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From the outskirts of the entertainment industry springs...
Take the journey to the centre of hilarity with the day dreamer next door.
What Thingy Fans say....
"For those of us who are familiar with Thingys,
this is a more subtle, character driven comedy."
Daniel Thackeray
Film Journalist
"Beautiful, funny and tender. I watched it twice!"
Giacomo Cracc
Filmmaker
Enjoy Cookies
"Such an incredibly inspiring film....this is just full of amazing
techniques and storytelling. Such a delight and so funny."
Dylan Hastie
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"My first thingy. So funny and so profound. A film that can
make you laugh and then hit you in the feels is the perfect
type of film. And this one has so much heart to give.
Also pls more sexy dancing in the next one, tah x."
jpmackender
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"Like Shirley Valentine directed by Nicolas Roeg."
Leo Travis
Singer-Songwriter
Pleasant Express
"My first Daniel Hutchings Thingy! Hope I get the chance to
see more! A pub backroom counts as a cinema right?"
Brocco
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"A very heartfelt ode to the everyday grind and the difficult
feelings of detachment and subsequent desire towards escapism
that come with it. It does a great job of addressing this but also reminding the audience why rekindling passion and sincerity in
the face of that is so so important."
Shaun
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"The ending rounded things off in a great way, a way which made you smile, a way which made you think all the confusion was worth it."
Cadburyhedges
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"Very special to me as its my first time watching a Daniel
Hutchings Thingy and hope its not the last."
zaccardwell
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"Happy Returns is a must-watch for cinephiles and fans of
character-driven narratives. It successfully combines powerful
storytelling with impressive technical execution.
This film's exploration of the human experience and the
significance of our past in shaping our present will resonate
with viewers long after the credits roll.."
jacbrown
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"A proper corker like."
Leif Clayton
Lettterboxd Reviewer
"In the market for some puppy chow."
Mads
Lettterboxd Reviewer
What4 Film Special - Markéta Brundova Happy Returns Interview
19:44
07:15
04:09
03:19
Happy Returns Supplements
Q: When is Freelance Giggle-oh next on the BIG screen?
A: Freelance Giggle-oh plays regularly as part of Presents Inc pop-up Thingyma events.
Check out the Presents Inc Events page for listings, both past, present and future!
These are mainly in the Greater Manchester Area, but Thingys have also screened
in other areas of the UK as well as Milan, Italy.
Q: Is he 'Hello Song' recording in Freelance Giggle-oh with a real audience?
A: Yes, this and the Bus Shelter Routine, are recordings from Hutchings performing at
comedy nights in Manchester. Hutchings was performing live comedy alongside the
development of Freelance Giggle-oh and this fed into how it evolved. To see more of
Hutchings performing live, watch the curated playlist on the Crytearswhileon page.
Q: How can I find out more about how Hutchings went about making Freelance Giggle-oh?
A: To find more about Hutchings' approach to Thingymaking around the time of Freelance
Giggle-oh, you can read Thingyfesto: The Manual for the Zero Budget Filmmaking of Freelance Giggle-oh! It breaks down Hutchings' 10 point programme for Thingymaking which is intended
to be used for filmmaking inspiration. It comes in a deluxe hardback edition, as well as an
abridged pocket-money paperback edition, for Thingy Fans on any budget to read at their leisure.
These books can be personalised on request with a hand written message and signature
from Daniel Hutchings. A great gift for a Future Thingy Fan!
Q: Would Presents Inc be interested in my audience reaction video or review?
A: Certainly! Please send links of videos and reviews to us via the Contact form.
We reply to every message and love to share your reactions and reviews on this site.
Q: I really like the music on the soundtrack. Where can I hear it?
A: To hear all the music and songs from Freelance Giggle-oh, visit
Freelance Giggle-oh Original Motion Picture Soundtrack. It is available
on all digital platforms as well as in limited runs of physical media.
Q: How can I book Freelance Giggle-oh for my film event?
A: To enquire about screening a Thingy at your event, get in touch via the
Contact form. Presents Inc charges no fee to screen Daniel Hutchings Thingys
and we encourage Thingy Fans to do so in as many different types of venues
and situations as possible. From cinemas to pub function rooms, from arts
festivals to house parties, Thingys are for all to see! All Presents Inc would love in
return is for you to share with them any audience reaction clips you record.
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