Meet the Creative - The actor behind Fettes

Meet Justin Hosking, the actor behind arguably the most lovable of the Snatchers characters - Fettes. Justin is an award-winning actor, writer and producer based in Melbourne. He is an ensemble member of Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, Australia’s leading actors’ ensemble and has worked across Film, TV and the stage for a number of years.

WHAT WAS COMPELLING FOR YOU IN THE SNATCHERS SCRIPT? 

I loved the story itself, shining a light on the working class and the challenges posed to rise out of their struggles. But what got me the most was the heightened, changing genres within the script. From humour to pathos, from reality to someone’s perception of reality, amongst others. It makes it exciting to act in, but also exciting for the audience to watch. The audience is always being taken to places they are not expecting. Which is really engaging.

TALK US THROUGH YOUR COLLABORATIVE PROCESS WITH THE DIRECTORS

We had a couple of online reads and a short rehearsal process together. Shelly and Craig have theatre backgrounds, like myself, so we had very similar views on things. So, it was more a case of me throwing out ideas and thoughts to them about the character or the story and they’d listen and agree or not. It was a very safe environment where I feel everyone’s ideas were accepted openly, making it truly collaborative. Craig and Shelly ultimately had the last call on things, as they should, but everyone was able to have their ideas etc honoured. As an actor, that’s just gold.

TELL US WHAT IT’S LIKE FOR AN ACTOR ON SET IN A MAIN ROLE?

Well, I’ve only done it once, but it was a joy. Being on set pretty much every day creates a real atmosphere of collaboration. You get to know the cast and crew quite well, and you’re all in it together. It becomes a makeshift family. I feel I could then do my best work. When you’re on set for only a few days, it’s a little more difficult to have that sense of community and collaboration that fosters great work. I must say, I had an absolute ball playing

the role. A gig that I always cherish.

TELL US ABOUT THE CHARACTER OF FETTES. WHAT CAN AUDIENCES EXPECT?

Fettes is a lovable, knockabout bloke who heart is bigger than his brain. He’s desperate to drag himself out of the lower socio-economics that he finds himself in. He’s been screwed around for too long and he’s had enough. So, he’ll do whatever it takes to find his freedom. These things don’t always pan out too well.

WHAT’S YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS? HOW DO YOU APPROACH A FILM CHARACTER VS STAGE?

My process doesn’t really change between film and stage. You are limited technically in film, so you need to work within those limitations. But apart from the size of the performance (more contained for film) I’m just trying to get at the heart of the matter for the character and ride the wave from there.

HOW DO YOU THINK AUDIENCES WILL RESPOND TO SNATCHERS?

I think they’ll think it’s a whole lot of fun. The film is moves quickly and there’s a lot to take in. So, one needs to keep their eyes and ears peeled. The jumping between time and different ‘realities’ gives the audience a real challenge, but ultimately, I think that’s what is most satisfying about the film.