JOSH GIBERT: “THE CREATIVE”
Photos by Joyce Charat / Interview with Noah Marie Hevel
Josh Gibert is a performer/writer imported from Detroit. Josh is part of an emerging group of artists using comedy to entertain and explore the human condition. He’s performed in popular clubs such as The Comedy Store and his work has been recognized by the Austin Film Festival, the Sundance institute, and his mom. Recently, he’s snatched the attention of TV heavyweights with Wallace + Tex, his web series proof of concept about three unlikely friends who go on surreal nocturnal adventures.
Noah Hevel: How did Wallace + Tex come about?
Josh Gibert: I wanted to make an absurd satire that is personal, speaks to our world, and stands out in the marketplace. This story gave me the chance to unlearn some rules and explore. One of the things I’m most proud of is that during one of my (socially distanced) screenings I noticed that the audience was split in half by political party affiliations but everyone laughed at the right times.
Liz Meriwether is thanked in the end credits, talk to me about her involvement.
Liz Meriwether found me out of nowhere and sent me half the budget to tell this story. She saw the GoFundMe, and then sent me a DM on Instagram telling me she thought the idea was “really cool.” Ironically, my first spec script was her show New Girl. New Girl inspired me to tell stories about uncommon friendships. I’d like to believe Liz recognized that she and I have that in common. She’s the James Brown to my Prince.
As a creative, how do you balance acting, writing, and sometimes directing?
I saw successful multi-tasking growing up. I had both an executive and a megachurch pastor as a parent. Discipline was key. I learned a lot about organization, communication, and delegation. I watched them write and perform every week, then get off stage, record videos, and then make a lot of quick but crucial business decisions. It’s not unnatural for me to communicate the same message in several different forms.
You grew up a pastor’s kid in Detroit. How does your background inform your work?
I feel like I’ve lived many lives and had access to many different types of people growing up. I wouldn’t be able to create the range of characters or the culture clashes without those experiences.
You’re a Sundance Institute Alumni, how did that experience prepare you for Hollywood?
I won a Sundance fellowship for a period-piece feature I wrote. Sundance taught me to focus on writing characters using my own vulnerability. They really pushed me to put the quirkiest part of myself in my work. It was a great experience.
One of the things that really stands out in Wallace + Tex is the music.
The incredible popularity of social media apps like TikTok shows how important music is today. I have the same genre blurring approach to storytelling that my generation has to music. My music supervisor (DeAngelo Theus) and I wanted Wallace + Tex to stay with the audience long after they were done watching it. Music doesn’t just sell a moment, it sells a world. John Hughes, Tarantino, and Issa Rae are masters at this.
Your voice is pretty specific. Do you feel like you have a specific audience?
All the artists I admire reflect their generation. I am my audience. I tell stories for people who are young, stylish, and want to see a world with less cultural divisions. People who respond to my work live for connection, authenticity, style and originality.
What do you hope to contribute to Hollywood?
Diverse representations are important, but I’m interested in stories where race isn’t always the driving element. Flawed characters are cool. I hope to leave a legacy of character-driven stories about flawed people with quirky friendships.
What or who are some of your inspirations?
Eddie Murphy. George Clooney, Martin Scorcese, Charles Dickens, and a dash of Liz Meriwether.
What’s next?
I’m shopping a subversive half hour dramedy pilot. I’m having a blast on the audition circuit. I’m winning rooms. I’m super excited about a high concept feature script I’m working on.
Where can we find your work?
Wallace + Tex is on YouTube. The soundtrack is on all streaming platforms. I also do stand up. You can also keep up with me on Instagram (@Joshgibert) and on Spotify and Youtube.
Seven questions with Josh Gibert
- What can you give a 40 minute presentation on without any preparation?
Reading body language… and bakeries in LA.
- What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Overusing the fire emoji. What are you trying to do? Burn me at the stake?
- You wear a lot of hats, what motivates you?
Male pattern baldness.
- What are you listening to?
Kings of Leon, Dominic Fike, and anything Motown.
- There are two types of people in this world. What are the two types?
Focused and unfocused.
- What show or movie changed your life?
The Departed (dir. Martin Scorcese)
- A genie grants you 3 wishes, what are they?
Create modern classics that impact audiences worldwide. Be in a position to instantly change the lives of others. Live in South Korea… their fashion is dope.
