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What 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 

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The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.