Meet Julie Corbett

If Studio Hoopla had a Patron Saint of Good Vibes, it would be Julie. She’s the human equivalent of a triple-shot latte: warm, energising, impossible not to love, and with just a hint of “buckle up, things are about to happen.” We asked Julie a few questions to discover what she’s watching, loving and wrangling this week.

I’m watching

After about five separate recommendations, I finally caved and re-signed up for Prime just to watch the John Candy doco, I Like Me. Zero regrets. I’m a complete sucker for ’80s and ’90s comedy (what an era), and Candy was in so many of the films that shaped my childhood.

It was genuinely heartening to hear from basically everyone that he was exactly as sweet, generous, tender and humble as you always hoped. And a far better actor than he ever gave himself credit for; he did both “annoying" and "wounded” better than anyone.

I also had no idea about his improv background, which suddenly explains how he pulled off those perfect set-ups for his cast mates: “Those aren’t pillows!”

Naturally, it sent me straight into a rewatch of Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck and National Lampoon’s Vacation, where, fun fact, he was essentially airdropped in to save the ending.

I’m listening to

I’ve had Next to Normal by Lucius on repeat for weeks. It’s got this fun, slightly disco-washed pop energy that’s all glossy harmonies, upbeat tempo, and a bit of that Scissor Sisters sparkle. Maybe even a bit of Beck’s disco era in the bones.

Marlon Williams has also been on high rotation lately. He’s got this gorgeous, crooner vibe that somehow lands between Roy Orbison and alt-country (which is not my usual taste) with maybe a touch of Jeff Buckley’s soaring, emotional thing woven through. I can’t fully explain how those elements work together, but they do. Beautifully.

I’m reading

I’ve accidentally fallen into a very specific (and very reliable) genre: gentle existential crises with heart.

My attention is finite. If you want me to finish a book, do not come at me with a spy plot or a 600-page autobiography. I’m notorious for abandoning books halfway and never reopening them.

The Midnight Library, The Life Impossible and Remarkably Bright Creatures all hit my sweet spot: warm, hopeful stories about second chances, unlikely friendships and a sprinkle of magical realism. They’re easy reads in the best way, about people (and, in one case, an octopus) slowly figuring out who they are and what actually matters.

I’m curious about

Radically reducing my phone use. Not full hermit mode, but close-ish. It’s such a time suck, and I’m absolutely a slave to it.

So I’ve been wondering: what if I stripped my smartphone right back? Keep WhatsApp for my team and family emergencies, plus texts and calls for the essentials and delete everything else.

Would that open up space on my days off for the fun stuff: gigs, lazy hangs with friends, day trips? Would I actually have more energy and focus at work if I wasn’t zapped by the constant information churn?

I ditched booze a couple of years ago (yes, I’ve dabbled, but the sobriety bus is calling again), so maybe it’s time for the next big, terrifying reset. Wish me luck.

(And if anyone’s got ideas, come at me. I’m all ears!)

I’m working on

I’m coordinating a film and stills shoot for an investment-firm client as part of a brand refresh we’re working on. Think: a photographer, a videographer, two days, two locations (a building site and a luxe city office), plus twenty real people as “talent.”

Lizzie’s leading the creative vision; I’m the chief organiser pulling together what we’re capturing, who’s in it, what they’re wearing, what they’re doing and when we need them; basically, choreographing beautiful chaos.

It’s fast, fun and mildly stressful, and I’ll be quietly praying for good weather and everyone arriving on their A-game.

I’m eating

I cannot go past Jungle Juice Bar in Centre Place for the ultimate comfort lunch. The lady behind the counter always calls me “hon” (which, coming from her, I adore) and never fails to compliment my Rollas jeans, which I’m inevitably wearing.

I always sit in the corner closest to the “kitchen,” if you can call a space the size of my wardrobe a kitchen. The crew turn out the most outrageously good bagels from that tiny nook. It’s absolute theatre, which is exactly why I love that spot. I’ve even seen two people assembling bagels in there once, which felt like witnessing a minor miracle.

And yes, I only ever order the BLAT. It is bagel perfection, and I simply cannot imagine anything else being better.

In the Studio Hoopla team, I'm most likely to…

Quote 80s comedies.
Talk too much.
Ask for IT help.
Eat all the biscuits.