An escape from reality is something that we all need from time to time. Personally, it happens to me more and more often, no matter what I may be doing at a given moment, one lapse in concentration is enough for me to move to an alternate reality, the one I can direct on my own according to born from my mind dreams. I always do it unconsciously, just to wake up and come back to my mundane work after a few minutes. However, not everyone is able to create pictures and stories on their own, at least not the ones which would move anyone’s heart, not to mention the people who we would share our daydreams with.

Why do so many of us find their comfort in the cinema, especially while watching films produced by some more experienced creators? There may be quite a few reasons and they may be as different as the people who are around you. Still, one of the main causes of this strange common fascination with the moving images is the Escapism, which allows us to experience an adventure, so different from everyday boredom and dullness of our lives.

I’ve always admired those who could create totally new worlds. Worlds that make their viewers wait in suspense. Not slowing down until the moment when the screen turns black with a big white caption ‘the end’ – waking us up out of a pleasant state of animation, reverie, and most importantly, engagement of our mind in an intricate plot created just to engage its viewers. Today, I’m pleased to introduce you to – Abbie Hills – the owner of the Talent Agency and Production Company, who knows the ins and outs of the world of cinema and the way films are made.

Passion Piece: Could you tell my readers a few words about yourself?

Abbie: Hi, I’m Abbie, or A Decadent Pea! I’m a Filmmaker, Talent Agent and Vintage Lover.

Passion Piece: You’re a woman of many talents working as a screenwriter and a producer to name just a few. How was your love for the cinema born?

Abbie: I think I’ve always had it in me, I’ve always been creative and a daydreamer since I was little – I started watching a lot of films when I was going to Acting classes and I realized you can have a job as a creative daydreamer, and it’s called being a filmmaker!

Passion Piece: The film industry is one of the most demanding industries in the world, full of traps and probably quite dangerous for many aspiring actors and actresses. You explored this world at quite a young age. How do you find yourself in this reality?

Abbie: I learned quite quickly what it felt like to be rejected again, and again, and again. At the time it felt like the worst thing in the world, but now I look back and realise that if I hadn’t experienced that rejection I probably wouldn’t be so resilient now. When it gets hard, just remember why you are doing what you’re doing.

Passion Piece: Why are films such a powerful medium? What qualities do you look for in a good film?

Abbie: I think a lot of people will agree that Escapism is a strong factor, for me strong chemistry and a journey are factors I look for. A lot of my favorite films focus on two people going on a road trip together, such a simple idea but can be told in so many ways (True Romance, Natural Born Killers, Bonnie and Clyde).

Passion Piece: Despite starting your career with acting and modeling you decided to turn your interests to directing. What do you find to be most exciting about film-making?

Abbie: Creating a universe is my favorite thing to do – transforming an empty space into a new world is amazing, also writing a story and watching it come to life – although we couldn’t do that without amazing Actors and the rest of the crew.

Passion Piece: You run your own company – The Dazey Hills Company. What does it deal with?

Abbie: I run a Talent Agency and Production Company, so we deal with who goes in front of the camera, and also who works behind it.

Passion Piece: You support actors and models. What talents are you looking for? Who turns to you most often?

Abbie: I support Talent of different levels – Actors who have been training for a long time, and those that haven’t – I think you have to be open minded as a Talent Manager and supportive, to get the best out of your clients and help them move forward in their career.

Passion Piece: Your company is not only the Agency, but also the Production Company. Who are your coworkers? How do you find the right people to work with?

Abbie: I was fortunate to have met a lot of my production crew while studying at uni, and have been able to broaden that circle from recommendations and friend of a friend etc.

Passion Piece: What are your greatest successes? Does having celeb pals help you at times?

Abbie: I don’t have any celeb pals haha! But I hope that my friends and I can become successful together through our work as creatives. Starting the company has been one of my biggest successes, but I try to find those little wins every day.

Passion Piece: What do you love doing in your free time? Is your blog another way of expressing yourself?

Abbie: Blogging has become a fun project for me during Covid Lockdown, but also is a way for me to detach slightly from my film work and focus on my other creative hobbies, and love of vintage. I also love cooking!

Passion Piece: Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time? What projects would you like to work on? Is there a particular person you’d love to work with?

Abbie: In 10 years, I hope to be living abroad, hopefully taking the company with me – or at least have a few offices all over the place! Also, to be making bigger and better films, and I want to work with everyone! Filmmaking is such an experience it would be hard to pin it down to one person or one thing.

Passion Piece: Thank you very much for this truly fascinating conversation and I wish you continued success in creating future blockbusters.

The world of films is definitely seductive, tempting us with the promise of getting to know interesting heroes who will have to face something. No matter whether a given film arouses the joy, grief or anger, most importantly it allows us to experience something that we would never possibly be able to experience in our lives. Creativeness is a quality we may also find in ourselves. Without this feature it will be much more difficult to gain success we have been waiting for so long.

See you around!

Yours,

Passion Piece

Photos by: Abbie Hills