Independent Filmmaker, Director & Producer from London, Hank Orion shares his story

Today, we are interviewing Hank Orion, an independent filmmaker currently living in London. He is known for Despair (2017) and The Job (2017). He migrated to Italy from Ukraine with his mother at the age of 9. Hank started showing interest in the cinema at a very early age, following with the first screenplay written at the age of 12.

Hank’s debut feature film Despair (2017) is a psychological thriller about a psychotic woman who invades the lives of a married couple. The film was shot in Scotland with a crew of five over three weeks. Hank’s second feature film, The Job (2017), is a heist story about contractors that rob a bank and come to realize that one of them is playing a double game. It was filmed in just two days, with one camera, one lens, and one light.

Here is the movie trailer of – The Jobs (2017)

Here is the trailer of Short Film – Muse (2019)

How did you get into what you do right now? Please tell us more about your journey?

I love Filmmaking, and honestly don’t see myself doing anything else in my life. Sometimes it’s tough, but I love challenges.

Who are your role models?

My role models are Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriquez, among many many others.

What inspires you?

There are so many things that inspire me, people, places, art, music, movies…

Please tell us about your company.

Yes, my company is called H.O. Releasing. H.O. Releasing is an independent film production company with headquarters in London, United Kingdom. Founded in 2015 by myself as director and producer, we help independent filmmakers share their stories.

In fact, today is exactly 4 years since I started the company, you can read more here. 

What’s your most memorable experience?

The most memorable experience was living in Los Angeles, it was tough and challenging, but I loved it. Currently, I am in London, United Kingdom, but I’m looking forward to the day when I will move back to Los Angeles.

Which social media channels work best for promoting your work? What exactly do you do on the social media channel that makes it work for you?

My best social media channels are Facebook and Instagram. However, I just started Instagram. I love to engage with people who watch my movies and fans in general.

What’s your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is not making it by 30. I promised myself five years ago that I will succeed by 30. I am 28 right now, which means I have just two years left to become what I want to become: a successful filmmaker.

Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood better before you ever got started?

I wish I knew how hard filmmaking is before I started because it seemed glamorous and romantic. I had no idea how challenging and tough this industry is.

What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?

I had to get used to this attitude of doing everything myself, learning how to shoot, learning how to write, learn how to direct, etc…

What keeps you going when things get tough?

When times are tough, my dream keeps me going, because I know that one day I’ll succeed, one day, I will make a film that matters and inspires other people and filmmakers.

Any message for our readers.

Yes, the message is never to stop believing in your dream, no matter how tough it is in life.

How can people connect with you?

You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook.