Neil Breen

Breen's works have garnered a cult following as "so bad it's good" films, often being singled out for their poor acting (notably from Breen), bizarre story and dialogue, offbeat editing and low-budget production values; his stories are typically psychological thrillers or science fiction with strong social commentary depicting lonely, tragic heroes in grandiose struggles against corrupt institutions. He has been compared to Tommy Wiseau.

• Name — Neil Breen • Birthplace — United States • Occupation — * Filmmaker • Actor • Architect • Known for — * Fateful Findings (2012) • Twisted Pair (2018) • Cade: The Tortured Crossing (2023)

Breen grew up on the East Coast of the United States and developed an interest in film and filmmaking at an early age. He studied architecture and initially became a licensed architect in California. He gained a small following after releasing his first film, Double Down, which played at the Cinefamily cinematheque in Los Angeles in 2010. In the years that followed, Breen continued working as an architect as a means to finance his next film: I Am Here.... Now, which also played at the Cinefamily in 2011. Since then, he has established a reputation as a cult amateur filmmaker. He has claimed to have recruited his cast from Craigslist ads.

• Year — Title — Director — Writer — Producer — Editor — Musical Director — DOP Director of photography — Actor — Role — Notes • 2005 — Double Down — Aaron Brand — Also casting, production designer, production manager, and catering • 2009 — I Am Here.... Now — The Being — Also craft service, special makeup effects artist, and props • 2012 — Fateful Findings — Dylan — Also accountant, craft service, special make-up effects, location manager, production designer, sound editor, lighting design, wardrobe and set decorator • 2016 — Pass Thru — A.I / Thgil — Also production designer and manager, casting, set design, wardrobe, props, lighting designs, special make-up effects, locations, administration and accounting, craft services, makeup and hair and sound editor • 2018 — Twisted Pair — Cade Altair / Cale Altair — Also casting, make-up and hair, production manager, set designer, wardrobe, props, lighting design, special effects, stunt coordinator, aerial rigging, special makeup effects, legal accounting administration, craft services, locations, and sound editor • 2020 — Neil Breen 5 Feature Film Retrospective — Uncredited — Uncredited — Uncredited — Himself — Documentary about the making of his 5 first films Also uncredited sound editor and camera operator • 2023 — Cade: The Tortured Crossing — Cade Altair / Cale Altair — Also casting, make-up and hair, production manager, set designer, wardrobe, props, lighting design, special effects, stunt coordinator, aerial rigging, special makeup effects, legal accounting administration, craft services, locations, and sound editor • 2026 — Dire Duplicity — Heath — TBA

• Year — Award — Category — Title — Result — Ref • 2023 — Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival — People's Choice Award — Cade: The Tortured Crossing • Best Fantasy Film