Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenneth Hughes.
Hi Kenneth, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a local that has a serious culture addiction. I really really like the things people create, make, build…and maybe even destroy…?
I have worked with the Coen Brothers, Michael Bay, Anthony Russo, Jim Carrey, Madonna, Meryl Streep, Val Kilmer, Matthew Ralston, Tracy Ullman, Christopher Columbus, Julie Taymor, ISO Dance, Bee Gee’s, Eric Stoltz, Amy Brenneman, Diavalo Dance, and Mika Kaurismaki, to name a few. After a terse inner city youth, I grew a deep interest in telling the untellable stories with a diverse bunch of creators from newbs to big-time pros. I have performed in films, tv, theater, and commercials, and have awards and screened in festivals including Canne & Sundance. I have taught and lectured Internationally at Film Festivals, Universities and High Schools on Film Making, Dance and Acting. I have made five bold features and have a knack for finding risky and original endeavors. My features include: Confessions of a Teenage Jesus Jerk with Eric Stoltz directing and based on the novel of the same title, Bad Dog and Superhero (Christian Hoff), Vampire Burt’s Serenade (Kevin Richardson, Diva Zappa), Fell Jumped or Pushed, and Einstein’s God Model. I am currently in production on two Documentaries and a new series based on the feature Einstein’s God Model with Science illuminaries and hard science as its pillers. I have written a childrans triple book set called Wee Charles. I am president of Trees of Shade, Inc and president of the Unified Everything Project (501c3). I have a Cinema Degree, Equine Science Degree, Law Degree, Pilots License and am a certified Yoga and Meditation teacher. I have directed and produced music videos, commercials, films, stage, and am a Professional Dodgeballer (no…really).
“…clever films by Kenneth Hughes…collages of found objects, animals and vistas–plus,
in “Mr. Freeway,” a cherishable vision of a Southland jogger transfixed by love.”
Los Angeles Times – Lewis Segal
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I grew up with a single mother. She was homeless when I was a teenager leaving me on my own at 16. I managed to hide in plain site and finished highschool without being taken into state care. I lived on couches of friends all through high school and had a part-time job to buy food. It was difficult and hard but also curiously fun to manage to survive. We were poor when I grew up and as a result, I was often hungry. My greatest wish was to be able to have enough money to take anyone out to eat.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a huge mess of projects working in media, real estate, and lots more. But I do make projects with little to no money, practically as monk-like homage to creation and art for art’s sake. I am in a city and world focused mostly on the business of art but I find that tragically limiting and boring as hell to be honest. I can not say my films have been massively received nor are all that great…but their risk and originality make me proud. The next few projects I am creating make me excited and who knows…maybe I will be a super duper star whereupon all can kiss me bum!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have always suggested all newbs in any business find the few people or businesses they respect and go directly to them requesting to work for free for them. I think you have to work for who you love even if for free to get to where you want to go or learn as quickly as possible. It pays off super well and is often easier than it seems. I also suggest to newbs to always treat people well because we never know who will end up being our boss.
Contact Info:
- Website: kennethhughes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/runjumpthenfly/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenneth.hughes.losangeles
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-hughes/
- Twitter: Screw the Twit!
- Youtube: @kennethhughes7423
