Meet Josh LaCount | Director, Screenwriter, Actor, Filmmaker

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

Hi Josh, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
It may sound cliche for me to use this as one of my fav quotes, but it’s true. Rocky Balboa said, “It ain’t about how hard you can hit; it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward, how much you can take and keep moving forward.” To me, this means that if I fall, it’s okay, as long as I pick myself up, learn from the experience, and keep pressing on, keep moving forward—trying again and again. If you truly believe in yourself and what you’re setting out to accomplish, and hold tight to that philosophy, anything is possible.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been a creative soul from a young age, exploring drawing, painting, and later discovering my passion for music when I stumbled upon my mom’s guitar as a teenager. That musical journey took me from the Outer Banks of NC to Nashville and eventually to NYC, after which I ventured to LA, where acting became a new avenue.

Acting gigs kept me busy, but during slow periods, I took matters into my own hands—creating my acting reel, writing scripts, making films, and even stepping into the role of a cinematographer. It’s funny—everything you need to know about making films is available nowadays on YouTube. Once you grasp the basics, it’s just a matter of trial and error. Make films, learn from them, make more films, learn from them, and so on. I’ve always admired those who take control of their careers, facing challenges head-on.

One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of staying true to oneself, making films about things that inspire me, things I love. I started with smaller shoots, sometimes just myself and the actors on set, wearing many hats. As I mentioned, I learned from each one, applying that knowledge of what worked and what didn’t to make the next film and so on. Now, with a solid team, I’m tackling my most ambitious project yet— “Melody Next Door.” It’s a nostalgic journey about an old man and a mystical music box, exploring themes of loss, love, and living in the present. I love many different genres, and if the movie has characters I care about with an intriguing story that makes me want to know what happens next, then I have no problem exploring that genre of filmmaking. I have never been afraid of trying a period drama or fantastical piece.

I thrive on challenges, and directing, shooting, and acting in this film excites me. My goal is to create movies with heart, leaving a lasting impact on the audience. We’re in pre-production, gearing up for casting, and I can’t wait to share this new adventure with everyone.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would say, let’s just bring back The Cinerama Dome on Sunset, all would be right with the world.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Many folks have played a crucial role in my journey, offering guidance and sharing their wisdom. Early on, as a musician in various bands, I learned the ropes of teamwork from my bandmates. Observing fellow songwriters and musicians honed my craft. Over time, acting coaches, family, crew members, and even the everyday jobs I took on contributed to my growth. In the creative realm, life experiences enrich our storytelling and deepen our understanding of others. I owe a huge thanks to those who believed in me, still do, and consistently cheer me on to pursue my passions. They’ve shaped who I am today, and I wouldn’t be here without their support and encouragement.

Website: www.joshlacount.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshlacount

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/joshlacount

Image Credits
One image by Nicholas Sitarski Photography.