'General Hospital' star Finola Hughes directs first film

LOS ANGELES, April 2 (UPI) -- "General Hospital" actress Finola Hughes has made her feature-film directing debut with "The Bet," a movie to be screened this week in Santa Barbara, Calif.

Made with a cast and crew of first-time filmmakers, the picture was produced by the Community Film Studio Santa Barbara, the first non-profit, all-volunteer, community movie studio, TV Guide Magazine said.

"About five years ago I started directing theater in Santa Barbara, which is where I live, and out of the blue I was offered the chance to direct 'The Bet' by Jack Presnal, the founder of CFSSB," Hughes told the magazine. "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. There's great bravery in ignorance."

Hughes plays Anna Devane on "General Hospital," which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week.