Experiencing Interruptions?

HAPPY MAN

Over the span of 366 days, a young chef battles through addiction, abuse and impending doom of permanent adulthood.

  • Louie Thomas Hinchliff
    Director
  • Louie Thomas Hinchliff
    Writer
  • Louie Thomas Hinchliff
    Producer
  • Ciaran Cochlan
    "Malin" Lead Role
  • Tal Profs
    "Monsieur Bajoudie" Supporting Role
    Miles (First Born) ; Crazy Dave (The Bench) ; Club Owner (Phea) ; Juan (Three Couples Freed)
  • Theodore Reuben
    Cinematography
  • Daniel Ferrari
    Sound recordist and designer
  • Louie Thomas Hinchliff
    Narration
  • Louie Thomas Hinchliff
    Editor
  • Louie Thomas Hinchliff
    Music
  • Hoagy Hodges
    Extras
  • Ollie Hancock
    Extras
  • Oliver Willcox
    Extras
  • Oiana Mendez James
    Extras
  • Yulia Girina
    Extras
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Student
  • Genres:
    Coming of Age, Capitalism, Substance Abuse, Addiction
  • Runtime:
    9 minutes 7 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    February 6, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    300 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Black & White and Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Raindance
  • Raindance Film Festival
    London
    United Kingdom
    November 4, 2023
    Student Premier
    Raindance Student Film Selection
Director Biography - Louie Thomas Hinchliff

My name is Louie Hinchliff. I am a filmmaker and musician. The aim of my work is to combine the two into projects of personality which I can connect with and through. I grew up between Berlin and Brighton and now live in London. My work reflects the experiences, subjects and people I have met. The struggles I have seen and issues I find need a voice. I create visuals for my band Chatter, Chatter too, who's music shares a similar message.

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Director Statement

The idea of "Happy Man" came to me in late 2022 when being lectured about how cigarettes are a totally overused and saturated "prop" in low budget films. Whilst this carries some truth, it sparked the idea of telling a story from the perspective of their cigarette breaks, a precious and valuable time space for workers in the hospitality sector.
I combined this with the themes I already knew I wanted to cover in my first short; alcoholism, exhaustion and exploitation of workers. Malin, "Little Strong Warrior" and Monsieur Bajoudie and both heavily inspired by an array of friends, partners, peers and colleagues I have met in my life.
I would dub "Happy Man" as a project which ended up as a Frankenstein project more than anything. I learning experience for myself, the crew and cast involved - many of which I am working on for my next project due for release this Summer.
I hope you enjoy.