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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 Happy Returns next on the BIG screen?
A: Happy Returns 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: Who wrote the songs in Happy Returns?
A: The songs of Leo Travis and Pleasant Express in Happy Returns were written and
recorded by Hutchings. Hutchings wrote these songs in character as Leo Travis in an
attempt to create songs that sounded like you may have heard them in the late 90's/early
00's but couldn't remember where. Hutchings also wrote and performed Liam Russell's Do, Do, Do, Do, Do, which features in Ema's teenage memories. This song was intended to
capture late the affectionate pop of the 90's UK boyband ballad. It is one of
Hutchings' favorite songs out of all he has written, considering it a real 'ear-worm'.
Q: How can I find out more about how Hutchings went about making Happy Returns?
A: To find more about Hutchings' approach to Thingymaking around the time of Happy
Returns, you can read From Start to Thingy: The Production Diary of Happy Returns!
It follows his journey from giving up on Thingymaking to “try to do things
properly”, through giving up on “trying to do things properly” and, again,
taking up Thingymaking to follow his daydreams and inspirations.
Copies 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 Happy Returns, visit
Happy Returns 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 Happy Returns 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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