Philip Hughes - Film Student

He's intense and he's passionate and it's like he says… 'You gotta have passion to make it happen'

And Philip Hughes is making sure it happens. His short documentary Magical Mr Sendak and Me has been selected for the Exemplar Project and will be used as a nationwide resource for both students and teachers on 'How To Make a Documentary' - for further details check out the website.

Here's how it all happened…

So, what got you interested in movie making?: I went through a phase of watching tons of art house movies and a part of me thought that I wouldn't mind having a go at that. So, two years ago I got into Hagley Community College and ended up with bursary in media studies. The teachers are incredibly inspirational - wildly creative and crazy and yet they really know their technical stuff too. It's a great place to be because everyone else loves doing exactly what you're doing and it means you can get on and practice your craft.
Tell us about your documentary: I directed and edited it alone but it all started several months ago when I had to decide what to do. After that comes the framework … it's like doing a jigsaw or building blocks. You just keep building onto it and having these ah-ha moments during the process - although I did go off on a lot of tangents at times. My aim was for a good, clean product - like keeping the sound clean because people soon notice when the sound's bad!
Why did you choose Where The Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak: I've just always loved this book. It has a universal appeal - I want to be like that when I'm happy, travel to where the wild things are - who wouldn't? Did you know that children laugh on average 300 times a day and guess what the average is for adults - SIX!!! Originally, I was thinking of doing an animated movie of the book but then I figured I couldn't do it justice - hence the doco
Tell us a bit more about the actual process: I knew I wanted to include humour and I have - real shades of Monthy Python. I also incorporated piece to camera work - where you're walking and talking with the camera. I didn't just want a whole load of interviews because it would have been incredibly boring. The two interviews I have used are with a professor of Children's Literature and with Bill Nagelkerke from Christchurch City Libraries. It's all a case of capturing the audience's interest. And then comes the editing. And more editing! You have to know when to stop because it's like you could go on for ever to try and make it perfect … you have to stop some time even though it'll never be as good as you think it could be!
What now?: Well, I'm just hanging out with friends and enjoying the holidays and messing around with video cameras and stuff. I can indulge my passion a bit coz I'm working at Reading Cinemas but I'm kinda hanging out for the holidays to end so I can get back to Hagley next year to do the Film Package Course
Favourite movies?: Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas; Monty Python and the Holy Grail; Donni Darko
Other interests?: I'm right into my arts. And Politics. Music. I also think a lot!
Short term goals?: I'd like to enter something in the Wanganui and Film festivals. Christchurch is a good place for me to be right now
Long term goals?: Overseas travel I guess. I dunno. Maybe Montreal, London … maybe Unitec in Auckland. I know I want to be a successful film-maker in all genres.
And the last word from Philip …: I simply want to work on my art and make people happy.

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Philip Hughes - Film Student

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