MUMBAI: A thin, 5 foot 2 inches security man tries to guard the auditorium screen door at MAMi film festival against a long queue of film and advertising enthusiasts awaiting a ‘Masterclass‘ with the award winning filmmaker of “Chariots of fire”. In his attempts at keeping the queue at bay, he almost stops the white haired distinguished guest, Hugh Hudson, from entering.
Soon, the Masterclass proceeds after the announcement that Prasoon Joshi, who was supposed to have a conversation on Hudson‘s body of work, is unable to make it. Nevertheless, an interesting chat follows as the charming and humourous filmmaker shares interesting anecdotes about his work and what the audience wants to know most – the experience with Al Pacino.
Talking about the powerful use of the famous Vangelis music in all his work, he also elaborates on the use of silence. “Silence is more important than sound,” he says. “Something Americans don‘t understand,” he adds jokingly.
When asked about his working style with actors, he reveals that he prefers unknown actors along with strong actors for supporting roles. “Stars can spoil a story,” says Hudson, in response to which the audience nods vigorously.
Talking about his style in advertising, he says that he works on going to the core of the simple idea, something not so easy and as simple as it sounds. “Just present the product at the very end.” he adds.
After showcasing the magnificent commercials on British Rail, British Airways, Fiat Strada, Benson & Hedges, he talks about the difference in the advertising scenario in the seventies, eighties and today. “That was the era of grand spending in the advertising world,” he says.
He parts with wise words to all filmmakers in the audience:”Don‘t make a film for the fame or the money. Do it because you believe in it.”
