Today we’d like to introduce you to Josh Brandon.
Hi Josh, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
When I was a kid, I would watch a movie about astronauts and think, “I want to be an astronaut.” Then I’d watch a TV series about doctors and think, “No, I want to be a doctor!” What I eventually realized was that I didn’t want to do any of these things professionally; I wanted to be a storyteller. When I had that revelation, my life changed. I wrote constantly; I convinced my friends to come over on weekends so we could make movies; I started reading whatever screenplays and teleplays I could get my hands on. I just knew that I wanted to be a writer.
Growing up in Sydney, Australia in the 1990s/2000s, however, didn’t allow for many opportunities. The country only got cable in 1995 (my house got it in 1998), and otherwise we had three main channels. The number one show was a gardening show, and even when cable seemingly brought in more content, most of it was from the US, or occasionally a local auteur like Chris Lilley would write, direct, and star in a whopping eight episodes of his own show. So, I did the next best thing, I went into the theater. With my cousin Steve, I produced a dozen shows over a few years, and also directed a few. Finally, with some confidence (and Steven winning a spot in the green card lottery), we finally made the move in 2008 to Hollywood. I tell you, these last 17 years have really flown by!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m yet to meet someone for whom it’s been smooth. Having been successful in the theater in Australia, including winning a directing award, hitting the ground in LA was like hitting the pavement. Nothing I had done previously meant anything. I had to beat significant odds just to land my first industry job as a PA on a comedy pilot at Warner Bros. As difficult as the industry is, at least 17 years ago, things were a lot cheaper, so it made it easier to eke out a living with whatever jobs and side hustles I could come up with. Within the TV/film world itself, there were also struggles. My cousin and I got a manager and miraculously sold a pilot in less than two years (which led to us getting an agent, by whom I’m still represented to this day), but then management changed at the network, and the new president threw out all previous development. Two years after that, we were staffed on a show at CBS, but the network decided to not even air the eight episodes that were produced. The goal posts shift constantly, the industry changes by the minute. Almost every part is a struggle, but as they say, there’s no business like it. (No business I know.)
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I like to think that I tell engaging stories about people, no matter the genre. I started in comedy, moved into sci-fi/genre, and then into producing independent films, which for me has mostly been thrillers or romantic comedies. Along the way, I’ve developed dramas, grounded fantasy, been hired to write a true life mafia story, and co-wrote my first book–with William Shatner. I’m perhaps most proud of the fact that I’m still here, still plugging away, as it’s a very, very challenging industry. My next film, a family dramedy called 25 Miles to Normal is in post-production, and I’m particularly proud of that and can’t wait for people to see it.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bit of a pain. If something wasn’t done my way, I was pretty sure it was being done the wrong way. I attribute this mostly to youth and also just a passion for whatever I was doing, but I’m sure it didn’t make me the most fun collaborator. I was very lucky to have parents and family who believed in me and encouraged me at every step. My Dad even gave me $200 to make a film when I was 14, and he cheekily called the production company “Down the Drain Productions,” knowing he’d never see the money again. I know plenty of folks who moved to Hollywood and have to “prove them all wrong.” I’ve lived the last couple of decades of my life in the kinder but perhaps more difficult position of having to prove people right.
I loved sport, and in particular rugby league and my home team, the Sydney Roosters. Every time I had an opportunity to write or produce something, I would sneak in a couple of Roosters player names. Years later, I was able to show some clips of what I had done to some of the top brass in the organization, and ever since then, I’ve been welcomed into the family. I’ve traveled with the team, hosted them in Los Angeles in 2024 on their way to a game in Vegas, and am lucky enough to be invited to attend training and events when I’m in Australia. It’s an incredible privilege that I never would have believed possible.
Above all, I was a busy kid. I always had to be doing something, and usually multiple extra curricular things. I made movies, played rugby, cricket, and tennis. I was in the debating teams, I was in school plays. You name it. This continued into my college years, when I was studying, had a job, produced plays, participated in university programs and comedy revues, and played in a band. I was always a busy kid, and as an adult, that is something that hasn’t changed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.joshuabrandon.com/about
