My name is Brendan Barnes, but most people know me as Bugsy.
I'm a South African-born cinematographer currently living in Sydney, Australia. After completing my Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium, I jumped headfirst into the independent film world. My focus has always been long-form narrative, and to date, I’ve shot thirteen feature films along with a range of episodic television shows. I also love working on high-end commercials, music videos, and short films.
I’m a fully accredited member of both the South African Society of Cinematographers (SASC) and the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS).
Recent career highlights include an ongoing collaboration with director MJ Bassett (The Terminal List, Reacher, Altered Carbon), having shot three of her features: Rogue (starring Megan Fox), Endangered Species (starring Rebecca Romijn), and the recently completed reboot of Red Sonja, where I served as Second Unit Director of Photography.
My work has been recognised with several awards, including a Gold Tripod from the Australian Cinematographers Society for Feature Films under $2 million, as well as a bunch of Gold and Silver ACS NSW awards for corporate branding and international commercials. I was also selected for the American Society of Cinematographers’ Vision Mentorship Program.
Please have a look at my portfolio and feel free to reach out!
Awards:
• ACS National Gold Tripod Winner - Feature Films under $2 mil - 2021
• ACS NSW Gold Award - Corporate Branding and Advertising - 2022
• ACS NSW Silver Award - Commercials National / International - 2022
• ACS NSW Gold Award - Feature Films under $2 mil - 2021
• The One Show Finalist - Moving Image - Craft Cinematography - 2020
• Gold Craft Pendoring - 2019 'The Prayer'
• Best Cinematography - 2018 South African Film and Television Awards (Feature Film Nominee)
• Best Cinematography - 2016 South African Film and Television Awards (Winner TV Comedy)
• SASC (South African Society of Cinematographers) Silver Visible Spectrum Award - 2015
• Best Cinematography - 2014 Independent Mzanzi Short Film Festival 'Security'
• Best Fantasy Short - 2011 New York International Film Festival
• Best Cinematographer - 2011 Kodak Film School Competition (Worldwide Winner)