An Interview with Stuart Brennan

I first worked with Stuart just over 10 years ago when he contacted me over email when he was looking to film a feature film up here in Scotland. We eventually worked on a number of projects over the years and he’s constantly busy writing, directing, producing and acting. I saw him recently up at Duncarron Medieval Village and thought it would be great to have him on here for a Q&A.

David: Standard first question Stuart, who are you and what do you do?

Stuart: I’m Stuart Brennan, an actor, director, writer and producer. I founded Stronghold Studios which is one of the UK’s most prolific film production companies, producing ten feature films in the past ten years. We now have our own studio facilities as well as Stronghold Digital, our own post-production services and Stronghold Records, our own music label. Alongside these we have Stronghold Workshop and Stronghold Costume which do everything from set dressing, building and prop making to costume rentals.

David: It's amazing to see your production company grow over the last 10 years, it’s been quite the journey! Can you describe your own journey into acting and filmmaking and what initially drew you to this profession?

Stuart: Stories. I always enjoyed discovering great stories and watching movies. This has grown into becoming a storyteller myself.

Stuart on the set of Wolf.

David: Who are your acting idols or mentors, and how have they influenced your career?

Stuart: As a director Scorsese and Spielberg - their shot compositions, editing choices and the performances they bring out of their actors are amazing.

As an actor Day-Lewis, Pacino, De Niro, Cruise - I’m always learning every time I watch them. 

As a writer, Pinter and Sorkin are so good at bringing short snappy writing into everyday situations, developing amazing characters and taking audiences on wonderful journeys. They’re my favourite writers. 

David: Some great names there and all so different. Okay, What has been the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?

Stuart: Each project has its own challenges. The hardest ones are normally being let down by someone at the last minute. I’ve built up a skill set to be able to react quickly and creatively to hurdles. I’d love the scale of budgets where you can control every frame, but in the indie film world, rolling with the punches is the best thing to do.

David: Ah yes and a good way of putting it. You certainly have to think on your feet in the indie world and I can relate in every way there, including the ‘being let down at the last minute’.

How do you approach developing a character, and do you have any specific techniques or methods you rely on?

Stuart: Inside out. Who are they, why, where from and what makes them tick! Stanislavsky, Strasberg and Meisner are all practitioners I pick from on a daily basis.

David: What role or project are you most proud of, and why?

Stuart: Risen. It meant so much to so many people. That was hugely rewarding. Plan Z also means a lot to me.

David: Brilliant. You of course shot Risen before I met you, but Plan Z was the first project we worked on together and we had some fun times on that feature film, especially the shoots down in London and over in Italy. Still can’t believe that was over 10 years ago!

So, in what ways has your approach to both acting and filmmaking changed since you first started?

Stuart: Everything has evolved. I am now less interested in what would be ‘cool’ to make and more intrigued by ‘why’ we should make something. That’s probably the biggest shift.

David: What would be your dream film project or acting role?

Stuart: Warhammer, Gemmell or World of Warcraft. Something along those lines with the fan base, world-building and incredible characters ready to roll - and a budget to match.

David: Huge fan bases indeed and you sort of tapped into that a little through your latest film Warchief. So what are you working on at the moment?

Stuart: Lots of new movies.

Warchief Poster

David: Haha, no giveaways there, we will just need to wait and see. What advice would you give to someone trying to get their first feature film made?

Stuart: Make it. Just get it made. Don’t wait for someone to come along, pick it up and run with it. Learn from it. Then make your next one. Learn from that and grow. 

David: Indeed, that’s the answer I always give to anyone. Just do it. You can sit on your backside for years and years trying to raise a budget and fail, or you can get it made for next to nothing and have your film made now. It might be poor (and it might be great), but as you say, you learn from it and you move on.

Fantastic Stuart, great to have you on the blog and all the very best with the latest feature films. Looking forward to seeing what comes next.