Hugs (2022)

Louise, a now single and widowed mother, is on a journey of finding her son, Jason, the right help after the passing of his father. Louise is reluctant to reach out for help but learns the smallest gestures can go a long way when all is said and done.

  • Max Bennett
    Director
    Pool Hero (2014), Dissension (2021), Like a Love Song (2022), Hugs (2022), Strings (2022), The Departure (2022)
  • Max Bennett
    Writer
    Pool Hero (2014), Dissension (2021), Like a Love Song (2022), Hugs (2022), Strings (2022), The Departure (2022)
  • Max Bennett
    Producer
    Pool Hero (2014), Dissension (2021), Like a Love Song (2022), Hugs (2022), Strings (2022), The Departure (2022)
  • Jake Zeitner
    Producer
  • Karina Santiago
    Producer
  • Nate Hutchinson
    Producer
  • Shannon Speagle
    Key Cast
    "Louise"
  • Lyndon Speagle
    Key Cast
    "Jason"
  • Sharon Gibson
    Key Cast
    "Kelly"
  • Max Bennett
    Executive Producer
    Pool Hero (2014), Dissension (2021), Like a Love Song (2022), Hugs (2022), Strings (2022), The Departure (2022)
  • Mackenzie Marden
    1st Assistant Director
  • Bryce Altenbernd
    Director of Photography
  • Maddy Hicks
    1st Assistant Camera
  • Nate Hutchinson
    2nd Assistant Camera
  • Max Bennett
    Editor
    Pool Hero (2014), Dissension (2021), Like a Love Song (2022), Hugs (2022), Strings (2022), The Departure (2022)
  • Eric Hardman
    Editor
  • Jake Zeitner
    Boom Operator
  • Cambelle Gregory
    Sound Designer
  • Jimmy Guan
    Gaffer
  • Ellie Smith
    Key Grip
  • Shannon Speagle
    Associate Producer
  • Isaac Barrio
    Production Designer
  • Eli Park
    Production Designer
  • Alejandro De La Cerda
    Prop Master
  • Ninadh Ivaturi
    Production Assistant
  • Emilia Dovico
    Production Assistant
  • Kierra East
    Production Assistant
  • Ninadh Ivaturi
    Storyboard Artist
  • Keenna Cid
    Script Supervisor
  • Lucas Hill
    Photography
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Short Film, Student Short Film, Feel Good, Mood Piece, Character Driven
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes 56 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 3, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    150 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony FX3
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Arizona State University
Director Biography - Max Bennett

I am a growth focused leader, Independent Filmmaker, and dependable university student majoring in Film and Media Production at Arizona State University. I strive to be a passionate, visionary, and innovative problem solver within the filmmaking field. Film and Entertainment have always played a huge role in my life ever since I was a child growing up in San Jose, California. I have chosen the path of Filmmaking and Entertainment Providing as a way to create stories and impact audiences worldwide. It is my motivation, developed professionalism, and determination that is pushing me towards my Bachelor of Arts degree in Film and Media Production. This experience is allowing me to build productive relationships, write screenplays, and produce peer and individual projects. My biggest aspiration is to work in the film industry as a Director turning screenplays into a reality on the big screen. With my strong passion for everything that goes into the filmmaking process, I aim to create connections with other likeminded filmmakers and utilize marketing skills to produce original and entertaining products for audiences all over.

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Director Statement

Special thanks to the Speagle Family, JJ's Deli, and all who contributed to bringing this story to life. So much more to come.

-Max Bennett