We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Josh Fapp. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Josh below.

Josh, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I’ve had quite the adventure in the world of filmmaking, working alongside the social media influencer Zach King and wearing many hats as a director, producer, and writer. My education in film didn’t really happen in a classroom; it’s been a wild ride that started back in high school when I was the go-to videographer for a church, continued through my formal studies at CSULB, and really took off when I directed my own feature and short films at a summer camp called Hume Lake. What I’ve learned is that traditional education is just the beginning. The real education keeps going, especially in this industry, and I’m still picking up new tricks and insights more than ten years later. Looking back, one thing that could’ve fast-tracked my learning was teaming up with other filmmakers earlier on. In the early days working at the church, I was a one-man band—writing, shooting, editing, you name it. While there’s a lot to be said for learning by doing (and a fair share of YouTube tutorials from channels like Film Riot and Video Copilot), being around other film buffs in film school was a game-changer. It wasn’t just about the films we made but the friendships and connections I formed, some of which I still lean on today. Then, at Hume Lake, it felt like a step back into solo mode, but with a twist. I handled everything from directing to visual effects, but that experience taught me a ton about every aspect of filmmaking, making me a better collaborator today. If you ask me what the most critical skill in filmmaking is, surprisingly, it’s not about knowing the best camera angles or the latest editing software. It’s all about communication. Being able to share your vision clearly, work together as a team, and navigate the highs and lows together. That’s what makes a project succeed. Early on, I realized how important it is to be your project’s biggest fan and cheerleader. Doubt can be a project’s worst enemy, and if you’re not fully behind your idea, it shows. I’ve had my share of second-guessing, but I’ve also learned that picking a direction and boldly going for it is crucial. Of course, being open to feedback and ready to pivot when needed is just as important. I’ve had moments on set when someone’s suggested a change in direction, and if it made sense, we shifted gears. It’s all about being confident in your decisions while keeping an open mind to the best ideas, no matter where they come from. In short, my journey in filmmaking has been about constant learning, staying open to collaboration, valuing communication above all, and having the courage to lead with conviction while being ready to adapt. It’s been quite the ride, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Josh, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m deeply involved in the creative process behind the scenes for Zach King, known for his illusion based social media videos. My role spans directing, producing, and writing, where I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with brands like Amazon, Mercedes, Apple, and CeraVe. Beyond the commercial work, I’m passionate about storytelling through film, leaving the viewer with a smile in the end. A highlight for me has been the “Stranded” series (a three-part short film series on YouTube), especially our latest adventure featuring Terry Crews alongside Zach in a fun, mummy-themed desert journey. My approach is simple: blend creativity with storytelling in a way that entertains and makes you want to share it with your friends. The work I’m most proud of doesn’t just come from the big names we’ve collaborated with but from the growth and challenges along the way. For those just getting to know me or my work, I hope to share stories that not only entertain but inspire others to be creative, all while pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of what I do is a pretty simple wish: I dream of creating long-form content, like feature films or a series, that not only brings a smile to people’s faces but also allows me and my friends to have a blast while we’re making it. It’s all about sharing joy and having fun on this creative journey together.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Life has a funny way of showing you that sometimes, the scariest choices lead to the most incredible paths. When the world was grappling with the uncertainty of Covid, I found myself at a major crossroads. My wife, Janae, got accepted into a school in Southern California, and suddenly, we were faced with a decision that felt like jumping without seeing the ground below. Leaving my stable job at Hume Lake was scary, but we decided to take that leap of faith, even though I had no job lined up in our new destination. As I shared our plans with my colleagues, one of them, John, mentioned he used to be roommates with Zach King and offered to connect us. Honestly, I didn’t hold my breath—promises of “life-changing” connections are often made but rarely materialize in the film industry. Yet, a few days later, I received a text from an unknown number. It read something like, “Hey, this is Zach King. I’ve seen your work. What would it take to bring you onto my team?” My first thought? This has to be a joke. So, I called the number back, half-expecting a friend ready to burst into laughter. But no, it was Zach himself on the other end. We talked, and not long after, I joined his team. This entire journey—this leap into the unknown—only happened because I dared to take that first scary step. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the right path is the one that terrifies you the most at first glance.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshfapp/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMvH6NzORYQ&t=727s&ab_channel=ZachKing
• Other: The above YouTube link is to the latest short film I directed, Stranded 3.

Image Credits
Photos by Dustin Ong