Uploaded March 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Live Action Director, Artist and Graphic Designer
henryhobson.co.uk
#director #filmmaking #podcast
1:07 – Introduction: Growing up in England
1:45 – Early film experiences in Hull
2:52 – VHS tapes and first exposure to cinema at home
4:04 – Discovering music videos and early inspirations
6:02 – Transitioning from graphic design to filmmaking
7:08 – First camera and Super 8 experiments
8:02 – Training at Why Not Associates and learning to direct
9:32 – First creative commercial projects
10:10 – Resistance 3 pitch and breakthrough work
11:49 – Moving to America through graphic design
12:21 – Designing graphics for the Oscars
13:19 – Differences between working in the US and UK
14:17 – Building a reputation in the American market
15:00 – Filming at Quantico with the Marines
16:20 – Oscars design criticism from Donald Trump
18:23 – Designing categories to reflect cinematic craft
19:53 – Pushing briefs from motion graphics to live action
20:32 – Pitching process and making ripamatics
21:02 – What is a ripamatic, boardamatic, crapamatic
23:02 – How AI and Unreal Engine will change pre-production
24:50 – Importance of storytelling over technology
25:56 – Leaving room for improvisation during shoots
27:25 – Filming spontaneity: Reflections and real-world dynamics
28:39 – Ford commercial process with Idris Elba
30:07 Mustang’s electric model connects to its heritage, showing the family legacy.
31:03 Personal stories from crew deepen the Mustang’s emotional impact.
32:03 Filming the diverse Mustang lineup driving out with unique sounds.
33:00 Fox Body Mustangs, disliked by some, are crew favorites.
33:14 The script celebrates Mustang’s philosophy and history.
33:51 Idris Elba chosen for his voice and charisma to narrate.
34:49 Epic feel achieved through pacing, editing, and emotional shots.
35:52 Strong teamwork across departments powers the production.
36:41 Relatability sets the foundation before scaling to epic.
38:17 Winning pitches involves deep research and aligned vision.
39:50 Collaboration with agencies is key to refining ideas.
41:05 Navigating disagreements requires subtle psychology.
42:57 Clear communication avoids confusion on set.
44:20 Keeping decision-makers informed prevents surprises.
45:57 New Cyclops rig enhances POV shooting realism.
48:08 DP and director collaboration shapes visual style.
50:40 Complex action scenes use detailed planning and multi-channel comms.
55:12 Calm and organized 1st ADs keep production on track.
57:11 Typical timeline: 1 week treatment, 3 weeks prep, 3–4 days shoot.
59:25 Mexico City shoot enabled creative scale at lower cost.
1:00:04 – Visual set pieces and behind-the-scenes intrigue on a high-end car project in Mexico during the World Cup
1:01:00 – Storytelling about a curious night guard fascinated by the car factory’s inner workings
1:01:28 – Creative use of lasers, stripped chassis, and LED lighting for graphic expression
1:02:01 – Art Department’s sourcing of authentic car parts and use of motion-control robots
1:02:22 – Mixing weird and wonderful elements to spark audience curiosity about car factories
1:02:46 – Introduction to the “Audi Butcher” project and choosing director of photography
1:03:13 – Challenges of director availability and shooting in a hometown for a small project
1:03:55 – Elevating a simple story with cinematic style and metaphorical “car butcher” concept
1:04:36 – Balancing sexy dark lighting with daylight realism in car cinematography
1:05:35 – Controlling lighting to highlight car curves and metalwork
1:05:43 – Transition from graphic design and commercials to feature filmmaking ambitions
1:06:02 – Enjoyment of short, cinematic commercial projects with diverse, exciting locations
1:07:01 – Low-budget filmmaking experiences with “Maggie” and art department constraints
1:07:48 – Renewed passion for longer form storytelling and inspiration from short-form commercials
1:08:38 – How Arnold Schwarzenegger got involved with “Maggie” and his dramatic acting debut
1:10:03 – Arnold’s emotional performance and breaking the stereotype of strength
1:11:04 – Using Arnold’s character to convey deep emotional fractures and storytelling economy
1:12:15 – Arnold’s appreciation for the film and being introduced to dramatic roles
1:12:57 – Shooting the entire film with one 65mm macro lens due to budget and artistic choice
1:13:37 – Bigger budget for the “Mobile Strike” commercial and Arnold’s playful mood on set
1:14:41 – Directing Arnold through emotional scenes and building character emotional arcs
1:16:40 – Arnold’s dramatic depth beyond action and comedy roles enabled by “Maggie”
1:17:18 – Advice for filmmakers wanting to shoot car commercials: showcase cars in varied lighting
1:18:10 – Emphasize creativity and storytelling beyond just car footage on your reel
1:19:11 – Respectful closing remarks on life unpredictability and storytelling surprises
Live Action Director, Artist and Graphic Designer
henryhobson.co.uk
#director #filmmaking #podcast
1:07 – Introduction: Growing up in England
1:45 – Early film experiences in Hull
2:52 – VHS tapes and first exposure to cinema at home
4:04 – Discovering music videos and early inspirations
6:02 – Transitioning from graphic design to filmmaking
7:08 – First camera and Super 8 experiments
8:02 – Training at Why Not Associates and learning to direct
9:32 – First creative commercial projects
10:10 – Resistance 3 pitch and breakthrough work
11:49 – Moving to America through graphic design
12:21 – Designing graphics for the Oscars
13:19 – Differences between working in the US and UK
14:17 – Building a reputation in the American market
15:00 – Filming at Quantico with the Marines
16:20 – Oscars design criticism from Donald Trump
18:23 – Designing categories to reflect cinematic craft
19:53 – Pushing briefs from motion graphics to live action
20:32 – Pitching process and making ripamatics
21:02 – What is a ripamatic, boardamatic, crapamatic
23:02 – How AI and Unreal Engine will change pre-production
24:50 – Importance of storytelling over technology
25:56 – Leaving room for improvisation during shoots
27:25 – Filming spontaneity: Reflections and real-world dynamics
28:39 – Ford commercial process with Idris Elba
30:07 Mustang’s electric model connects to its heritage, showing the family legacy.
31:03 Personal stories from crew deepen the Mustang’s emotional impact.
32:03 Filming the diverse Mustang lineup driving out with unique sounds.
33:00 Fox Body Mustangs, disliked by some, are crew favorites.
33:14 The script celebrates Mustang’s philosophy and history.
33:51 Idris Elba chosen for his voice and charisma to narrate.
34:49 Epic feel achieved through pacing, editing, and emotional shots.
35:52 Strong teamwork across departments powers the production.
36:41 Relatability sets the foundation before scaling to epic.
38:17 Winning pitches involves deep research and aligned vision.
39:50 Collaboration with agencies is key to refining ideas.
41:05 Navigating disagreements requires subtle psychology.
42:57 Clear communication avoids confusion on set.
44:20 Keeping decision-makers informed prevents surprises.
45:57 New Cyclops rig enhances POV shooting realism.
48:08 DP and director collaboration shapes visual style.
50:40 Complex action scenes use detailed planning and multi-channel comms.
55:12 Calm and organized 1st ADs keep production on track.
57:11 Typical timeline: 1 week treatment, 3 weeks prep, 3–4 days shoot.
59:25 Mexico City shoot enabled creative scale at lower cost.
1:00:04 – Visual set pieces and behind-the-scenes intrigue on a high-end car project in Mexico during the World Cup
1:01:00 – Storytelling about a curious night guard fascinated by the car factory’s inner workings
1:01:28 – Creative use of lasers, stripped chassis, and LED lighting for graphic expression
1:02:01 – Art Department’s sourcing of authentic car parts and use of motion-control robots
1:02:22 – Mixing weird and wonderful elements to spark audience curiosity about car factories
1:02:46 – Introduction to the “Audi Butcher” project and choosing director of photography
1:03:13 – Challenges of director availability and shooting in a hometown for a small project
1:03:55 – Elevating a simple story with cinematic style and metaphorical “car butcher” concept
1:04:36 – Balancing sexy dark lighting with daylight realism in car cinematography
1:05:35 – Controlling lighting to highlight car curves and metalwork
1:05:43 – Transition from graphic design and commercials to feature filmmaking ambitions
1:06:02 – Enjoyment of short, cinematic commercial projects with diverse, exciting locations
1:07:01 – Low-budget filmmaking experiences with “Maggie” and art department constraints
1:07:48 – Renewed passion for longer form storytelling and inspiration from short-form commercials
1:08:38 – How Arnold Schwarzenegger got involved with “Maggie” and his dramatic acting debut
1:10:03 – Arnold’s emotional performance and breaking the stereotype of strength
1:11:04 – Using Arnold’s character to convey deep emotional fractures and storytelling economy
1:12:15 – Arnold’s appreciation for the film and being introduced to dramatic roles
1:12:57 – Shooting the entire film with one 65mm macro lens due to budget and artistic choice
1:13:37 – Bigger budget for the “Mobile Strike” commercial and Arnold’s playful mood on set
1:14:41 – Directing Arnold through emotional scenes and building character emotional arcs
1:16:40 – Arnold’s dramatic depth beyond action and comedy roles enabled by “Maggie”
1:17:18 – Advice for filmmakers wanting to shoot car commercials: showcase cars in varied lighting
1:18:10 – Emphasize creativity and storytelling beyond just car footage on your reel
1:19:11 – Respectful closing remarks on life unpredictability and storytelling surprises
