Summer 2012
If you’re looking for Tommy Hohl, you won’t find him vegging in front of the TV like a typical kid his age. You might see the Hamilton Middle School seventh-grader shooting YouTube videos somewhere in his neighborhood, hitting the slopes with his snowboard, or even rubbing elbows with Hollywood stars. The down-to-earth, fun-loving teen recently starred in the short film Hellion, directed by Kat Candler and featured at the Sundance Film Festival.
Fun-Loving Trouble
Hellion follows the chaos that ensues when little Petey Wilson and his two trouble-loving brothers are left home alone, according to the film’s website, hellionthefilm.com. With so much reckless behavior underfoot, the film gives audiences a firsthand look at the fear of consequences and punishment through the eyes of a 7-year-old. Hohl, 13, had no trouble getting into character, joking that running wild comes naturally to teens. In the three-part process of trying out for the role, he held nothing back.
“I even took off my shirt as I ran screaming around the fire – anything to get their attention,” he says. The seventh-grader is not new to the camera, beginning his career with commercials and print advertising campaigns. And though Hohl has starred in local theater productions, this was his largest film role yet.
Supportive Friends and Neighbors
Cy-Fair has been a wonderful place to start an acting career, but originally, Hohl simply thought it would be a good way to save money for college. Half of each of his paychecks goes in the bank. But acting had benefits beyond earning money.
“It’s really, really fun,” Hohl shares. Cy-Fair has been very supportive of Hohl, who credits his neighbors with helping make his YouTube videos shine. Hohl is also quick to point out the support he has received at the Houston Family Arts Center, where he takes classes and starred in his first role as Tom Sawyer. “Everyone is excited and supportive,” he shares.
Behind the Scenes
While he was filming Hellion, Hohl says director Kat Candler made it an enjoyable experience for the entire cast
and crew members. The teen describes the set as laid back and says he learned a lot from his experience filming the short. “Actors act better with kindness,” he says. As proof, Hohl says when he tired from the long process of makeup and re-takes, Candler simply gave him a break.
Candler is equally complimentary about Hohl being right for the role of Jacob. “There’s fearlessness about him,” she says. “Tommy isn’t afraid to go places emotionally that most kids can’t. He’s a very focused kid with a great charm about him. But not only is he a really great actor, he’s fun to hang out with. He brings such an enthusiasm and joy to the set. You want to work with people you would be friends with.”
The filmmaker has a fondness for the wildness of boys and loosely based the idea for Hellion on a story from her past. Apparently, her mother’s three brothers once set fire to their father’s jeep, and of course, there was hell to pay when dad got home. The name couldn’t be far off. With an unrequited love for the unfettered boyhood anarchy of Lord of the Flies, as well, Candler’s story found legs. Funding permitting, Candler hopes to grow the short into a mayhem-filled, feature-length film.
Big Dreams
So what bright future does Hohl dream of? Well, if he doesn’t make it as a pro athlete, he would like to star in an action sports movie, perhaps with some snowboarding. And further down the line, Hohl would love to get behind the camera and direct a similar kind of film. “It’s been too long since someone made a good sports flick,” he says.
Attending the Sundance Film Festival was a big experience for Hohl, who calls it the greatest thing in the world. His only regret was that he didn’t take more time away from the slopes to check out stars while he had the chance. “Taylor Swift is so beautiful,” he says with a hint of longing. Clearly, Hohl is just your typical kid next door, who knows a pretty gal when he sees one. Help him out if he asks to film a video in your yard. CFM