Jonathan Patrick Hughes is a new director whose passion for horror has inspired him to do what he loves best – making movies. Jonathan sat down with us to discuss how he got involved in filmmaking, what inspires him, his new film (S)aint Nick, and upcoming projects!
Horror Geek Life: At what age did you know you wanted to work in the film industry and who inspired you?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes: When I was really young, my mother bought me a VHS copy of the making of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” and I fell in love with not only the short film, but the making of it as well. I was able to see how a film was made and how effects are presented and it just made me smile and that’s when I knew I wanted to make movies.
John Landis, who directed “Thriller,” inspired me, along with John Carpenter, who is my all-time favorite filmmaker. Those two are the ones who I owe it to when it comes to filmmakers.
Horror Geek Life: Tell us about the films you’ve made.
Jonathan Patrick Hughes: I have directed 5 short films and a teaser trailer for Alyssa Johnson and Becca Johnson to help them get funding for their future horror film entitled RITE FROM HELL. All of my films thus far are very special to me, but I must say that (S)AINT NICK is my favorite. It was the one where I didn’t have anyone holding my hand or teaching me what to do or how to do it. It was the first film I was making after graduating from The Factory Digital Filmmaking program at Douglas Education Center.
So, for me, it was a big step and the first time making a film with all the training I had gotten from Rick Nelson, Robert Tinnell, Jill Ann Groff and Aaron J. Shelton. Those four instructors took me under their wings and guided me in the right direction and taught me what I needed to know and how to make a film
Horror Geek Life: How did you come up with the idea for (S)aint Nick?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – I am a HUGE fan of holiday horror films such as Halloween, Silent Night, Deadly Night, Trick R Treat and even the Tales From The Crypt episode – “All through the house.” After we were done shooting The 11th Hour, which was my final film in film school, I started going back and seeing ideas I had. When I came to my Christmas horror idea, I figured I already attacked Halloween, so I want to attack Christmas next.
I wanted a very bleak, dark, disturbing tale that revolves around three characters- a brother, sister and an alcoholic stepfather. The stepfather doesn’t care about anything and every time he appeared on screen, I wanted people to just feel sick to their stomachs. I knew I wanted to take an audience inside a house where things aren’t so merry.
Horror Geek Life: When is the release date for (S)aint Nick?
Jonathan Patrick Hughe: No official release date as of yet, but a test screening of the film will take place sometime in June. We are in talks with the distribution company, Body Bag Films, so fingers crossed, and hopefully people will be able to see (S)aint Nick by this holiday season.
Horror Geek Life: Besides, (S)aint Nick, do you have any upcoming projects?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes: I love horror and that is all I wanna do. My main goal now as a filmmaker is to direct a kid’s horror comedy film entitled BEDBUGS, which is dedicated to my son, Liam. He is about to turn five and since he can’t watch the horrific tales I make now, I want to do something extra special just for him. I want to show him what it was like for me as a child and to grow up with classics like GREMLINS, GHOSTBUSTERS, THE MONSTER SQUAD, LITTLE MONSTERS & THE GOONIES. BEDBUGS is a throwback to all those films and I know he will love it. It’s fun, it’s comical, it’s a buddy movie about children being kidnapped by giant bugs that live in their mattresses. The group form a pact and call themselves “The Doom Buggies” and try their best to save the children, as well as the town, from the hideous creatures and the queen bug, who preys on the young to keep herself beautiful and pure.
Also, there is an untitled project that my co-writer, Braden Bixler, and I are scripting as we speak. I don’t wanna spoil anything right now. All I will say is that it’s a very ’80s campy slasher comedy.
Horror Geek Life: Is there anyone in particular that you dream of working with?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes: That is a funny question, I love who I have worked with already- Leeana Hergenreder, John Seese, Cat Streno, Patrick Honan, Mandy June Simpson, Chaise Thompkins, Becca Johnson, Alyssa Johnson, Josh Kraus, Braden Bixler, Kyle Rosania, Jason Baker, Andy Westfall and Mark Yancey. They all have become part of my sick twisted film family and I honestly would love to continue working with them. They take the art seriously and know what it means to me to be able to make films. They are a great bunch to know and to also work with. However, one day I would love to direct Bill Moseley, Danielle Harris, Robert Englund, Judd Nelson and even Adam Scott. I already have my number one scream queen and that is Leeana Hergenreder. No one will ever take her spot or replace her. I can’t ever imagine making a film and not having her be a part of it, somehow.
Horror Geek Life: What are your goals for the future?
Jonathan Patrick Hughes – My future goals are to just keep making films, keep getting my name out there and just live life to the fullest. I believe that we were all put on this planet for a reason and I believe my reason was to entertain an audience with my visual storytelling. It’s a golden opportunity and this is just the beginning.
