

Julia Butler was born in Moscow. As the daughter of a renowned concert pianist and a university professor, she was raised in a household filled with music and literature. Julia learned English at an early age and attended one of the best schools in Moscow.  Her true passion, however, was figure skating. Julia displayed such talent, that she was discovered by Mosfilm Studios and chosen for the lead role of a skater in the feature film Vitka. Her acclaimed performance led to other roles, and she continued skating for years, until completing her Masters degree at the University of Moscow. She followed in her father’s footsteps translating children’s books from Norwegian into Russian, and teaching languages at the Institute for Diplomats (MGIMO).

Upon immigrating to Italy at the age of 22, Julia founded an impresario company, organizing tours of Italian artists to the former Soviet Union. She indulged in her love of music through writing and recording her own songs and soon gained popularity as a singer and songwriter. She traveled to Los Angeles in pursuit of her music career, and was signed by SBK Records (EMI Group). An unexpected merger put Julia’s project on hold, and her dreams were dashed. Never being one to accept defeat, she turned her attention to other endeavors and enjoyed considerable success in the business world, though she always had the soul of an artist who deeply desires to make a difference and to touch the lives of others. Slipaway is her directorial debut.

Website

Daniel Mentz
Writer/Director/Executive Producer

Daniel Mentz was born and raised in Roedermark, a small town near Frankfurt, Germany. He began dancing Rock 'n Roll competitively when he was six years old, which in turn developed his love for performance and the fine arts. Consequently, he often "borrowed" his mom's mini VHS camera, gathered his friends and directed short films and documentaries. After graduating high school, Daniel went on to college and majored in English, Politics and Economics. He continued to write, direct and star in films throughout his formal education. Following college, he worked for his father's import/export company until Daniel was drafted for Germany's then-mandatory military duty. He opted for the substitute community service closer to home instead, and thus was able to help his struggling mom through the financial crisis of 2008. Daniel moved to Los Angeles in 2009 to study the fine arts. He has continued to expand his craft in acting, directing, writing and public speaking ever since. Slipaway is his directorial debut.

IMDb                    Website

Tigran Mutafyan
Producer

Over the last 20 years, Mr. Mutafyan has carved himself into a promising career characterized by hard work, passion, and honesty. He is a specialist of visual storytelling, which is deeply rooted in him due to his intensive filmmaking studies of Stanislavsky's Method of Narration. He brings a vivid sense of life to his images with a skill at the pinnacle of craftsmanship. While embracing the core values of all creative art forms, Mr. Mutafyan also consistently incorporates enlightenment in all of his content.

IMDb                    Website