The film was created as part of his HSC at Balgowlah Boys Campus during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Sydney, and was featured as a finalist for The American Pavilion Emerging filmmaker showcase at Cannes.
In this interview, the SAE Creative Media Institute film student discusses studying for a Bachelor of Film degree, attending Cannes and meeting his acting hero Woody Harrelson.
Sydney 2078 is about a teenager from the Northern Beaches with a fascination for science fiction, that leads him on an interdimensional journey into the future. Brady was astonished that that the film was selected by The American Pavilion Emerging filmmaker showcase as one of seven finalists in its high school films category.
“I honestly didn’t expect it, so it was amazing to hear I was a finalist. I entered my film in a bunch of festivals, and often you don’t expect anything, so to be selected and featured at Cannes is incredible,” Brady enthused.
The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most internationally recongised and respected events in the cinema calendar. Travelling to the French Riviera gave Brady the chance to rub shoulders with some stellar names in the industry, including his acting hero Woody Harrelson at a masterclass.
“Getting to meet Woody was a cool experience, he’s really down to earth. That was the first time I’ve met an A-list actor, I really was starstruck,” he said.
“It was a great experience going over to Cannes, getting the chance to network and meet new people. I was able to go to a number of film premieres including the David Bowie documentary, Moonage Daydream, while also seeing my own film, Sydney 2078.”
After finishing high school, Brady wanted to develop his film skills further, and explored a range of options before deciding on SAE.
“I felt SAE’s approach to film, and the way in which they prepare you for the industry aligned with where I want to go in my career in terms of making feature and narrative films,” Brady explained.
“Having other students from other disciplines like animation, design, audio, will present greater opportunities for collaboration, which I know is something SAE encourages.”
Once he graduates from SAE, Brady has ambitions to shape the narrative behind the camera. “I’m really passionate about telling stories, so I’d love to one day work as a director of photography, and ultimately as a director of a feature film.”
SAE General Manager, Dr Luke McMillan congratulated Brady on the success of his film.
“What Brady has achieved at such a young age is a fantastic testament to his skills as a filmmaker and his ability to identify a clear narrative that engages with audiences. I look forward to hearing about his growth as a creative practitioner, and no-doubt a successful career in the film industry once he graduates.”
SAE Creative Media Institute understands creators like Brady, and provides students with the experience, skills, equipment and connections to succeed in the industry. Find out more at sae.edu.au.
