Jem Collection - Anthony Julian

Finally, I present the first African American male character of Jem, Mr. Anthony Julian! Intelligent movie director, mogul, dashing, rugged, educated, successful...is it any wonder why Shana fell in love with him?! Due to his profession, Anthony has many high-profiled connections in film, one in particular with recognized video producer, Vivien “Video” Montgomery. He also has close connections within the medium of music television, maintaining throughout the years a close-knit friendship with creative figurehead, Lindsey “Lin-Z” Pierce. Anthony first flashed his pearly white smile, in “Disaster”, at a party upon Danielle du Voisin's yacht where he stood in attendance with the best of the best in the entertainment business. After a formal introduction to Jem and the Holograms, courtesy of Lin-Z, it wasn't long before he set his sparkling brown eyes on Holograms drummer, Shana Elmsford, and the two have been together ever since, all thanks to Ms. Matchmaker herself, Jem! During his conversation with Shana, he learned that the Holograms were fairly new to the music scene and didn't have a budget or backup from a record company. While discussing the band's shortcomings, Shana dropped her head in despair, but Anthony held her chin ever so lightly and promised that he would take care of everything! Danielle suggested that the girls take her advice in shooting a music video for their radio hit, “Twilight in Paris”, in Paree! And Howard Sands also lent his hand to help, providing first class plane transportation for their trip. A few days later, with his suede Lancel luggage collection, Anthony pulled out of Starlight Mansion's driveway with Jem and the Holograms and arrived at the local airport where they finally departed for Champ de Mars. There was still time to enjoy the sights after they landed, so he accompanied the Pop stars on a spin through Saint Germain de Prés and Montmartre, then completed a photoshoot in the 1st Arrondissement, along with some shopping, in the Latin Quarter! The atmospheric temperature of the city had risen to unquenchable altitudes, as did Shana's while she walked hand in hand with her guy along the Seine River. Anthony also found it tough to breath as he couldn't control his heart from pounding for her, but he was running on a tight schedule and needed to prep his girl and her bandmates for work right away. Fans watched nearby as Anthony rehearsed the first scene with Shana and Jem—snappin', whistlin' and making the pink-haired Pop star giddy with laughter—then he planted her partway down the sidewalk and requested his cinematographer to cue the music and roll camera. All eyes were glued to Mr. Julian as he captured so eloquently the suffering between two lovelorn partners in search of affection, teamed with fresh fashions—Jem draped in her Thierry Mugler overcoat, and Rio fitted with a super fancy Armani slicker, drifting somberly through the town—and lyrics that serve as a protective covering for an everlasting love! After filming wrapped, Anthony asked the girls to shoot additional shots for publicity purposes, so they gathered together to pose. When out of the clear blue sky (literally), a large gargoyle came crashing down at Jem and the Holograms, but missed them by an inch, thanks to Rio who rushed over and saved the four of them from an untimely death! Like a shot, Anthony and Rio grabbed ahold of Shana and Jem in puzzlement as to what just happened! The only direction to look was upward at the top of the building, so they followed the flow of falling pebbles up to the roof where Zipper stood with eyes the size of two fifty-cent coins and marveled at his own sadistic behavior! His personal celebration was only temporary because Anthony and Rio surrounded the entranceway to the building, waiting and anticipating a 2 on 1 rumble with the demented jailbird. The fellas were certain he would surface, but Zipper performed a 60 meter dash out of sight before they could even think about moving in on him. Shana, Jem, Aja and Kimber were so pleased with their time spent in Paris, that they overlooked the accident, but it was reason enough for Anthony to keep close tabs on his lady, putting her safety first and remaining aware of her surroundings at all times! Rio with Jem as well.

 

Now, let's be very clear. Mr. Julian is one of the sweetest and most generous men to have ever walked planet earth, but he will not miss a chance to snap a spinal cord or shatter a jawbone if the mood calls for it, and Eric Raymond almost suffered BOTH, in “Starbright, Part One!” Jem and the Holograms had just arrived at Soundstage 20 and walked into an argument between the handsome director and Eric who altered the script to his liking without consulting him first. When told that he was wrong for what he did, Eric hollered out that, even though Anthony was the director, he was in charge of the picture. A while later, Anthony was witness to Pizzazz's grandstanding, when she cut him off in mid sentence and announced to the production staff that her father owned the studio. He was annoyed, but hesitated on laying down the law and continued rehearsing lines with Jem for awhile. Then Video Montgomery walked over and warned him of her cousin, Clash, who snuck inside the studio from backstage. Anthony never met her cousin a day in his life, so, out of respect for her, he chose to put aside his opinions and continued working. Minutes later, Shana, Aja and Kimber crowded around while Anthony and Jem as she carried on with rehearsal, and Shana really enjoyed watching her man in action! It wasn't long before the Misfits strolled in with Clash and tromped over to the group where she crashed her cymbals in Jem's ears, interrupting the new-famed actress from re-enacting her scenes. Tensions were running higher than before as Anthony hollered for Clash to get off his set! Then Pizzazz butted in and claimed that the uncivilized movie-wrecker was her close friend and that she wasn't going anywhere. So Anthony demanded that they both leave! With his gluttonous craving for confrontation, Eric made such a spectacle, when he rushed over and battled with the enterprising director, pointing his finger and spouting off about how Anthony was out of line, and that the Misfits were the co-stars of the film. Without omission, Anthony asserted that he had enough of his s**t, and told him to stop interfering with his profession! As Eric's ego grew, he also developed a set of b*lls and told Anthony to leave at which point the highly paid mogul said, “WITH PLEASURE!” Though he promised to never come within a mile radius of Eric, he still had many friends and colleagues who he left behind, and he respected Howard Sands and World Studios, so he decided to return to the production and reclaimed his position as head director, in “Starbright, Part Three!” His friend Lin-Z obtained full access backstage to gather interviews for her special report on the particulars of the movie, and he supported her by appearing for a short piece on Jem's bio. And, in honor of his return, he took part in the music video, “People Who Care”, alongside Shana, Rio, Banee, the production staff, and Jerrica who made a special appearance. In spite of all the trouble he endured on the production, the fight to achieve his goal carried him through for a bigger cause, and after concluding the music video shoot, Anthony called a wrap, and Starbright was born! Naturally, he rejected his invitation to the cast party as did Sean, Jeff, Jem and the Holograms, which would have made for sidesplitting entertainment by reason of Harvey Gabor who charged in with Howard Sands and lashed into Pizzazz real good about overspending, extensive budgets, and the difference between indulging her and landing in the poorhouse!

 

Anthony is always very supportive to Shana and her bandmates as was shown, in “Culture Clash”, when he lent his help to the girls by introducing them to conceptual artist, Fitzgerald Beck, and hired him to be the art director for their music video, “I Believe in Happy Endings.” Once again, the incomparable Video Montgomery signed on as video director and joined the girls for their journey to NYC. It appeared that Jem and the Holograms' trip was jinxed from the start because everything that could happen DID happen, such as a heavy downpour of multicolored paint, to a turbulent boat ride on the Atlantic that left them soaked, as well as a foot pursuit by the NYPD in search of stolen diamonds, from a crafty jewel smuggler named Maria Castello! Fitzgerald's vexatious conduct pushed Jem past her limits, but even so, she was still very grateful to Anthony for providing his musical and directorial expertise.

 

The bronzed beefcake really shined, in “Glitter 'n Gold”, while directing a music video for Jerrica's boy band, the Fifth Avenue Boys, at the local Mall. His colleague, Video Montgomery, was there and filmed the boys' daring stunt as they came riding down the escalator, singing and playing their guitars all while keeping eye contact with the camera lol! Shana, Aja, Kimber and Rio stood by to watch as he directed the three men to move, move, MOVE! He was all about Shana's wellbeing in one of my favorite 2-part eppies, “The Talent Search, Part One and Two”, when she was faced with the decision to begin a new and exciting career as principal designer for Liz Stratton or remain faithful to the Holograms as their star percussionist! During the car ride back from Liz's mansion, Shana expressed her doubts to her beau, and with his deep, soft baritone, Anthony advised her to think it through and do the right thing. Ultimately, his loving words were the assurance she needed to stay true to her heart and loyal to her sisters. Although he had business affairs to tend to, he made damn sure to kiss Shana goodbye as she departed with her girls for New Orleans to celebrate “Mardi Gras” as Rock music's favorite group of the year, and they were also selected by Mademoiselle Yvette to wear John Lafitte's ancient jewels during the festival! Their brief separation was difficult to bear, but he did his best by keeping her picture in his Ralph Lauren wallet to view whenever, wherever, and she placed his picture inside her mini golden heart locket that she kept around her neck for luck.

 

Anthony and his saucy sweetheart were dressed to impress, in “Hollywood Jem, Part Two”, on the night he accompanied her to the 60th Annual Academy Awards where they were hailed as the modern day “Billy Dee Williams & Diana Ross!” The two lovers prettified the red carpet with Jem and Rio, Kimber and Sean, and Jeff Wright who strolled in with Raya and Aja under both arms! This competent genius values his craft and it shows with each new film/music-video release. Anthony has gone on to win many awards for his work, most notably for “Twilight in Paris”, which earned him an MTV Video Vanguard Award, and was voted one of the most hauntingly romantic music videos ever created! He was also nominated for “Best Director” in the film Starbright, along with a zillion more accomplishments under his belt. Mr. Julian has traveled the world and collaborated with many musicians, cranking out one hit after the next, but he will forever credit his success to meeting Shana and working with Jem and the Holograms!

 

AJ was my third highly anticipated doll from the entire collection, so it boggled my mind when Integrity stalled with his arrival. Well, none of that matters now because he just got in today and I couldn't be more pleased! I am relieved to see that Integrity gave him A-toned skin and a decent head sculpt. And ooh, ooh, ooh...the dark lining around the outer areas of those damn hazel eyes makes his entire face stand out! Ant's hair looks real nice, too. The color, texture and flocked style around the sides brings life to the rooted hair on top. I couldn't wait to hook him up with a fresh cut, and now he's looking finer than ever! He is by far one of the most well-groomed male dolls in the entire collection! Just check out his finely trimmed mustache. The details on his outfit are truly where it's at. Ohhh, how I adore my gorgeously dressed, brown-skinned mannequin! Obviously, Ant is heavily dressed, but every piece has great importance and suits this boss to a T! He is without a doubt a snappy dresser who's modeling a jazzy, gray wool Benetton V-neck sweater over a suave, pink Armani turtleneck, and his broad shoulders are wrapped in a sharp, suede blue GQ jacket! Hollywood's leading director is also chillin' in a pair of fly, black and gray plaided Benetton trousers, and his feet sit nicely in a trendy pair of black, suede Giorgio Armani shoes! This well-to-do kahuna didn't mind dropping a few stacks for his extravagant Cartier wristwatch that he bought during his busy work schedule, when he was filming an award-winning movie overseas, either! And I mustn't forget his bullhorn and clapping board, both of which are necessary for his continuing success in Hollywood cinematography!

 

After years of giving his all to his career, Mr. High Society has nestled comfortably into his high-class lifestyle, alongside his fiancée, Shana Elmsford! Whether he's jetting around the world in a day, stepping out of luxurious limousines, or attending the latest Prince and the Revolution concert, you can bet that he's stepping out with Shana at the hip! The two lovebirds are often involved in big Hollywood premieres and enjoy their weekly, elegant, upscale dinners for two, sometimes triple-dating w/ Régine, Raya and their fiancés as well. A major society figure in Hollywood, Ant's position has granted him many confidants outside of his career and the luxury of hobnobbing with some of the biggest stars of the day, including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Cyndi Lauper, John Forsyth, Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Duran Duran, Wes Craven, Oprah Winfrey, David Bowie, Tina Turner, Sting, Mr. T, Steve Perry, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Mike Tyson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Nicks, just to name a few! His keen sense of art and business has punctured through as a cognitive spoke on the ever-turning wheel of the “Me” decade of greed; the decade that proclaims: “The one with the most toys at the end wins!”...and goodness, are his toys plentiful! Starting with his fabulous movie studio, in Miami! Ant himself proclaimed it, “The most successful building in the filming industry!”, suggesting a familiarity with the luxury market beyond the Milky Way! Far be it from Ant to boast, though. Its lobby is filled with saw-toothed angles, gleaming brass, and a $20 million dollar indoor marble waterfall! And that's just for starters! Ant owns two mansions, one in the hills of California, and another in the Caribbean. The only French-made Super Puma jet helicopter in North America has the name “Juelzford” emblazoned across it, as well as worldly furnishings in his palatial, and a $30 million dollar yacht! His 1987 book, “The Art of Movies”, was a bestseller with sales tripling in the first week of publication. He occupies a $20 million dollar double-triplex penthouse with an eagle's eye view of Central Park, the very place where he has helped restore, and sometimes retreats to reminisce. His figures have doubled over the years, placing him on Forbes' list as one of the highest paid film directors of the Nineteen Eighties! Who says you can't have it all?!

 

Mr. Julian is the Golden Globe to my Jem collection—a title he deserves and owns! 🎬

Done