Julien and Justen Turner are the Turner Brothers, writer-directors and co-founders of Dreadhead Films, a family-built creative studio based in Columbus, Ohio, rooted in a lifelong obsession with filmmaking that began in their childhood years in Champaign, IL. Their early conviction earned them a place in history as the youngest filmmakers ever commissioned by Sesame Street. In the years since, they’ve directed global campaigns and short form narratives for Nike, Beats by Dre, Air Jordan, Under Armour, and Kellogg, collaborating with LeBron James, Dawn Staley, Jimmy Butler, Marshawn Lynch, Lil Baby and more. Named to Forbes 30 Under 30, they hold two Webby Awards for Best Video Campaign and were recognized as Best New Directors at the London International Awards. In January 2026, they premiered their largely self-funded comedy pilot FreeLance at the Sundance Film Festival. The project, which follows post-grad creatives navigating the gig economy, marks their full transition into narrative TV and film. The Turners are proof that world-class storytelling can be built from the ground up, wherever you’re from.
