Meet Josh Brodis | Actor, Writer, & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Brodis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been working as an actor and songwriter in Los Angeles since 2012, but in 2018, things really took off when my band landed a national commercial. Not only were we featured on screen, but the ad also used my original song, ‘Row That Boat,’ which opened up a whole new chapter in my career. To properly license my music, I launched my publishing company, Beat-Rice Productions, named in honor of my late grandmother, Beatrice.

After publishing my first song, I transitioned into writing and publishing novels, beginning with *A Little LAMb*, which led to the creation of my imprint, Turner Street Press. I followed that with my second book, *Moonrust*. Both novels are in the thriller/horror/action genre, which naturally set the tone for my next project—filmmaking. I wrote, produced, and directed my first short film, *Moonrust*, based on the book, and then followed that with my second short film, *Bent Spoons*. Between the two films, they’ve collectively won over 10 awards from various international film festivals.

Currently, I continue to act, write, direct, and produce both for myself and for clients. My work spans from narrative films and series to commercials and photoshoots, and I’m always exploring new creative challenges across multiple mediums.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey has always been about storytelling and connecting through shared human experiences, often with a bit of the surreal or darker edge. My art ranges across acting, writing, and directing, with each medium offering a way to explore character, tension, and sometimes the unexpected twist that reflects life’s unpredictability. My work draws heavily from thriller and horror genres, and I strive to explore themes that pull back the curtain on social dynamics, identity, and the human psyche.

One of the pieces I’m most proud of is my original song “Row That Boat,” which landed my band a national commercial and marked the official launch of my publishing company, Beat-Rice Productions—named after my late grandmother, Beatrice. It was a defining moment, not only because it was my music on a national stage but because it was a catalyst for a broader scope of creative work. From there, I transitioned from songwriting to book publishing with my first novel, *A Little LAMb*, followed by *Moonrust*. These books eventually led to short films, where I took on roles as an actor, writer, producer, and director, culminating in a number of awards at international festivals. Every project has built upon the last, expanding my range and pushing me to refine my voice as an artist.

It hasn’t been an easy road, especially in a place like LA, where the industry is as fierce as it is fast-paced. Starting from scratch, navigating the realities of competition and rejection, and evolving as an independent artist demanded resilience and a thick skin. Over time, I learned not only to rely on my work ethic but to embrace my unique voice, which made it easier to build an authentic brand that resonates with audiences.

I’ve come to appreciate that challenges are essential for growth. Though it’s often hard to see the lesson in the midst of a setback, each obstacle eventually reveals itself as an opportunity to refine my craft, strengthen my vision, and bring me closer to my goals.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to embrace authenticity, even when it requires taking risks. My work goes beyond just a script or a song; it’s about creating stories that resonate and leave a lasting impression. I want my projects to be remembered for their honesty, capturing the complexities of life while delivering moments that provoke empathy, suspense, and discovery. Turner Street Press and Beat-Rice Productions are extensions of this philosophy—creative platforms where I can push boundaries and explore fresh storytelling. Through these brands, I’m committed to honoring diversity, challenging societal norms, and fostering imagination.

What sets me apart, I believe, is the dedication to both craft and community—the joy of not just creating but doing it with respectful artists at the pinnacle of their artistry. If there’s anything I want the world to know about my brand, it’s that our stories are worth telling, even if they’re unconventional or rough around the edges, and that each one of us has a voice worth hearing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’ll kick off our journey with a warm welcome (box of SK Donuts) when I pick you up at the airport, followed by a scenic drive to Tokyo Wako in Long Beach, where we’ll enjoy waterfront teppanyaki in an unforgettable setting. After dinner, we’ll check into the Queen Mary, one of America’s most iconic and haunted hotels. Get ready for a spine-tingling ghost tour aboard the ship, then unwind and rest up for the adventures ahead.

The next morning, we’ll indulge in the Royal Brunch Buffet aboard the Queen Mary, featuring endless prime rib and succulent king crab legs. Fully fueled, we’ll head to Disneyland, where we’ll check into the Grand Californian Hotel—offering exclusive park access without even stepping outside the hotel. After a fun-filled day at the parks, we’ll relax at the luxurious spa before a well-deserved rest.

On day three, we’ll make our way to Hollywood and check into the charming Magic Castle Hotel. We’ll hike through the iconic Hollywood Hills, then lounge by the pool before enjoying an early dinner and a mesmerizing magic show. Later, we’ll hit up Barney’s Beanery, Davey Wayne’s, and Akbar for an evening of nightlife and fun.

The following day, we’ll explore some of LA’s finest museums, including The Broad, The Getty, and MOCA. For lunch, we’ll savor a unique experience at Galanga Thai Fusion, before picking up dinner and heading to the Hollywood Bowl for an unforgettable performance under the stars. We’ll end the day by checking into the Universal Sheraton, where we’ll rest up for a day at Universal Studios the next day.

After that, we’ll escape to the serene beauty of Topanga Canyon, where we’ll stay in a cozy Airbnb. Start the morning with outdoor yoga amidst the stunning canyon views, then make our way to the coast. For lunch, we’ll grab fresh seafood from Neptune’s Net and enjoy a picturesque picnic at El Matador Beach. After soaking in the ocean vibes, we’ll head to Santa Monica Pier to catch a sunset concert.

For our final two days, we’ll embark on a breathtaking road trip up the coast. We’ll spend our first night in Big Sur, surrounded by dramatic coastal cliffs and pristine nature, before heading to Yosemite for our last night, immersing ourselves in the awe-inspiring beauty of the park’s majestic landscapes.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Christen Dugger and I first crossed paths over a decade ago on the set of Glee, and her impact on my life has been profound. She’s been a constant source of genuine support, encouraging me in both my acting and songwriting. We went on to perform together in a band and often volunteered, singing for children in hospitals. She ensured our shows and music residencies always included a charitable aspect; even if we only made a small profit, Christen always saw to it that the promised share was hand-delivered to those in need.

Christen always reminded me to believe in myself, trust my artistic instincts, and disregard any negativity from others. Her encouragement pushed me to start sharing my stories with the world, which has since helped me grow an audience of half a million followers. Her outlook on life even extended to small insights—like her belief that dogs are incredibly smart and always trying to communicate with us, something that still sticks with me.

When we were roommates, we lived in a heavily non-English speaking neighborhood, and she made an effort to learn the language out of respect for our neighbors and the heritage of the area. I still follow this tradition whenever I am in the area, and apply the philosophy to all my travels. Christen has been a powerful, positive force in my life, especially through the darkest times. Though she has since moved away, she remains close to my heart. I’m forever grateful for her influence and the kindness, encouragement, and wisdom she’s shared with me along the way. Thank you, Christen.

Website: https://www.joshbrodis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshbrodis

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-brodis-7207b81b1

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/iBrodProductions

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@joshbrodis

Image Credits
Leah Huebner Photography.
ABC Television/E1 Entertainment
Beat-Rice Productions, LLC

Photographed: Lou Castro, Patty Carrillo, Arnold Aldridge, Hanna Henry