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Julien,
as this is a JCVD fansite we first want to
know: what is your relationship with JCVD?
I met Van Damme 5 years ago at Gold's Gym Venice in California. I was walking around with a taekwondo bag. He asked me if I was doing any martial arts and told me I was the most
cut
guy he ever seen. Coming from him it was a big compliment. With the time we became good
friends. [Picture:
Julien with JCVD]
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Did you train a lot
together and do you still have contact with
Jean Claude?
We trained together many times, that was great. The last time I saw
JCVD was maybe 6 months ago. We spoke about my movie
deal. He was really happy for
me and looked at me in my eyes and told me
if he made it, I was going to make it big.
Jean Claude told me I had an amazing potential, I was really down to earth and simple.
He told me he can tell when somebody HAVE it, he can see how hungry
I am just by talking to him.
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What did you learn from him?
First he is a really cool and down to earth guy, a good sens of humour to. We spoke for a long time at
his office. I was always so motivated in reaching my dreams, and after I talked to him I realised it was happening.
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What do you think of
Van Damme's movies and what is your favorite one?
I like his movies, but honnestly I like more the first
ones. In Kickboxer his shape was great. Bloodsport
and Kickboxer are my favorite ones because they had an impact on people around the world.
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What's your alltime favourite movie?
BLOODSPORT because this movie change my life, and I think I will never be where I'm today if I had never seen this movie.
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About
yourself.
You were born in France. Why did you go to the United States?
I was born in France but raised up in the French West Indies, a little island called St Barth. The only reason I came to the states was to become an action star, this is my goal since I was 9 years old. Today 20 years later I finally get a chance, well deserve.
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Can you describe your first period in the States?
My first 2 years were really hard. I had to work in a hotel
4 hours a day 7 days a week, and in return I didn't have to pay my bed. I was good, but I had to share my room with 5 other guys, imagine 2 years in 1 bedroom with 5 guys. I also worked in a club doing security, my daily schedule was
9.00 pm to 2 am working a the club than 4.00 am untill
8.00 am at the hotel reception. I trained twice a day. Today I'm much more
comfortable because I have a sponsor (BSN). I
receive a monthly check doing something I
love. I'm the face for martial arts, they are one of the biggest growing nutrition
companies in the world.
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Do you think you are going to make it in moviebusiness?
Without being arrogant I really think I have the potential to become the next action martial arts star. I just signed this 6 movie contract. The first 3 movies is going to be a trilogy called Wings of the Dragon, produced by one of hollywood best director Dimitri Logothetis.
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Can you tell us something more about Wings of the Dragen?
I can not talk to much about it, but David Carradine from Kill Bill is going to be in
it. For more info you can check at www.dimitrisite.com at
portfolio. I also have an amazing french stunt team.
The guys worked on Kiss of the Dragon, the Transporter,
and Casino Royal. The fight Choreographer is Seydina Balde 3 x world karate shotokan champion
, also part of my stunt team Greg Justin and Emilien De Falco, team MAC.
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Actors as Schwarzenegger and Van Damme have their own trademarks. What is going to make you unique?
My personneability, I would love to influence kids and people from around the world be a role model. I do not drink, smoke or do any type of drugs, show kids than you
don't have to do any kind of this stuff to be
cool. Also as an actor bring something new to the screen, my muscularity is going to be something people have never seen before. I'm 175 lbs at 3 % body fat.
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So
you want to become a role model! Then who's your role model?
Bruce Lee for is amazing story, and Van Damme because I know him. And I feel like I can relate to him.
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What's your story so far as a male model.
When I first got in The States I had a plan. Fitness modeling was a great way to put my face out
there. After 5 years I have been on over 30 international magazine covers such as Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Karate Bushido etc.............. I'm also the face for martial arts for a very famous nutrition company called BSN. I'm really proud of my sponsor.
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How did you became a model?
I met a photographer in New York 8 years ago, he gave me his card and told me I had a great potential and if I ever come to LA I should call him. 8
Years later I called him and we met and he introduced me to Weider
publication. They own Muscle and Fitness mag, Men's Fitness. They gave me a chance, this is how everything started.
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What
is the most important for you in life?
First my family, my wife Renee, my upcoming
baby girl Gianna and Dux my dog hahahaha. I
named him after Frank Dux. My career as a
actor is also important. I want to become the
next action star. I arrived in the states
with 400 dls 5 years ago. Today I just
signed a 6 movie deal! Anything is possible,
if you have dedication, discipline, drive
and desire you will succeed.
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You
named your dog Frank Dux ???
Actually I named him after the character played by Van Damme, more because of Van Damme than
Frank Dux.
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What can we expect from you in near future?
We are planning on doing movie number 4 for the big screen, and next year I will be
on Cannes festival to promote Wings of the Dragon.
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(Interview
by www.FanDamme.net, August 2007) |
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