PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve been good friend with filmmaker Jonathan Patrick Hughes for the past couple years now and he always impresses me with is passion. He’s always determined to write and make his film and doesn’t let anyone stop him.
He loves Holiday horror films just like me and has a quite a few in the works and just finished another one called Hallowed By Thy Name. Learn more about his previous work, upcoming films, and more!
PopHorror – Hey Jonathan, it’s been awhile since we’ve caught up, it’s great to talk with you again. So let’s start from the beginning. What made you want to work in the film industry?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – Every since I first saw Michael Jackson’s Thriller at the tender age of 4 years old. I knew this is exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
PopHorror – Thriller is amazing! What was the first film you ever worked on?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – I acted in a little indy film, Deer Crossing, where I play a drug dealer who owes the kingpin a lot of money. Sadly, it doesn’t end too well for me. I’m not really a fan of acting, but I would be an extra just standing around in the background looking dumb.
PopHorror – What was your inspiration for your new film, Hallowed By Thy Name?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – David Lynch and The Twilight Zone were my biggest inspirations. Even though I love gore in my films, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and write a story that sucks you in and doesn’t let go until the final frame.
PopHorror – I definitely see those inspirations in the film. How did you go about the casting process?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – Casting was extremely hard. My friend, Bec Johnson introduced me to Tyler Manko to play the lead role and as soon as the cameras rolled, he just took over and shined as Detective Hayne. Alexis von Schwedler, who just so happens to be my very best friend came out to Pittsburgh from Philadelphia, just to play the role of Octavia Burke. She really enjoyed herself and the camera really enjoyed her, as well as the audience.
PopHorror – What was your goal for the film?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – The only goal was to create something that would hopefully hold an attention for 24 mins. No blood, no gore, just a simple story filled with as much trickery and emotion that one could bare to grasp. It’s an emotional roller coaster ride that grabs you by the throat and when you think it’s time to breathe. The film takes another wide turn, constricting even tighter than before.
PopHorror – It’s definitely different than your other films but in a good way. So far you’ve done a Christmas short and a Halloween short, do you plan on doing more Holiday themed horror stories?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – Seven as a matter of fact, we just wrapped principle photography on my newest film, Bad Hare Day, which is an Easter Horror Comedy mixed with nods to old school Loony Tunes cartoons. Bad Hare Day is unlike I have ever written, it’s a story with sick humor and over the top special effects, promising to make people gag. It’s a wild body horror adventure.
PopHorror – I truly can’t wait for this one! Who are your inspirations in the industry?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – JOHN CARPENTER is my ultimate idol and I have always looked up to him as a filmmaker. I would kill to work with him, even if it was taking out his garbage.
PopHorror – (Laughs) What is ultimate dream as a director?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – After doing quite a few shorts, I really want to make a feature film. The ultimate dream film is my children’s horror film, Bedbugs. The idea and story was written for my son, Liam. Since he is only seven years old, he can’t deal with the stuff I make now. So, I came up with a story that is both colorful and scary for children. I think he would have a blast with it.
PopHorror – That’s another one I’m looking forward to! What other projects do you have in the works?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – I just finished writing another short that is hopefully going in front of cameras this Spring. Yes, it’s another Holiday Horror film. I don’t know what it is about Holiday Horror, but I love it and I want to turn them all upside down and visually bring them to life for horror fanatics, like myself.
