APRIL 18—Clint Howard always pops up in the dramas and comedies directed by his brother Ron, but the younger Howard is a familiar face to aficionados of low-budget thrillers and horror yarns.

Howard shot his latest film, Hitters Anonymous, last year in Palm Beach County. A dark comedy about an assassin trying to quit his profession, Hitters Anonymous receives its world premiere during the Palm Beach International Film Festival. Howard costars with Scarface’s Steven Bauer and The Exorcist’s Linda Blair.

Film South Florida: How did you enjoy shooting Hitters Anonymous in Palm Beach County?

Howard: Listen, I worked on two films last year in South Florida, one was (the sci-fi feature) Planet Isben, the other was Hitters Anonymous. I found the crews to be topnotch, the enthusiasm’s at the highest level. I don’t see any reason why the film community shouldn’t boom. If I can come back here and work on films and help some of the independent filmmakers ... first of all, it’s a job. They pay me. It’s a place that the film community has an opportunity to go great guns.

Film South Florida: Describe your role in Hitters Anonymous.

Howard: I play Steven Bauer’s brother. We like a hit family. We’re a family of assassins. It’s a dark comedy. It was a fun bit to play.

Film South Florida: How do you think PBIFF audiences will react to seeing a film shot down here?

Howard: Aside from seeing the locales, this film is going to appeal to people who enjoy dark comedies. This is not a film for a mass audience. It’s like Pulp Fiction. I’m not saying it’s as good as Pulp Fiction as that was magical. It’s got the same attitude as Pulp Fiction.

Film South Florida: You’re in your brother Ron’s new film, Cinderella Man, starring Russell Crowe as Depression-era boxer Jim Braddock. Is this going to be another Oscar contender for Ron?

Howard: Cinderella Man is another wonderful, affecting movie. Ron hit it out of the park. Russell did a tremendous job playing Jim Braddock. When I saw it, I cried. I don’t want to give away any of the company secrets, but it’s one of Ron’s best films.

HITTERS ANONYMOUS:
Times: 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 20
Location: Muvico Parisian 20, CityPlace, 545 Hibiscus St., West Palm Beach
Tickets: Regular theater matinee and evening prices
Information: (561) 362-0003
Web site: http://www.pbifilmfest.org/films.asp?catID=14

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