Stuart Brennan is passionate about storytelling through film. His acting, writing, and directing reflect that creativity and passion. We talk about his latest film, Warlord, which is out on Amazon and is in the top 10 films in the UK. It’s receiving international recognition and screening at festivals.
Introducing Stuart…
What do you love about life right now?
I love that making films is getting more and more interesting. Lots of great new cameras, lighting and kit is coming out every week that seems to give you new opportunities to how you can make a movie with fresh creative directions.
Your newest film, Warlord, is on Amazon and other streaming services. I’ve watched it and love it! I can already see that there will be a sequel, and I’m already looking forward to that. Can you tell me about your creative process when writing this film?
I am very interested in creating authentic worlds that are filled with customs, traditions and design. Writing the Wood Elf story was a chance to reflect on what I love about nature and the forest and twist all of that into a world that puts people and tradition first. Balancing that, I was able to examine where cities have lost their way in our society today and reflect that for the human world and experience. A lot of the themes the movie explores have obvious real world, modern references, but these bleed into the work, rather than are something I’m setting out to examine.
You are the writer, director, and actor for the film. What were the challenges of wearing three creative hats?
As a writer, you are serving the story, first and foremost, which is very similar to being an actor. An actor serves their role. When you’re a director, you are managing all aspects of production, adding in additional layers or visual storytelling and trying to make sure that the production serves the story with every frame.
It’s much more demanding than the other two roles in that sense.
Which is your favorite: writer, director, or actor?
I love all three. I really enjoy writing for other people at the moment and this year I’m directing a movie for someone else for the first time, so that’s exciting and an interesting challenge.
Many film festivals from Spain to France have nominated Warlord for awards, and a film festival in Indiana will screen it. How does it feel to receive all this international recognition?
My last few movies have been very successful financially, but that’s led them to be treated like commodities, no premieres, no press, and no marketing. That’s very disheartening, as you have no genuine connection with the audience. So this wave of support and love for the movie really does mean the world to me. It’s incredibly
exciting to be winning awards and attending screenings with big audiences and doing things like Q&A’s in person. This is what filmmaking is all about.
When casting for Warlord, how did you go about that? Do you reach out to certain actors? I assume you have a casting director for that part.
I cast everything myself, with support from my team. I’ve worked with casting directors before and with everything so online these days, I enjoy finding outstanding actors and seeking out performers and giving them a chance to shine.
For certain roles, we look to cast well-known actors, but often it’s a case of someone suiting the role. Often, people audition for one role and you end up casting them as someone else.
Do you have a favorite scene in the film?
My favourite scene is when Elwynn talks about saving a drowning kitten. There’s so much subtext in that scene. It establishes his relationship with Llanofinn and how it’s already fraying. It establishes the mentor role he has with Tyfell and how Tyfell struggles with making decisions. It shows his love for the elves.
And I think the acting, setting and camera work are really beautiful. The costumes look amazing too.
Alright, Stuart. This may have changed since our first interview. Share three fun facts about yourself with me.
My puppy is called Druss after David Gemmell’s incredible character, Druss the Legend.
I love coffee.
I currently play American Football.
I love ending on a quote. What motivational or inspirational quote that inspires you in challenging times? Can you share it with my readers?
An ancient Chinese proverb says that when a storm comes, you should not remain stiff like the reeds, for they will snap and break. You must be like the grass and bend.
I like that.
Thank you for reading my interview with Stuart.
Follow him on social media: Instagram
Check out his website for his film production company, which is Stronghold.
Learn more about him here in our first interview.