Brendan Black

I’m a Melbourne-based filmmakerwriter, playwrightcopywriter and composer.

I am the co-editor of I’m Not a Film Star: David Bowie as Actor, released in hardcover in August 2022 by Bloomsbury Academic. The paperback will be released on February 22nd 2024 and is now available for preorder.

My first play, Trotsky and Friends, premiered at the 2016 Melbourne International Comedy Festival and was performed again at the 2017 Comedy Festival. My second play, The Business of God, premiered in April at the 2021 Melbourne International Comedy Festival at La Mama Theatre. My third play, Empathy Training, premiered at the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with each session sold out. My newest play, The Philosophy of Murder, premiered at the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

I have written, produced and directed 8 short films.

I write for various lifestyle magazines on topics such as wine, food, art and travel, and have been featured in magazines and journals such as HallidayNational Liquor Newswinepilot.com, Gourmet Traveller Wine, Grapegrower and Winemaker, and Senses of Cinema.  I also work as a proofreader/editor, as well as a videographer and copywriter.

If you’re looking to collaborate on a project, for a quote for proofreading/editing/copywriting work, or for anything else, please contact me.


‘I’m Not a Film Star: David Bowie as Actor’

PAPERBACK AVAILABLE FEB 22 2024

My co-edited book with Ian Dixon on the films of David Bowie, ‘I’m Not a Film Star: David Bowie as Actor’, is now available from Bloomsbury Academic. The book explores Bowie’s roles in films such as The Man Who Fell to Earth, Christiane F., Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Labyrinth, The Last Temptation of Christ, and The Prestige.

PAPERBACK NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER

Buy from Bloomsbury (AU)
Buy from Bloomsbury (UK)
Buy from Bloomsbury (US)
Buy from Booktopia (hardcover)
Buy from Booktopia (paperback)
Buy from Readings (hardcover)
Buy from Readings (paperback)
Buy from Amazon AU


LATEST NEWS

Sunbury wineries – 31 Oct 2023

In October 2023 I did a tour of the best wineries in Victoria’s Sunbury region, visiting Lakey Farm, Witchmount Estate, Marnong Estate, and Craiglee. You can read about my tour on the Halliday Wine Companion website (for members only).


48 Hours in the Yarra Valley – 31 May 2023

In Dec 2022 my piece ’48 Hours in the Yarra Valley’ was published  in the Halliday magazine and appeared online in Mat 2023. You can read about my tour on the Halliday Wine Companion website (for members only).


72 Hours in Coonawarra

In 2022 I took a trip to the South Australian wine region of Coonawarra, as a guest of SA Tourism. You can read about my trip on WinePilot.


The Philosophy of Murder, Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2023

‘Mick, a young tradie, accidentally kills a client during an argument. Unable to deal with his actions, he seeks out his brother Shane, an outlaw biker and amateur philosopher, who enlists Kev, a friend and local drug dealer, to remove some incriminating evidence from the scene. When Kev realises he is now implicated in a murder, he freaks out. Shane assaults him and ties him up, discussing the philosophical reasons for why Kev should be their scapegoat. Needing to cover up one killing and on the verge of committing another, Mick and Shane work their way towards freedom, experiencing many complications and coming to learn much about themselves – and each other.’

MICF, April 11-23, La Mama courthouse