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Hollywood, Bollywood... Beijing?

Hugo has made several short films and music videos during his stay in China so far. In England, his focus was on directing and editing. He doesn't have a crew behind him here, so he usually makes films completely by himself and does his own scripting, directing, cinematography, lighting and editing. He says this solo work has actually turned out to be a good thing, allowing him the creative space to shoot in accordance with his own ideas.

"Instead of shooting significant stories, I would rather use my own, scattered experiences as my subject matter," he says. "A good story is not necessarily grand, but it must be touching. In my eyes, the most crucial factor in making a film lies in the way you shoot." He believes an outstanding director is one who has the ability to transform a plain script into a gripping adventure of the senses.

In recent years, China has made remarkable progress in its film industry. Increasing numbers of Chinese films are shown around the world. Most Westerners are familiar with Chinese kungfu films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Hero. These films feature beautiful cinematography and their sets and costumes are lavish.

But Hugo feels that China is making a mistake in trying to copy the Hollywood action blockbuster model. "In England, we try to compete with American films, not just copy them. I hope that Chinese filmmakers will get a bit more creative in their approaches," he says.

"I love Chinese movies with complex historical plots. But I love them because I know Chinese history and culture. Overseas audiences, I would say, have little interest in watching such films, whose historical narratives they can't know. In order to engage more with foreign audiences, Chinese directors should shoot more films based on modern lives."

"Mainland directors would be well-advised to look to Hong Kong as a model. The special administrative region makes some of the best modern films in the world. Hong Kong flicks have their own, distinct style. They don't copy Hollywood. Hopefully with time China's mainland will develop its own distinct, cinematic voice," Hugo says.

The Flowers of War directed by Zhang Yimou is one of Hugo's favorite Chinese films, and he says his interest in the film was actually first aroused by his favorite Hollywood actor, Christian Bale, who stars in the film.

"I've been a huge fan of Bale since I was five years old. But I was pleasantly surprised at being touched by the film's story and style," he says. The film focuses on the fate of 13 women who seek refuge in a church during the Japanese "Rape of Nanking," and was nominated for a Golden Globe Award. "But I think the most poignant part of the film was the depiction of the united spirit of the Chinese people. It was uplifting," says Hugo.

The young director is happy with his current life in China. He is learning a language and culture that he admires and enjoys observing and thinking about cultural differences. But more importantly, he is shooting short films.

Hugo hopes he can branch out into different kinds of films in China in the years to come. He also thinks being an "outsider" in China is something that gives him the advantage of juxtaposing two societies to create films. "I can fuse the two cultures to create engaging and relevant stories. There's a wealth of subject matter," he says, clearly thrilled at the prospect.

"As a matter of fact, I've already written scripts and organized my ideas; I'm just waiting for opportunities to shoot them alongside Chinese filmmakers."

"Hollywood is known the world over as the home of the biggest and best films. It has the technology and the best actors and directors. But perhaps someday in the future China will be number one. For now, the country needs to attract more foreign talent and give greater opportunities to its young directors to excel and innovate."

In the meantime, don't be surprised if you see the name Hugo Tickler or Yuguo in Chinese or British movie credits in the near future.

 

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VOL.59 NO.12 December 2010 Advertise on Site Contact Us