“Working with Ian (Hughesy) is an absolute joy. He is confident and thorough in his approach, adapts when necessary, and offers thoughtful doable direction.”

“Every time I see his name on the scripts I get excited and know that I’ll have a great couple of weeks ahead. From the rehearsal period right through to being on set, it’s one of my best actor/director relationships I’ve had. He’s intelligent, funny, insightful, and has the most unique ideas about story and how to play scenes that as actors always keep us fresh and inspired to do good work. He is a great leader and collaborator, is very calm under pressure and we always manage to have a laugh on set too.

I’ve been working as an actor for nearly 30years now and he’s reinvigorated my love for acting.”

“It’s a rare gift to be directed by someone who can deliver a quality product without sacrificing an actors instinct, impulse and creativity. Ian is a rare gift in our industry. I hope I get the chance to work with him again.”

“Ian is an ambitious, accomplished, and talented craftsman of television and cinema. He is a pleasure to work with, both collaboratively and as a leader on set. Ian’s passion for storytelling, commitment to performance, and pursuit of exceptional visuals have provided thoroughly enjoyable and cinematic-looking episodes. Despite rigorous schedules, Ian remains calm under pressure and is held in high regard by all cast and crew.”

“Ian came to me during one of my last scenes of an episode.. no dialogue… slow motion walking out of a courtroom, a free man… I asked what’s the rhythm and feel of this walk.. he said: Radiohead, Fake Plastic Trees. I knew exactly what he meant.

Ian Hughes speaks actor. He’s an actor’s director. In a world of fast turn-around TV he has the ability to have a great feel for the actor he’s collaborating with and guide them with a few words or thoughts.

Simple, potent directions that sit the actor right at the heart of their objective.“

“I have been directed by Ian for many years on Shorty St in every imaginable dramatic and comedic situation, and there is no one I would rather work with. His humor, skill, insight, and imagination always make sure the actor and the scene are everything they can be. He understands the challenges actors face and expertly gauges our differing needs - when to reassure and when to suggest and when to just leave things alone. He creates a space of safety and play and is fully committed to excellence.”

“Thank you so much for your passion and love for the craft, it was infectious. Being with you on set, reminded me why we do what we do. You brought with you a freshness, and remind us all that this is art.”

“Ian's clear, concise direction is a joy, he invites you to go on a journey with him.

A journey that ordinarily you may not have chosen to take but one you were always grateful for undertaking. He was an uplifting, endearing and positive force to work with.

At times I would come on to the set early just to watch him direct the cast...(true).”

“Ian is fun and collaborative and offers incisive and practical direction to help actors find the truth and connection in scenes, fast.

Coming from a background of performing and theatre making, himself - he is able to sense and intuit when an actor is blocked or struggling. He is good to talk to about how to approach story, and performance craft with lightness, depth, and confidence.

I loved working with Ian.”

Working with Ian reminded me how important the whole team is in performing arts.  The producer, the writer, the director, the DOP, the whole crew as well as the actors. Each person working tirelessly to bring the story to the table.  But it takes a leader to make it truly fly.   Ian led the team with a light touch based on experience, honesty, great communication and respect.  For me, after nearly 50 years as an actor it was a relief and a joy to work with someone who I could instantly respect and who got me and my process. 

We had fun and I can't wait to do it again.