J.P. Brennan

Director

Los Angeles, California

Member Since:
October 2012

Last online:
> 2 weeks ago

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About J.P.

My understanding of visual language, 9irst formed as a painter and sculptor, has been forged by 22 years on both the stage and on the set. All of my experiences in the arts have culminated into one singular passion: Directing. I am attracted to, and create projects that lend themselves to being visually immersive and that make strong, insightful statements. Stories are how we learn about life; whether it's from plays, movies, television, commercials, music videos, books, magazines, or the bragging we hear at the bar. Story informs us about who we are and how we see each other.
My launching pad as a director began at St. Louis University; with the combined study of both the visual arts (painting & sculpture) and the performing arts (theatre & mime). After graduating with a degree in Theater Arts, I worked as an actor in theater and 9ilm, quickly acquiring my SAG and AFTRA cards. During this time, I began my love affair with lighting and sets; working as both a lighting designer and technical director in the theatre. From this experience and with my eye on transitioning to 9ilm work, I pursued work on 9ilm sets as a grip and as a set lighting technician; acquiring union cards in two IATSE locals 493 & 728.
Simultaneously, I began directing short plays for the stage and short 9ilms for the screen with my 9irst camera (a 16mm Bolex). My 9irst paid writer/director gig was a play called "Floodgates"; about two young men (one white, one black) unknowingly admitting their racism to one another, as an existential punishment for the lives they had lived. While working on this show, I realized that two of the most essential elements of the visual storytelling medium were writing and acting. I began an extensive study of both. In pursuit of a deeper knowledge of the craft of acting, I studied the gamut: "Method" acting with Theatre Group, “Imagination” based acting at Playhouse West ( a Meisner school), and the more “Conventional” Acting style of Cohen with Wayne Loui. Just as intensely, I studied the craft of story and writing with Robert McKee, Christopher Vogler, Michael Hauge, Syd Field, and John Truby.
It is with this arsenal of tools, craft, and experience that I approach every project I direct.

Gender:
Male

Badges

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Credits

The 2018 Media Access Awards (2018)
Film Director
Flowers (2017)
Film Director
Danny Collins (2015)
Film (Comedy, Drama and Music) Camera and Electrical Department Inspired by a true story, Al Pacino stars as aging 1970s rocker Danny Collins, who can't give up his hard-living ways. But when his manager (Christopher Plummer) uncovers a 40 year-old undelivered letter written to him by John Lennon, he decides to change course and embarks on a heartfelt journey to rediscover his family, find true love and begin a second act.
The Breakup Girl (2015)
Film (Comedy and Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Claire is the middle sister, both literally and metaphorically. She's 29 has a stagnant writing career and her boyfriend dumps her. Her sisters are reluctantly there to support her, but she doesn't want their help anyway. Sharon is the older successful sister; she's a wife and a mother and sees it as her job to take care of her family. Kendra's the youngest sister; she's a struggling artist with a free-spirited outlook on life. The sisters are completely different and don't always get along. But then their father shares life-changing news and they are forced to come together whether they want to or not. Written by Anne Campbell
Aban and Khorshid (2014)
Film (Short and Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Inspired by true events, Aban and Khorshid is an intimate portrait of two lovers, glimpsing into the world in which they met, moments before their execution for being gay.
Low Down (2014)
Film (Biography, Drama and Music) Camera and Electrical Department A look at the life of pianist Joe Albany from the perspective of his young daughter, as she watches him contend with his drug addiction during the 1960s and '70s jazz scene.
Girl Rising (2013)
Film (Documentary) Camera and Electrical Department The movie tells the stories of nine girls from different parts of the world who face arranged marriages, child slavery, and other heartbreaking injustices. Despite these obstacles, the brave girls offer hope and inspiration. By getting an education, they're able to break barriers and create change. Written by Seventeen Magazine
The Sonnet (2012)
Film (Short, Drama, Fantasy and Romance) Camera and Electrical Department A refreshing change from the helter skelter, quick cut style of many videos today, 'The Sonnet' explores the allure of fiction, specifically a sonnet by Pablo Neruda, to lift a person out of the humdrum and into fantasy. The storyline was a collaboration of The Association's creative team, Nancy Read, Celine Duong and Fletcher Murray. Written by Anonymous
A Superhero Story (2011)
TV Mini Actor
Two for the Show (2010)
Film (Short, Comedy and Thriller) Director A thriller-farce that follows six people, who are invited by their billionaire friend to compete in a game for one million dollars. The objective of the game is to be the last one left alive.
Finding the Words (2010)
Film (Short and Drama) Director The wife of an LAPD Officer spends another sleepless night waiting for the arrival of her husband. Only he can mend the shattered pieces of her life, night after night.
Blind Date (2009)
Film (Short, Comedy and Romance) Camera and Electrical Department After a long dry spell, Stacy apprehensively jumps back into the dating game. Will her blind date, Paul, be her Prince Charming or something else completely unexpected?
The Next Morning (2009)
Film (Short and Comedy) Director A guy tries to sneak out of an unusual one night stand.
The Naked City (2007)
Film (Short and Crime) Actor The Naked City is a fictional mid-1930's story about Archer; a disillusioned male protagonist who struggles with his own self worth after his wife leaves him. As an ex-Detective, he is forced to take on petty private eye assignments. He investigates an 'artist' who photographs the crude aftermath of violent crimes, and exploits them by exhibiting this collection at a high society art gallery. Archer is forced to enter the gaudy world he despises and in the process, comes face to face with the source of his aggression. Written by David Parkin & Emily Froelich
Magnificent Max (2007)
Film (Short, Comedy and Drama) Actor A former world-renowned legend in the wrestling universe, 'Magnificent Max' abruptly plummeted from glory after his manager Shelly instructed him to alter his persona into a villain, for 'the good of the federation.' Gorgeous George he was not, as fifteen years later Max finds himself routinely throwing fights to any average Joe with enough cash in their name to afford a shiny one-piece. When Max's self-respect is at an all-time low, Shelly unexpectedly returns to offer him one final opportunity to wrestle in the big leagues. There's just one catch: Max would have to relive the painful history-making fight that skyrocketed the career of current crowd-favorite Duke Demolition and prematurely ended the legacy of 'Magnificent Max.' However, this time around Max has his eyes set on rewriting the rules of the sport for good, and on his own terms... Written by Jack Price
Pumpkin (2002)
Film (Comedy, Drama, Romance and Sport) Camera and Electrical Department Perky, perfect Carolyn and her Alpha Omega Pi sisters plan to win Sorority of the Year by impressing the Greek Council with a killer charity: coaching mentally challenged athletes for the regional Challenged Games. When Carolyn's assigned to coach Pumpkin she's terrified at first, but soon sees in him something she's never seen before: a gentle humanity and honest clarity that touches her soul. To the horror of her friends and Pumpkin's overprotective mother, Carolyn falls in love, becoming an outcast in the process. As Carolyn's "perfect life" falls apart, Pumpkin teaches her that perfect isn't always perfect after all. Written by Press kit
Defiance (2002)
Film (Western) Camera and Electrical Department When a boy's father is brutally murdered by the town's most powerful citizen because he's not willing to knuckle under, the boy devotes his life to avenging his father's death. Years later, he becomes swept up in a vicious cycle of revenge and must sacrifice everything he has to protect himself and his family. Written by bdimag
Love, Sex & Murder (2001)
Film (Short, Comedy, Fantasy and Romance) Camera and Electrical Department In a cafe, a solitary man reads the sports page and a solitary woman reads a novel, "Love, Sex and Murder." Soon they are eyeing each other, each with a fantasy. Hers is of love and marriage, his of wanton sex. The fantasies alternate and add chapter: she has too many children and catches him cheating, he adds a second woman to their imaginary games. The fantasies played out, back in real time, he approaches her as the waiter pours coffee. What will she do? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
The Big Brass Ring (1999)
Film (Drama) Camera and Electrical Department Blake Pellarin is on the campaign trail to become governor of the state of Missouri. While making a stop in St. Louis, a chance encounter brings his past back to haunt him. Will the truth ruin his chances for office or will he land the "Big Brass Ring"? Written by Michael Presky
The Vatican Revealed (1999)
TV Movie (Documentary) Sound department This movie is about the Vatican
A Will of Their Own (1998)
Television (Drama) Actor A two-part epic that "chronicles women's lives in the 20th century".