Cyrus Hogg is a creative, assiduous pioneer with over two decades of hands-on production experience. Originally from a farm near Ottawa, Canada, Cyrus’ love for art and cinema motivates him to create from past experiences and emotions.
How did you get started in the film industry? What are some projects you’ve worked on?
I started working in games, and then advertising. The first film I worked on was an animated film in Toronto, then on SuckerPunch in Australia.
What made you eventually want to leave the studio system and make independent content? Having done both, what are the pros and cons of each?
After working on SuckerPunch I realized that as much as I like post production, being confined to darkness wasn’t healthy for me. When I returned to Canada I sold my house, packed a u-haul, and drove to LA to look for a place to live.
How did you come up with the idea for Intrepid and how long did it take to make?
I used to be scared of flying on commercial aircraft. One day I was flying for work, and reading an article about aircrafts in-flight break-up and how to survive them. It reminded me of a story of an individual who survived a skydiving incident when the parachute didn’t open, and they landed in a bog with minor injuries. That got the gears turning in my head!
What did you do to help it go viral with so many millions of views?
We used our friends’ networks, but also focused on the market and target audience the teaser was made for.
What’s next for you?
Hopefully many things, one of which would be the feature for Intrepid. (Teaser for Intrepid)
Being originally from Canada, do you think Canada’s production hubs (Vancouver, etc.) will ever eclipse that of Los Angeles?
I always have great respect for Canada, and how they can compete against global giants. I wouldn’t be surprised if Canada becomes one of the world’s leaders in filmmaking. That said, it’s still limited by its weather and locations. You can’t beat the variety the US has to offer.
I think it’s fascinating that you’re a pilot too. Tell us your dream plane and if you could fly then land it at any airport in the world, which would it be and why?
I think having a speedy four-seat electric plane would be quite amazing. With the range, you can fly in a combustion powered craft . I would fly friends and family between California and Ontario, Canada.