Josh Pavlock: How "Checked Out" Became Reality

Send Johni & Jess a textWhat does it take to turn a lifelong dream into a feature film?This week on The Hook with Johni & Jess, we sit down with Josh Pavlock, founder of Osprey Media Studios and the writer, producer, and director behind the independent thriller Checked Out. Josh shares the incredible six-year journey from mowing his lawn and deciding to make a movie, to filming a feature-length thriller, building a cast and crew, navigating the challenges of editing, and preparing for film festival submissions. Along the way, we talk about: Why he traded his dream sports car for a movie budget  The surprising challenges of casting, directing, and editing  How a sinking boat nearly derailed production  The reality of making an independent film from the ground up  Why collaboration matters more than control  The future of Checked Out and the trilogy already in the works  Advice for aspiring filmmakers who don't know where to start Plus, Josh shares his favorite films, directors, soundtracks, and the philosophy that helped him bring his vision to life: "Don't wait. Go make a movie."Whether you're a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, storyteller, or someone sitting on a dream you've been putting off, this episode is packed with inspiration, behind-the-scenes insight, and proof that it's never too late to bet on yourself.🎬 Learn more about Checked Out and Osprey Media Studios, and hear how one idea grew into a full-fledged filmmaking journey. Monsters performed by TJ Peterson Music has the power to bring people together — and this September, Lightmakers is doing exactly that.Join the Richmond International Film Festival Thursday, September 24th for the Lightmakers Signature Series, a special night of live music featuring The Joey Davis Band, Rodney Stith and Richmond’s own Kyle Davis.It’s all part of RIFF’s 15th annual celebration of film, music and creativity happening September 22nd through the 27th.Support the showThank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess. This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at: https://www.johniandjess.comFollow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.