Winston's life story began in 1969, as he bid farewell to his hometown, Los Angeles, in pursuit of a bold new endeavour. His dream was to create a cinematic masterpiece in the breathtaking Virgin Islands, a vision that would soon be put to the test. Unfortunately, Winston's ambitious project was plagued by financial woes, ultimately leading to the depletion of his funding. The once-promising endeavour was dealt a crushing blow, as two of his residences succumbed to the flames, and a hurricane ravaged two more, leaving Winston to confront the harsh realities of his circumstances.
Win's journey in the City of Angels came to a close, but not before he embarked on a crucial acting apprenticeship with the celebrated Stella Adler in the vibrant cultural mecca of New York City.
Jocelyn Brando, the sister of Win, played a crucial and influential role in shaping his decision to pursue a career in the performing arts, despite the numerous challenges and obstacles he initially faced. Her unwavering encouragement and steadfast support served as a vital catalyst, enabling him to persist in the face of adversity and eventually garner widespread acclaim for his work in the groundbreaking play "Zoo Story". This early triumph paved the way for a succession of notable television appearances, featuring roles in some of the most popular and iconic shows of the time, including the science fiction phenomenon "Star Trek", the critically acclaimed drama "Judd: For the Defence", and the classic crime series "Dragnet". Undaunted by his growing reputation and the recognition he had earned, Win Brando took a bold and unconventional step, deciding to produce his own independent film in the picturesque Virgin Islands, a move that showcased his creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and willingness to take risks.
Win, a visionary entrepreneur, persevered in the face of adversity to spearhead the creation of the U.S. Virgin Islands Film Commission, a groundbreaking initiative that ultimately generated a staggering influx of millions of dollars into the islands by skillfully enticing a diverse array of national commercials and feature films to the region, thereby fostering a thriving film industry that has had a profound and lasting impact on the local economy.
Win's unwavering dedication and far-sightedness did not go unappreciated, as he played a pivotal role in metamorphosing the Atlanta Film Festival into the Virgin Islands' International Film Festival, a highly respected and esteemed event that attracted an array of distinguished guests from across the globe, including the illustrious French actress Catherine Deneuve, renowned for her captivating on-screen presence and versatility, and the highly acclaimed American actor Roy Scheider, celebrated for his impressive range and iconic performances.
Win's pioneering spirit and unwavering entrepreneurial drive inspired him to embark on an unprecedented endeavour, meticulously planning and executing the salvage of a 160-foot sunken freighter, a colossal task that demanded unwavering dedication and perseverance.
With a bold vision in mind, Win set his sights on relocating the massive vessel an astonishing three miles beneath the ocean's surface, a feat that would undoubtedly capture the attention of filmmakers, particularly those involved in the production of the movie "The Deep".
Although his efforts ultimately did not yield the desired outcome, his remarkable wreck would go on to become a highly coveted destination for dive operators, drawing in thrill-seekers and adventure enthusiasts from far and wide.
As a result, Win's salvage operation would have a profound impact on the boating industry as a whole, cementing its reputation as a significant draw for marine enthusiasts and a testament to the power of innovation and determination.
Win's relentless pursuit of excellence and pioneering mindset earned him the esteemed "Dutch Horton Award" in 1979, a testament to his unyielding commitment to his craft.
As a visionary leader, Win took on a pivotal role in conceptualizing the establishment of the National Association of Film Commissioners, a pioneering organization that would eventually metamorphose into the International Association of Film Commissioners, leaving an indelible mark on the film industry and solidifying his lasting influence.
Win is currently devoting himself to the pursuit of his lifelong passion for crafting and directing short films, a creative endeavor that he is embarking upon in collaboration with his son Mark, amidst the dynamic and culturally rich backdrop of Los Angeles, a city renowned for its thriving arts and entertainment industry.
Following his return to the vibrant city of Hollywood, Win has had the privilege of taking on a diverse range of roles, gracing the big screen with his presence in a total of 12 independent films, thereby demonstrating his remarkable adaptability and range as a performer. Additionally, he has also had the opportunity to showcase his comedic talents in one spec sitcom, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted artist.
Win is currently fully absorbed in the creative process of visualizing the narrative sequences for not one, but two feature films that he is simultaneously scripting and overseeing the production of, a remarkable indication of his burgeoning self-assurance and proficiency within the realm of filmmaking.
