Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Brady.
Hi Jonathan, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey as a filmmaker started like many others before me. With a camera and a story to tell. However, it was not that straightforward for me. My journey actually began down the path of wanting to be an actor. I applied for dozens of local indie projects and landed a small handful of them. It was a fun beginning. I learned so much about myself as an artist, and was motivated to continue down that path, no matter what. That was until the winter of 2019. There were little to no projects in development in my area. I struggled for weeks to even get a call back from the ones I could find. It was a tremendous obstacle not only for my career as an actor, but for my confidence. One late night while I was practicing my acting and recording the same monologue from a book I bought on amazon with my iPhone, an idea struck me. I decided to write my own monologue…
Soon after, I started learning about how to light my audition tape more professionally, how to utilize different camera angles for different emotion. I started learning about characters more than acting. Eventually, this slight change in course that forced me to focus more on minor details, would propel me into a right turn, down the path of a filmmaker. But I didn’t quite realize it yet. I had an idea to write a film, that I would shoot, direct, and star in. After many drafts, and failed attempts, I started doubting the logistics of actually shooting a movie, while staring in it. How does that even work if I don’t have a crew? That question, is what put a fork in the road of my journey as an actor. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but my love for storytelling at that time has blossomed into something I had never expected. I was overflowing with ideas and I had never felt more creatively powerful than when I am at my desk, creating a world at my fingertips through the power of storytelling.
The next question was, how do I turn my passion into a career? I would by lying if I said that I figured that out. Enter Skyworks Cinematics. My first project that wasn’t just my own, was a documentary for a local boxing gym. I did it completely for free, and spent day after day working on it, just so that I could create something. That’s when I’m happiest. Plus, I can use it for my professional reel. Since then, I’ve directed a small handful of other promo videos for small businesses, some youtube short films, a couple weddings, but most recent – a full feature length film written, directed, and produced by me titled “Shirley”. The film was shot entirely in Michigan, with 90% of it being shot in Cass City, where the story’s setting takes place. The film is currently in post production, but has already opened so many doors for not only myself as a director, but for the story to reach a much wider audience than we ever intended.
The film “Shirley” will have a full festival circuit, and will soon after be available on streaming.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I applied for dozens of local indie projects and landed a small handful of them. It was a fun beginning. I learned so much about myself as an artist, and was motivated to continue down that path, no matter what. That was until the winter of 2019. There were little to no projects in development in my area. I struggled for weeks to even get a call back from the ones I could find. It was a tremendous obstacle not only for my career as an actor, but for my confidence. One late night while I was practicing my acting and recording the same monologue from a book I bought on amazon with my iPhone, an idea struck me. I decided to write my own monologue…
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My name is Jonathan Brady, and I am an independent filmmaker. Which includes writing, directing, producing, and sometimes operating cameras. My passion is narrative filmmaking, but I work on everything from commercial videos to weddings, sporting events or documentaries. The work I am most known for is that of “Shirley.” Which is an independent faith based feature film, written and directed by me. “Shirley” is also the largest project I’ve worked on in every way. Large cast, dozens of different locations and sets, and 19 days of filming almost consecutively. I’m incredibly proud of everyone who worked to bring this story to life. I couldn’t have done any of it without them.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
You can visit my website www.skyworksmedia.org, and stay tuned for my films!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skyworksmedia.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skyworkscinematics/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092745549084
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@skyworkscinematics
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm18778369/
