Nóra Hegyi, Owner, Kolibri Pictures Movie Production Company

  • 9 Jun 2023 3:04 PM
Nóra Hegyi, Owner, Kolibri Pictures Movie Production Company
Nóra has been a real storyteller, who always entertained and educated her audience with stories.

After finishing her studies at the University of Theatre and Film Art (Film- and television directing), she has lived her life among news for several years as a reporter and a journalist.

As a television director she was working on the most famous Hungarian TV programmes like Házon kívül, the XXI. század (21st Century) or Az este (The Evening).

Then in 2016 the Hégető Honorka and Pulitzer Prized reporter has dreamed a huge and established her own movie production company: Kolibri Pictures Ltd.

Since then she has spent more than 10 years in the world of business movies as a producer, director and CEO. Her team has created countless image, brand, event movies, documentaries, portrait films and animations.

And as Nóra always says: „Each project requiers a different mindset, but there is someting in common: I always tell stories with my movies.”
 

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up at Celldömölk, a small  town in Vas county, which is about 200 kilometers from Budapest. Most of the people may think that a small town limits your opportunities, but I have experienced its opposite.

At Celldömölk everything is close, you have time for everything and have better chances to participate in cultural programmes, sport events or local life. And last but not least: you know everybody, which is a great opportunity to build connections and relationships. 

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

I believe that each part of the world is really interesting, so maybe anywhere in the world. A few years before I would have said Barcelona or the United States, but now I see great opportunities in Dubai. It’s a really important business center nowadays. Many countries are represented there, which could be a great advantage for an expat. 

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

It is certainly my mother language, because this is one of my most important working tools. Of course I can build connections through foreign languages, but as a journalist and a reporter my mother language is the best way to express my thoughts, ideas and my style. I’m a storyteller and my best stories are in Hungarian.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

A few years before me and my company, Kolibri Pictures Ltd. had a shooting with the American ambassador, Colleen Bell. We were looking for a location from where we can show the real beauty and the meaning of Budapest. Since then I know that the perfect place for that is the rooftop bar of Hilton Hotel. The majestic Danube, the historical Hungarian Parliament, all the bridges and the panorama of this beautiful city. This is certainly a compulsory program during a Budapest weekend. See it yourself here

5. What is your favourite food?

Actually I’m on a really hard diet because of some health issues, so now I have to say Branzino with grilled courgette. But on a 10-12 hours long shooting day Pilóta biscuit is my lifesaver and my absolute favorite.  

6. What is your favourite sport / form of exercise?

My favourite is CrossFit, which is a great opportunity for breaking the routine. And of course it is necessary as well, because I need a great endurance in my worklife. Sometimes we have 10-12 hours long shooting days, where we walk or stand all day, not talking about our heavy tools and equipment. It is often really challenging and I’m trying to be a good example for my colleagues as well. 

7.  What is your favourite place in Hungary?

I’m so lucky, because I visit and see many-many interesting places thanks to my job. I can’t say one all time favourite place, I would rather say that I have temporary favourites. I love the city of Budapest, the bridges, the historical sites, the secret underground tunnels. A few months before I visited a local Golf Club, which was certainly one of my temporary favourite places. But the Hungarian countryside also has its feeling. One of my most memorable shooting days started with a sunrise at Lake Balaton. 

8. What career other than yours would you love to pursue? 

Actually anything in which I can deal with people and their stories. Now I’m telling these stories in movies, podcasts or written articles. And this is the most important. I can imagine myself as a spokesperson, a presenter or maybe as an ambassador. Actually anything where I can ask, talk and be creative.

9. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

I would be an awful administrator or accountant. Excels, numbers and monotony are my biggest enemies. I hate driving long distances, so being a camion driver is definitely not my dream. 

10. Where did you spend your last vacation?

I spent my last vacation in Italy, near Verona. Italy is like a strong coffee for me: it always gives me power. Fortunately it is quite close as well. 

11. Where do you hope to spend your next one?

My next plan is the United States, Las Vegas or Los Angeles maybe. I have great connections, because some of our projects were shooted there. My husband works a lot in the United States as well and I fell in love with that diverse, always bustling country.

12. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

This is a hard question. I was always interested in movies, so it is hard to choose just one. I remember that This Boy’s Life was really inspiring as a teen. My favourite band is a bit easier: I’m a U2 fan, and a live U2 concert was always a bucket list dream to me. Now this dream comes true in this year and I’m as excited as a teen girl. 

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Beautiful high heels obviously.

14. Red wine or white?

Gin and tonic.

15. Book or movie?

I have made a lot of movies, but not writing a book yet. So movies first, then books soon hopefully. 

16. Morning person or night person?

I’m an early morning person. Working on my balcony with a sunrise - that’s the start of a perfect day. 

17. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

As a journalist I believe in the freedom of questions, answers and opinions. I feel strongly that our world is not black and white, so conversation is the key in social issues. 

18. Buda or Pest side?

Buda. I live there with my family, have a nice office building between the hills and my hometown, Celldömölk is also at the Buda-side. 

19. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

It is always my actual task or project. As a leader every day is a new challenge, so I feel happy about the smallest successes. I’m pleased when my clients are satisfied with the final product, when we are able to create a great international commercial only with a 32 hours long postproduction. And of course I’m pleased about my colleagues who can work as a great team. 

20. What would you say is your personal motto? 

“To the infinity and beyond” - Buzz Lightyear (Toy Story)

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