Philip Pugh
Own Worst Enemy is the second feature film for British writer/director, Philip Pugh, who's previous credits include short features: To Live For (2014), Air Mail (2011), 'Nico' (2011), Very Close Encounters of the Small Kind (2004) and his first feature, Ones Minutes (2009).
In Own Worst Enemy, Mike Baughan stars as Andy, a man suffering with agoraphobia, who battles daily with the the maintenance of his own sanity within the confines of his boxy little flat. Andy also shares his home with an imaginary pest by the name of Mr P (also played by Mike Baughan), who taunts and ridicules him at every given opportunity. Andy is also convinced that the heavy rain, pouring through his leaky roof, is the result of a weather presenter, whom he believes is deliberately predicting bad weather in an attempt to flood his flat. With nowhere to hide and nowhere to run to, Andy must deal with the situation as best as he can as the thin lines between fantasy and reality start to blur.
SN: First of all, I would like to welcome you and thank you for sparing some of your precious time to speak with me. How did you enjoy the festive holidays.
Philip: Absolute pleasure. The holidays were great thanks. Loads of food, drink, rest, friends, family and movies.
SN: Sounds pretty good to me. Now, Own Worst Enemy is your second feature since One Minutes. What was to like to get back into feature film territory.
Philip: Well, One Minutes had something silly like 250 characters and 100 locations and our budget was £0 so it was a major struggle. With Own Worst Enemy there's about 6 main characters, 2 of which played by the same person and 1 location, so in many respects it was a hell of a lot easier.
SN: As £0 goes, that's a pretty tough budget to make the most of. Focusing on you for a minute, who or what were your influences that compelled you to get into film-making, or have you always had a natural passion for it?
Philip: I like filmmaking but is more of a side effect of bigger passions such as writing (i love writing and enjoy directing what I write) and prop making & special effects (which is what lead me into film making via a love of Star Wars. I wanted to work for ILM when I was younger). Influences that drew me to film making; Star Wars, then Tarantino through Reservoir Dogs really opened up a different world when I got older and I fell in love with low budget film making. Then Kevin Smith, Robert Rodriguez, Richard Linklater and The Coen Brothers (RL & CB are writing and filmmaking influences).
SN: They're some pretty respectable influences to be fair and anyone that loves Star Wars is golden. Once again you're working with Mike Baughan and Nigel Davey. Is there a certain chemistry and personal history that binds you to these two amazing talents?
Philip: As far as Mike's concerned he'll bind himself to anyone who offers him the two lead roles in a movie! For me, I don't really write conventional content - it's dark, complicated & messed up - and Mike not only gets it, but thrives off it. We bounce off each other really well and trust & respect each other so it's very easy going and productive. And it's much the same with Nigel although he's often fighting the fires me and Mike have started. He's my guardian angel and personal Counselor!
SN: Ha ha! You've got to admire Mike's moral dedication. I must admit, I'm a fan of black comedy and the plot for 'Own Worst Enemy' is one of the most original and exciting that I have heard in a long time. How did the idea come about?
Philip: The seed of it all was an idea I had about a guy who was so insane his imaginary friend had an imaginary friend! It all spirraled from there!
SN: Was there ever any other choice of actor for the role of Andy/Mr. P or did you always write him with Mike in mind? What were your inspirations for the character?
Philip: When i sat to write OWE Mike was the only actor i had in mind yeah. Before writing it, when the idea was just bubbling away in my head I didn't have anyone in particular in mind though. Andy is based on a few people with a lot of invention. Mr P was mine and later Mike's inner devil.
SN: Your inner devil certainly sounds mischievous. In regards to Andy/Mr. P: What were the challenges for both Mike as an actor and you as a writer/director in bringing them to the screen?
Philip: Mike did an amazing job and the performances are a joy to watch, but it certainly was a challenge for both of us. We rehearsed and workshopped the script for over six months prior to filming, trying to nail these two characters, their mannerisms, differences and quirks. When it came to filming because Mr. P. is such a dominant character, that transposed itself into reality and Mr. P became deeply routed into Mike Baughan quite bizarrely. Where possible we tried to do as much filming with one character before we needed to film the other, but when the change over came, especially in the case of Mike going from playing Mr. P to playing Andy, it took a huge amount of time to try and exorcise the Mr. P character from Mike's portrayal of Andy.
SN: I assume the challenge of a difficult character makes it all the more exciting? Own Worst Enemy has a great cast. What was it like working with such a wonderful ensemble?
Philip: Exciting - Stressful... - same kind of thing!? It was great having such a diverse cast. Mike's on screen almost 98% of the time and shares the screen with someone other than himself for probably about 20% of the film, so it was always really exciting when someone new was coming to join in the madness. It brought a fresh approach each time.
SN: As I have stated already, I am a fan of black comedy. I get it completely. That being said, black comedy is essentially about making light of taboo subjects. Given the subject matter of Own Worst Enemy, how do you feel about the potential for negative criticism from overly sensitive viewers.
Philip: Everyone has the right to be offended. And they also have the right to not watch a movie that they may find potentially offensive too. Sometimes things deserve flack because you can't get away from them. They are ever present wherever you go - like pop music or big budget movies and the associated merchandise & advertising and it's a constant reminder that something so bad (if that is your opinion) exists. With independent films, more often than not you have to go out of your way to see them, so hopefully people know what they are getting themselves into before watching the film if they are interested enough to go see it or buy it. That being said, I honestly think a negative opinion is as valid as a positive one. I'm happy to take both on board.
SN: True, I think that the rough and the smooth pretty much go hand-in-hand. When can we expect the first trailer to grace the internet and how do you intend on celebrating upon its release?
Philip: There will be a relentless amount of stuff coming very soon - a trailer included. Within the next month I'd say. I don't know how we'll celebrate yet - for me I'll be glad to get it released, but will be focusing on the next task - making sure it reaches as many people as possible (you know, making sure that there's a constant reminder that something so bad or offensive, if that's your opinion, exists!).
SN: Well I will endeavor to maintain those reminders on your behalf. What is your most treasured moment of your career so far?
Philip: Filming OWE was a good time. It was manic, but on reflection it was also great. Loads of people pulling together, doing silly hours to help create the film.
SN: I'm sure the end result will be outstanding. Finally (and probably most importantly), now that Own Worst Enemy is nearing completion, I can't help but notice that I was not a cast member. Did my script get lost in the post?
Philip: I think there might also have been a dog or a deer involved. Some trade embargo maybe? A shortage of paper perhaps. We ran out of stamps possibly. The postman was kidnapped en route to your place? Negotiations failed. He's fine, but the script was never returned. I think that's what happened. And something to do with a eunuch. It's all a dreadful shame though.
SN: That all seems completely plausible to be fair. Philip Pugh, I'd like to thank you once again for giving up some of your spare time to speak with me. It's been an absolute pleasure. I wish you all the success with 'Own Worst Enemy' and all of your future projects. I look forward to following your career closely. Thank you very much. I hope you have a great weekend.
Philip: The pleasure's mine, thanks for having me. Many thanks for your support!