Josh Howlett
‘Producer Porch Thoughts’
At just 24 years-of-age, Melbourne’s Josh Howlett is well on his way to slam dunking his life ambition of producing his first movie – Final Four.
Born and raised in the Melbourne’s Western Suburb of Werribee, when Josh was in pre-school, he first fell in love with acting watching his godmother, Cath McCallig, performing in several theatre productions around Melbourne.
After Josh completed high school, he ventured out into the ‘real world’ for a few years in hope of finding direction. Immersed in artistic culture of Melbourne’s inspiring West, Josh couldn’t shake the acting bug. Whilst working in his last ‘real’ job as a travel agent, he discovered that the film industry is where he wanted his career to take flight. He immediately handed in his resignation to follow his dream.
The following day, Josh put pen to paper and wrote the synopsis for a film – Final Four - a present day drama that follows the journeys of four teenage Australian basketball players from Primary, High School and through to their pursuits as College basketball players in the United States.
After months of rewrites and successfully pitching the concept to investors, producers and agents in Australia and the United States, Final Four is currently in pre-production with a with some of Hollywood’s biggest names preparing to sign to direct and star in the film.
On his Producer Porch in his studio in Werribee, I caught up with Josh to find out more about the inspiration behind his film and discovered when he is not writing, Josh is involved supporting disadvantaged youth through programs such as the Reach Foundation.
Acting has played such a huge part of life in terms of shaping your life’s ambitions. What was some of you first professional acting gigs?
I was involved in many productions both in and out of school. My first professional acting gig was a one off appearance as ‘The Tin Man’ in a Melbourne production. It was a 38 degree day in January and I was wearing a latex mask. From there I went on to act in a small screen productions and learning the art of writing and producing.
From what I’ve read, Final Four is all about heart. What is one movie that pulled at your heartstrings?
Remember The Titans in 2000. It was based on the true story of African American coach Herman Boone portrayed by Denzel Washington. In the 1970s, Herman tried to introduce a racially integrated team at a High School in Virginia. The adversity those boys overcame to remain true to themselves and each other was a huge inspiration for me. I’ve seen it at least thirty times and I still get goose-bumps when I watch it.
Do you feel growing up in Melbourne’s Western Suburbs influenced your writing or fuelled your passion for producing films?
Definitely! The West is where the true artistic heart of Melbourne can be found. If you spend a day walking her streets, you’ll see everything that you both want and don’t want from life. All of the best artists I know, whether it be actors, photographers, fashion designers or street artists, seem to stem from The West.
The Final Four is based on a true story based on a group of Australian high school athletes who attend University in Northern California and come to greatness in NCAA basketball. Who is it based on?
It’s loosely based on the St Marys College basketball team in the States who are well known for recruiting Australian players such as Matt Dellavedova and Patty Mills. We’ve been in touch with some key members of that organisation and they are very excited about the project.
How long did the initial concept take to write?
It took me a full day of writing followed by a lot of procrastinating and then back to writing it again. I then teamed with film producer Bobby Galinsky who is writing the official screenplay, he wrote the treatment in roughly two months.
Did you play basketball yourself to give you some ‘real-life’ prospective?
I played a bit of ball in my junior years for the St Andrews Basketball Club in Werribee. I’ve always been a massive fan of the sport.
How did you develop the characters in the USA such as Assistant Coach ‘Rocket Richards from your studio in Werribee?’
One of the main characters in the story - Coach Richards, I slightly based on my dad. He is a complex character. He is a win at all costs kind of guy who, under his harsh exterior, really just wants what’s best for the team. I had to use a lot of imagination through life experience to create the characters.
Did you consult with any Australian basketball professionals?
In the early stages of the project we managed to secure Darryl ‘D-Mac’ McDonald as our basketball consultant. He is now a retired American Australian basketball professional who last played for the Melbourne Tigers in the National Basketball League. He provided incredible insight on how the process really works in the sport.
With your acting skills, will you be playing a part in the film?
I’ll be playing one of the three male leads. I think it’s important for actors to also produce films. Producing your own projects is the only way to have any control over your own career. You could spend years auditioning and never get a role.
What stage is the film at and who is interested in being involved?
We’ve secured our first investor and have interest from many past and present NBA players and also from American Studios. Zach Green who is a renowned American film producer will be handling that interest once the final screenplay is completed.
Who would you like to see star in the film?
There’s been a few names floating around and we’ve attached local actors Chris Kirby (The Matrix, Fresh Prince of Bel Air) and Clyde Boraine (Angry Boys). On a personal note, I’d like to see Woody Harrelson play one of the coaches.
What is the main message audiences will take from the film?
One of mateship, believing in yourself and achieving greatness against all odds.
How did you become to be involved with the Reach Foundation?
It was an incredible honour to be asked to present at their Heroes Day and share my story to 500 children in August. I encouraged everyone to follow their dreams and not to let anyone tell them they you can’t achieve something.
What is your Porch Thought For The Day?
“The best way to predict the future is to create it. So, get creative.”