Finola Hughes will make her directorial debut with the upcoming film The Bet .
The Emmy-winning actress has stepped behind the camera for the very first time. Although she has appeared in numerous television shows and movies, this will be her first time as a director.
Finola Hughes created The Bet using first-time actors from the Community Film Studio Santa Barbara. The organization is considered to be the first non-profit movie studio.
The actress said the opportunity to spearhead the feature came during her stint as a theater director in Santa Barbara. She explained that she was given the chance to tackle the project by CFSSB founder Jack Presnal.
Hughes explained to TV Guide :
“I loved the idea that everybody on the film would be doing jobs they’d never done before — no money, just for the love of it — and what a great thing that would be for the community of Santa Barbara. I instantly said yes. Didn’t think twice. [Laughs] There’s great bravery in ignorance.”
The Bet is slated to debut this Thursday (April 4) in Santa Barbara . The benefit screening will be hosted by singer-songwriter Kenny Loggins and Young and the Restless alum Michele Stafford.
Although the film will mark her first time as a director, Finola Hughes is no stranger to the industry. The actress began her career in the Northern Ballet Company. She soon began appearing in theatrical productions such as Cats and Song and Dance .
Hughes has appeared in such movies as Staying Alive , Aspen Extreme , and Above Suspicion . However, the actress is best known for her roles in Blossom , All My Children , and, mostly recently, General Hospital .
Finola said her time behind the camera has given her a new appreciation for the directors who work on soap operas. She also told TV Guide that she would love to director an episode of General Hospital at some point down the road.
Are you a fan of Finola Hughes? Are you looking forward to seeing her directorial debut?
[Image via Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com ]
