About The Filmmaker

Nick Hillel has been making documentaries and video installations since 1999. He started out directing fly on the wall and current affairs films for the BBC and Channel 4. More recently his work has shifted into more art base documentary and video installation. Recent projects include collaborations with Nitin Sawhney, Cirque Du Soleil, Jamie Cullum, The Philharmonia Orchestra and The V & A.
Nick is the founder of Yeast Culture, a London based group of video artists, animators, sound designers and editors collaborating across digital arts.

Summary

Ethiopian's King of Laughter visits England to see if laughter is really shrinking in the western world and whether his brand of laughter therapy can cheer up the UK's unhappiest town.

Questionaire

Did you have a moment where you nearly gave up? What was it?

No never. Not even when the main contributors visa to enter the UK was refused 3 days before shooting. There is always another solution in there somewhere, just need to look in the opposite direction.

Where did the idea for this film come from?

I first heard an interview with my main contributor on a World Service radio report so I guess you could say 'The World Service' was the first inspiration. About 2 years later I was given the track 'Breathing Light' (produced by Nitin Sawhney) and ask to pitch an idea for a three minute film that encapsulated the spirit of the song. The song is extremely positive and I immediately thought of the King of Laughter and his story.

What’s been the best thing about having made the film?

I like the way the film spreads a little happiness around whilst also getting audiences to consider whether we laugh less today than in past generations. I also got to wear a body rig and walk around a busy market which was fun.

What are you doing now?

Lots of live video and installations. One is a collaboration with the Philharmonia Orchestra remixing Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring' across 25 screens. Another is a performance incorporating live motion capture with a classical cellist called Matthew Barley. On the documentary side I am developing a longer version of King of Laughter as well as a 60 minute year in the life portrait of Hampstead Heath. I also run a mini festival called Sisters of the Claw and a film company called Yeast Culture.