Julian McDonnell
Julian McDonnell, known as Joolz, makes London history walks and travel documentaries, sharing the stories behind familiar streets, neighbourhood pubs and places further afield.
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Julian’s happenings, collected from public sources, plus his backstory and Starbook, where fans write.
Known for
Quadrille
Quadrille
YouTubeOverview
- Known as
- Joolz, host of Joolz Guides
- Home
- London
- Work
- Filmmaker, presenter and walking-guide author
- Education
- Philosophy degree, University of Manchester
- Early recognition
- Take Me to Pitcairn won tourism film festival awards in 2013 and 2014.
Mini bio
How it started.
Julian’s path into travel films began with a wish to present on television and playful pieces to camera during his own travels. An affordable camcorder and editing software gave him a way to start making films himself. Before that, he had worked as an actor, performed stand-up comedy and presented on Riverside FM.
A documentary foundation.
His first film, My Evil Trade - A Pedlar’s Life, explored pedlars and the threat to their trade. His official biography says it helped oppose proposed restrictions and led to an environmental film assignment in the Phoenix Islands. Take Me to Pitcairn followed his attempt to reach the remote island associated with the Bounty mutineers, earning recognition at tourism film festivals.
London on foot.
Through Joolz Guides, Julian shares the city he has lived in all his life. His walks bring together local history, unusual buildings, music and film connections, and pubs. Fans can follow his routes on screen or take his books out with them: Rather Splendid London Walks appeared in 2023, followed by Rather Splendid London Pub Walks in 2025.
Creditschronological, newest first
Books
- 2025Rather Splendid London Pub WalksAuthor
- 2023Rather Splendid London WalksAuthor
Documentaries
- UndatedTake Me to PitcairnWriter, presenter, director and editor
- UndatedMy Evil Trade - A Pedlar’s LifeFilmmaker; described as his first film in his official biography
Awards
- Zagreb Tour-Film Festival, 2014Take Me to Pitcairn won the category for TV documentaries under 60 minutes.
- Silafest, 2014Take Me to Pitcairn received the Blue Danube Award for tourism reportage.
- Art & Tur International Tourism Film Festival, 2013Take Me to Pitcairn won in the cultural tourism category.
Quotes
I always wanted to be a TV presenter but struggled to find a way in.Julian McDonnell, Go Eat Do interview with Stuart Forster
Julian explains why he began making his own travel films.
Trivia
- He speaks French and Italian.
- Before making documentaries, he performed stand-up comedy on the London circuit.
- He presented on the local radio station Riverside FM.
- His official biography says Take Me to Pitcairn has also screened on Air Tahiti flights.
Find Julian
Follow Julian for London walks, local stories and travel films.
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