Werribee’s Josh Howlett has wanted to work in the film industry since he was a child.
Now the budding producer’s dreams might be about to come true, with several film studios expressing an interest in his movie project inspired by Australian basketballer Matthew Dellavedova.
About three years ago, Howlett wrote an idea for a movie on four pieces of paper after watching an ESPN documentary on Dellavedova, who was recruited by St Mary’s College of California in 2009.
Howlett was interested in Dellavedova’s story and began thinking it could be the basis for a movie. So, the Final Four was born.
The movie follows the story of young Australian basketballers who move to the US in the hope of being recruited to the NBA.
It’s based on Dellavedova’s success since joining the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013, including his team’s journey to this year’s finals.
“The concept has now taken off due to Matthew Dellavedova’s performance in the NBA finals,” Howlett says.
“Final Four is about Australians competing against Americans. It’s hard to make an Australian story that does well over there, but I think this is an Australian story that can play worldwide.”
Howlett passed on his ideas for the movie to screenwriter Bobby Galinsky, who put together a script, and he has since signed on as the film’s executive producer.
Another member of Final Four’s production team is Jason Shuman, while True Detective star Woody Harrelson is being approached to play the coach.
Howlett hopes to cast unknown actors for the roles of the Australian basketballers.
“We’re talking with studios at the moment and then we’ll go after the talent.
“There has been interest from some pretty big studios and top talent.”
While more investors are still needed for the film, Howlett says he hopes filming can begin next year, with the majority of the movie to be shot in Australia.
Howlett, who spent the past year living in Los Angeles working on other projects, says he’s amazed at the level of interest in Final Four.
“Nearly every day I get sent a new article [on the movie] from friends in America,” he says.
