Meet Hunter Hutcheson | Writer/Director, Founder of Classic Distractions

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hunter Hutcheson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hunter, how do you think about risk?
I think taking risks is vital for any artist or entrepreneur. There’s always a bit of inherent risk when trying to create something new. I also think it’s important to consider the risk of staying too comfortable: if you don’t push yourself you’ll most likely never create your best work. To me, that risk is scarier than going for it and failing. Of course, there’s some balance required here: I’m not saying people should empty their bank account and go all out on an idea. But give some thought to the risk of playing it safe as well. One good example of this risk balance is in surfing. If you’re too far ahead of the wave breaking, the ride is way too easy and will fizzle out quickly. If you’re too close to it, you might get stomped on and washed away. The best rides are found just ahead of the break: where you’re being challenged but can also see a clear way to the end of the wave. That is the fine line between chaos and order, and you don’t want too much of either.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I consider myself a storyteller. Ultimately I want the creative freedom to make whatever I want, whenever I want. Whether that’s a movie, a stand-up show or even a weird haunted house, I don’t need anybody’s permission. This is why I created Classic Distractions. There are no limits to what the team and I can do. One lesson I’ve learned is that the most important story a person ever hears is the one they tell their self every day. It’s important to remember that you can change that story whenever you want to. You should listen very closely to what you think about and tell yourself because it will shape your future. I’d love it if the stories I create help with that in some way, but that seems like a strange goal. Ultimately I just want to make people laugh or even scare them a little bit. Sometimes a brief escape from the real world can go a long way.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Ooh, good question. I’m a big fan of Supremo Taco. They really throw down. I’d also take them to a local stand-up show. I don’t think enough people realize how many insanely talented comics there are on the local scene.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My entire family is very supportive of my creative endeavors, so I certainly want to shout out my sisters, Morgan and Lauren, as well as my mom and dad. My best friend and producer, Michael Patterson, is a big one too. He’s an extremely loyal friend and an absolute charger in the ocean. I hope we continue to make movies together for a long time. I’d also like to mention my uncle, Jeff Hutcheson. Even though he lives across the country, we have a standing weekly call to discuss storytelling and producing movies. I can’t tell you how much that means to me. He’s really helped me congeal some of my dreams into actionable steps and I just appreciate his willingness to offer time and support. He also produced my latest short film, “Excuse Me, Santa?,” which I think is pretty badass. My late grandfather Jerry is also worth mentioning. Even though he passed before seeing any of my work, I still feel his encouragement and energy carrying me forward. There are a ton of other people I should mention. They know who they are. Also shoutout to youtube for being the best film school in the world.

Website: classicdistractions.com

Instagram: @hunterhutcheson or @classic_distractions

Youtube: youtube.com/c/classicdistractions

Image Credits
Headshot taken by Iris Ray