Filmmaker Spotlight - Jonathan Hawes
Welcome to the Filmmaker Spotlight – this series shines a light on filmmakers, actors, editors, and more, as we ask them a few questions and uncover why they love what they do.
This time - Jonathan Hawes
Writer/Director
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get into the industry?
I’m based in Nottingham, and I live with my girlfriend Katie and our cat Mr. Willoughby. Since I was 14 years old, I always wanted to be a filmmaker. After meeting Paul Schrader at a screenwriting masterclass at the Broadway Cinema in 2009, he advised me to just pick up any camera, don’t be precious, and start shooting. So that’s what I did and, after graduating with a BA in Film & TV Studies in 2015, I began seriously writing and directing short films. I’ve since become an award-winning filmmaker and had my short films screened on the UK and international film festival circuit.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
The community of filmmakers and performers in the Midlands. Their talent and ambition inspires me every day to keep producing and working with them! Beyond that, I’m inspired by ordinary subject matter made comically extraordinary. For example, an obsessive man scrambling to find the cat that keeps pooing on his lawn in “Cosmo”, or a quarrelling couple breaking into a fish and chip shop to spice up their relationship in “Sorry We’re Closed”.
How do you decide which idea is worth following through on and turning into a film?
I share my film ideas with everyone and gauge their reactions. I just wait for the sparkle in their eyes when they hear an idea they like. If one idea provokes that kind of reaction from a few people, I know it’s worth turning into a film. It’s a very primitive version of market research, admittedly, but it works!
What’s the smallest creative decision you’ve made that had the biggest impact on a film?
Any one or two word note I’ve given to an actor after a readthrough or a take that alters a performance for the better. I try to be economical with direction on-set to avoid my speech coming out in word salad form. Sometimes saying more with less can have the biggest impact as a director.
Has anything you do outside of the film industry helped you within it?
I think any professional full-time role can increase your communication and administrative skills and I think that’s important when assembling a crew of professionals for a film set and figuring out logistics.
What’s one project you’re especially proud of, and why?
“Sorry We’re Closed” is one I’m very proud of. So far the film has been selected for two BIFA-qualifying film festivals, won “Best Comedy” on the film festival circuit, and won “Best Director” at the Midlands Movies Awards 2026. The cast and crew worked so harmoniously and creatively together and I’m glad their efforts are being recognised, and audiences are having fun watching it!
Is there a story you’re dying to tell but haven’t had the chance to yet?
My next goal is to make a feature film I’ve written called “Hazard Perception” about a learner driver who deliberately fails thirty six driving tests because she’s in love with her instructor. It’s a coming-of-age LGBTQIA+ romcom told in a fast-paced, visually-driven manner. Next year, I’ll produce a proof of concept short film in a bid to secure a distribution deal and investment for a feature film version of the story. We’ll be looking at attaching a known star onto the production, which will be exciting!
If you could change one thing about the independent film landscape, what would it be?
I’d like to see more funding streams and support for independent filmmakers in the Midlands so they can get a foothold in the film industry. There are plenty of unbelievably talented Midlands filmmakers telling stories that could find a larger audience if their projects had the funding they deserve. But for now, most of us are making stuff happen on our own in a bid to change things!
What advice would you give to people wanting to do the job that you do?
If you’re looking to direct, focus on writing and performances first. Compelling storylines and performances will shine through any external technical limitations of a production. An expensive camera and equipment may help your success on the film festival circuit, but until you learn how to tell a brilliant story with a potato and a microphone duct-taped to a broom handle, don’t make it your primary focus.
Favourite on-set snack?
Some kind of oat biscuit or anything that’s easy to eat on the go!
Are you currently working on a project, or is there anything you’d like to plug?
We just recently wrapped “K-9 Kenny”, a found footage comedy short film told cinematically through technology screens. It’s about a celebrity TV actor who is forced to confront his past when an online trickster kidnaps his beloved dog. This is currently being edited and will be released in the near future.If your readers wish to contact me or get involved in my upcoming film productions, please check out my Linktree: https://linktr.ee/onedoorfilms. Thank you!
