Interview: Director Paul Hough on 'The Human Race'

Recently I had the pleasure of chatting with director Paul Hough about his new film THE HUMAN RACE. The film is currently available on multiple streaming platforms and will be coming to DVD on July 22. I rather enjoyed the film and think you should check it out (read my full review here).If you're still not convinced, check out what Paul had to say below!

Chris Coffel: How would you describe THE HUMAN RACE?

Paul Hough: THE HUMAN RACE is an action horror thriller about 100 participants who are forced to run in a deadly foot race where only one can finish alive. I think it's an intense and unpredictable movie with characters that you don't really see in horror movies.

CC: The film has a very interesting concept? Where did this idea come from? Any specific influences?

PH: I wanted something that would be good for one of the co-stars Eddie McGee, who is unique because he lost a leg to cancer when he was a boy. I wanted something that would be challenging for him, and what better than force him into a foot race. I was definitely influenced by some of my favorite movies such as Battle Royale and Run Lola Run.

CC: You've done a few shorts but I believe THE HUMAN RACE is your first feature. What was it like making that jump?

PH: Well, it's something I wanted to do forever and I'd been trying and trying to raise money for a variety movies without any success. It got to a point where I could continue making shorts or just start making a feature. So I decided it was just time and we started shooting.

CC: My understanding is that the film took nearly 4 years to film. What was that like?

PH: Hell. We only had enough money to shoot the first 7 days of the movie and the had to shut down for a few months while I worked to make more money. We'd shoot for a few more days and then 3 months later I'd shoot more. I'd never ever recommend anyone go about filming a movie this way since it leads to inevitable and extraordinary problems – but it was the only way I could get it done.

CC: What's the next move for Paul Hough? Any follow up film in the works?

PH: I'm hoping to shoot a dark horror thriller in Japan soon. I'd love to also do a Human Race 2 and already have a great script written but a lot will determine on how this movie resonates with people...