Brendan's cinematic odyssey commenced with a Super 8 camera, serving as the catalyst for his unwavering dedication to crafting films, a pursuit that was initially complemented by a brief, albeit formative, stint as a child actor, where he made a notable appearance in the esteemed Australian film "Mad Max", a landmark production that would later come to be regarded as a defining hallmark of Australian cinema.
Brendan's academic journey culminated in a prestigious degree from the Australian Film Television and Radio School, where he excelled in two distinct areas: cinematography and film direction. His impressive body of work was showcased in his graduation film, a comedy sci-fi thriller aptly titled "Wild Planet". This outstanding production received widespread recognition, earning a plethora of local and international accolades. Notably, "Wild Planet" took home the coveted Gold Jury Prize at the esteemed Houston International Film Festival. Additionally, it received the prestigious Red Ribbon award at the renowned American Film and Video Festival - San Francisco. Furthermore, Brendan's film was honored with the Best Student Film award at the highly respected Hof Film Festival in Germany, solidifying his reputation as a talented and accomplished filmmaker.
Brendan's multifaceted and illustrious career in filmmaking has been characterized by a wide range of creative endeavors, including the exercise of his technical expertise as a cinematographer, where he lent his artistic vision and technical proficiency to the production of numerous prize-winning films, music videos, television commercials, and promotional materials.
Noted Australian filmmaker's relationship comedy short film, "Three Chords And A Wardrobe", garnered widespread critical acclaim and accolades on the international festival circuit, with a notable distinction being awarded "Best Australian short film" at the prestigious 1998 Sydney Film Festival.
Brendan's multifaceted career seamlessly blends his expertise as a television commercial director with various filmmaking endeavors and television documentary productions.
In addition to his work as a TVC director, Brendan has made significant contributions to the world of television by directing episodes of the esteemed Southern Pictures/ABC TV series "Family Confidential", which premiered in 2014.
Furthermore, Brendan has showcased his impressive range as a writer and director by creating the AFI/ACTAA award-winning documentary "You Only Live Twice - The Incredibly True Story of The Hughes Family" for ABC TV Arts & Entertainment.
Notable documentary credits of the individual extend beyond his primary body of work, encompassing a diverse range of projects that have garnered recognition and acclaim within the industry. Specifically, he has made significant contributions to documentaries such as "The Two Donnies" - The Two Of Us", a production released by SBS Independent in 2006, which showcased his skill and expertise in storytelling and filmmaking. Additionally, his work on "Love and Anarchy - The Wild World Of Jaime Leonarder" (SBS, 2002) demonstrated his ability to navigate complex subjects and themes, crafting a compelling narrative that captivated audiences. Furthermore, his involvement in "Conspiracy" for the 10 Network/ Mystery Clock Cinema (1999) highlighted his versatility as a documentary filmmaker, capable of tackling a wide range of topics and genres.
Notable documentary credits include:
• "The Two Donnies" - The Two Of Us" (SBS Independent, 2006)
• "Love and Anarchy - The Wild World Of Jaime Leonarder" (SBS, 2002)
• "Conspiracy" for the 10 Network/ Mystery Clock Cinema (1999)
Brendan has dedicated his recent efforts to cultivating a diverse repertoire of dramatic film projects, with a particular emphasis on crafting a slate of captivating and complex productions that push the boundaries of the cinematic medium.
Among his current endeavors is the development of a noir crime-action-thriller, "The Widow", which is set against the atmospheric backdrop of Melbourne in the early 1960s. To gauge the potential of this project, a 30-minute short "proof of concept" version of the film was initially launched on the international festival circuit, where it has garnered an impressive haul of over 100 awards, further solidifying its promise and credibility.
As a testament to the enduring appeal and narrative richness of "The Widow", the project is now being expanded into a 6-part limited drama series, poised to captivate audiences on streaming platforms.
Brendan is currently working on a multitude of projects, with one notable endeavor being the development of a music-based drama comedy-romance, aptly titled "Reunion". This ambitious project is just one of many on Brendan's plate, as he is also conceptualizing a suspenseful crime thriller set in the vibrant city of South Philadelphia during the 1980s, cleverly dubbed "Number 8 With A Bullet!".
Furthermore, Brendan has recently taken the initiative to pitch a 6-part crime-espionage-thriller to HBO Asia, which takes place in the tumultuous city of Saigon, Vietnam during the pivotal year of 1963. This captivating series, titled "Saigon '63: Violent City", is sure to captivate audiences with its intricate plot and historical context.
