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HANK

An early-30s guy struggles to regain control of his life from the hairy black monster he lives with.

  • Michael Pedley
    Director
  • Michael Pedley
    Writer
  • Michael Pedley
    Producer
  • Alexander Tol
    Key Cast
    "Luke"
  • Dugg Daynes
    Key Cast
    "HANK"
  • Michael Geary
    Key Cast
    "Phil"
  • Katrin Larissa Kasper
    Key Cast
    "Jen"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Genres:
    Drama, Comedy, Fantasy
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    March 29, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    7,500 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Michael Pedley

Michael Pedley directed his first short, HANK, in 2020, having spent most of his life simply an avid film fan. He began screenwriting in 2014 and discovered a real passion for the craft. He has since written several films, with his first feature winning third place in the WeScreenplay Feature Competition in 2020.

After being furloughed in 2020 due to the global pandemic, he took the opportunity to realise a life-long ambition and take his first steps into filmmaking by writing, producing, and directing his first short film which deals with the serious issue of depression and mental health.

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Director Statement

This is my first venture into filmmaking and I’m really excited about it, not only because it’s something I’ve dreamt of doing for a really long time, but also because the subject matter is something I feel is especially important at the moment.

‘HANK’ is a short film which focuses on Luke, a guy in his early 30s, who spends his life accompanied by an 8ft hairy black monster called HANK. HANK is always there, he’s an annoyance, a nuisance, and a burden, but maybe a comfort too. This monster is a manifestation of Luke’s depression, and Luke is in a constant struggle for control of his life from a creature who is sustained by negative thoughts. Anyone who suffers from depression will know this is no easy task. Sometimes, just getting out of bed can be the hardest thing you’ll do that day.

Depression is a huge issue right now which has been massively impacted by Coronavirus and everything else that 2020 threw at us, so it’s even more important to shine a light on what living with this condition is like. I know too many people who have their own monster they live with every day, myself included, and if we've created something which makes a difference, even for just one person, it’ll be a success.