Brendan Steacy
Biography
Brendan Steacy is a highly respected Canadian cinematographer, known for his masterful ability to craft compelling visual narratives across a diverse range of film and television productions. His work has earned him significant recognition and numerous awards, solidifying his standing as a leading talent in his field.
Career and Notable Works: Steacy's extensive career as a Director of Photography includes a wide array of projects, showcasing his versatility in genres from intense dramas and thrillers to comedies and documentaries. His film credits include Still Mine (2012), The Lesser Blessed (2012), The Last Exorcism Part II (2013), Coconut Hero (2015), Lavender (2016), Stockholm (2018), Backstabbing for Beginners (2018), Lucky Day (2019), and Flashback (2020).
On the television front, Steacy has made significant contributions to acclaimed series. He was the Director of Photography for the miniseries Alias Grace (2017) and has worked on series such as Titans (2018-2019), Freud (2020), Clarice (2021), Painkiller (2023), and Rabbit Hole (2023). His recent work on Cross (2024), where he helped create a "cool, moody aesthetic" for the show, further demonstrates his visual artistry.
Beyond his feature film and television work, Steacy has also lent his eye to music videos and commercials for prominent clients.
Awards and Recognition: Brendan Steacy is a two-time Canadian Screen Award nominee for Best Cinematography, receiving nominations for Still Mine (2013) and Lucky Day (2020). He was also a Canadian Screen Award nominee for Best Photography in a Drama Program or Series for Alias Grace (2018).
His exceptional talent has been consistently recognized by the Canadian Society of Cinematographers (CSC), where he is a multiple award winner. He received CSC Awards for his work on Alias Grace and Stockholm, among others, and most recently for Painkiller (2024) and the short film Demon Box (2023).
Steacy's reputation extends internationally, as he is also a member of the American Society of Cinematographers (ASC). He has been a three-time ASC Award nominee for Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography for his work on Alias Grace (2019), Titans (2020), and Clarice (2022), reflecting his impact on a global scale. He also won Best Cinematography in a Canadian Short Film at the Toronto Worldwide Short Film Festival for The Answer Key (2008).
Filming Philosophy: Steacy's approach to cinematography is characterized by a deep commitment to supporting the story and characters. He aims to influence storytelling visually in a way that is supportive but not overtly noticeable, focusing on building emotional development and creating the intended world.
He has expressed an interest in projects that are "unique and original" and have the potential for "aesthetic intrigue," often seeking to make each project distinct rather than repeating stylistic tendencies. His adaptability and willingness to experiment with different camera packages and lighting approaches to best serve the narrative highlight his dedication to the art of cinematography.
