Film Construction signs billion-views director

AUCKLAND, Wednesday: Film Construction has signed global director Brendan Canty – currently part Smuggler New York and Antidote Films Ireland – to its roster for Asia Pacific.

Exec producer Belinda Bradley said: “Brendan’s pretty much got the world at his feet.

“He found early success with his music video for Hozier’s Take Me To Church (which has surpassed 1 billion views cumulatively on YouTube), along with two MTV/VMA nominations.

“Since then Brendan has worked his way to being one of the most exciting and prolific Irish directors to watch.

“He’s delivered a mix of styles from visually stunning music videos for famed international artists including Dermot Kennedy, Saint Sister and Talos. And Commercial work for brands such as Budweiser and Failte Ireland. And two critically acclaimed short films.

“Canty is fresh from an Auckland quarantine hotel, and aims to explore NZ with Kiwi partner, director Ayla Amano.”

“In 2017 his IFTA-nominated debut short For You, starring Barry Keoghan, took out a Kinsale Shark and a Vimeo Staff Pick. And in 2019 Brendan’s second short film Christy premiered to rave reviews.

It caught the attention of BBC Film, who are currently in development with Brendan on a feature-length version. Production is slated for mid-2022 in Ireland.

Canty said: “I think it’s being able to capture small moments with a big heart or a feeling that resonates.”

He and Film Construction met in the Autumn of 2021 – Canty fresh from an Auckland quarantine hotel here to explore NZ with Kiwi partner, director Ayla Amano. Conveniently, they sidestepped a hot Covid mess in Ireland.

Having spent a few months sampling Kiwi freedoms, and presently a NZ lockdown, Canty says he’s “more than ready to get rolling on some projects downunder”.

Ayla too!
Ayla Amano has also signed on to the Film Consruction roster. The couple plan to split their time living and working between New Zealand and Ireland.

• See Canty’s work here: filmconstruction.com/brendan-canty