We were lucky to catch up with Josh Litman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Josh, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

In my undergrad back in Canada, I was studying Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience with plans to become a clinical neuropsychologist. Even though I was writing and making movies and plays on the side, I didn’t consider it could be anything other than a hobby — until one of my movies got into a local film festival and, to my utter shock, won first place.

I remember not being able to breathe; not merely from the surprise win, but the realization that perhaps this — my true passion — was something I could maybe pursue professionally. The notion my art had left a real impact on an audience felt incredibly validating. Shortly after, I Googled the “best film school in the world” and instantly decided I wanted to go there.

I spent a year working on my application and honing my craft. I applied to USC (and only USC), thinking if I didn’t get in, I’d just keep applying every year until I did, all the while building up my body of work. Thankfully, I didn’t have to wait long — I got in on my first try.

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?

Born in London, Ontario (Canada, not the UK – sorry to disappoint those hoping to read the words of an interesting British person), I moved to Los Angeles in 2012 and graduated in 2016 from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts with an MFA in Film and Television Production. I also hold a BA in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience from Western University (just because).

To be honest, there was a time when I was on the path to become a clinical neuropsychologist. But while I love learning about the brain and human psychology, I’m a storyteller at heart and, ultimately, had to follow my passion. Still, I’d be lying if I said that neuroscience/psychology hasn’t had a habit of snaking its way into my writing… let’s call it another way of exploring the unknown.

My taste is rather eclectic, but a contrast of dark comedy and heartfelt drama tends to be a staple. My background in neuroscience also means I love diving into my characters’ psychology; both making and breaking them. Outside of film, I’ve written and directed theatrical plays, produced/co-hosted a long running podcast, and even published a poetry book.

For the past several years, I’ve continued to write and direct (around 40 short films and a feature anthology). As the founder of Action Potential Productions, my screenplays (narrative features, TV pilots/episodes) have been recognized at top-tier script competitions and my films have screened at dozens of festivals worldwide and won numerous awards. I also have an active fan base on YouTube with over 85,000 subscribers and millions of views.

Friends and colleagues have often referred to me as the most prolific director they know, a testimony to the sheer volume of content I’m known to create. I think my drive is fuelled by my own mortality.

In the core of my work, I make movies — writing, directing, editing, producing. I’ve been hired to do all four; other times just one. I am most passionate about the art of storytelling, so I gravitate towards projects with a story to tell. And if a client wants to tell a story but is struggling to find or structure it, I pride myself on helping them do that.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The reward of being an artist for me is two-fold. Firstly, it’s the magical transition of abstract thought into tangible reality — the process of crafting nebulous ideas into a concrete work of art. Secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it’s the opportunity to witness my creation impacting and resonating with an audience.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In my journey as a creative, I’ve often encountered this misconception that artistry and practicality (or commerce) are mutually exclusive. Non-creatives may struggle to understand that pursuing a creative career is not simply about financial gain. Indeed, at its heart, it is the art itself that fulfills me and feeds my soul. But as much as I am driven by passion, I am also aware that this is not merely a hobby. It’s my career and it exists at this messy intersection where art meets commerce.

What I’d like to offer as an insight is the understanding that not every decision in the creative process is rooted solely in financial or business terms. Sometimes, it’s about preserving the integrity of the artistic vision or pushing the boundaries of creativity, even if it doesn’t immediately translate into monetary gain. This balance between passion and pragmatism is a delicate dance that every professional artist navigates. It is an essential part of the creative journey, the pursuit of artistry within the framework of practicality.     

Contact Info:

• Website: https://actionpp.com
• Instagram: @litmanthehitman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josh.litman?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-litman-22b61057
• Twitter: @litmanthehitman
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@litmanthehitman
• Other: IMDb: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm4684765/