Brave the Dark

Brave the Dark tells the story of a homeless teen struggling to find his purpose and the courage to confront the darkness of his past. When popular drama teacher, Stan Deen, takes on a troubled kid, Nate, no one quite prepared him for the journey he was undertaking or the dark secrets Nate is hiding.
Photo of lead actor Jared Harris, captured by Joseph Gidjunis
Photo of lead actor Jared Harris and Director Damian Harris, captured by Joseph Gidjunis
Photo of lead actor Nicholas Hamilton, captured by Joseph Gidjunis
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Co-produced by MAKE/FILMS and Inspiring Films, Brave the Dark is an inspirational and shocking true story starring acclaimed actor Jared Harris and rising star Nicholas Hamilton, directed by Damian Harris, and DP’d by Julio Macat, A.S.C.
Stan and Nate
Starring Jared Harris as Stan Deen
From SWAGGER Magazine
Jared Harris is best known for his roles as Layne Price in AMC’s award-winning television series Mad Men, King George VI in the award-winning Netflix series The Crown, and Valery Legasov in HBO’s award-winning miniseries Chernobyl. Harris’ ability to fully inhabit the characters he portrays is the key to his longevity in Hollywood. Harris is starring next as Hari Seldon in the Apple TV+ series Foundation.
2020 British Academy Television Awards Winner for Best Actor, Chernobyl
2019 Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Movie, Chernobyl
2019 Golden Globe Award nominee for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Movie, Chernobyl
2019 SAG Award nominee for Outstanding Actor in a Miniseries or Movie, Chernobyl
2016 Critics’ Choice Awards nominee for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series, The Crown
2012 Emmy Award nominee for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series, Mad Men
Starring Nicholas Hamilton as Nate Williams
From Nicholas Hamilton
Nicholas Hamilton is best known for his roles as Rellian in the critically acclaimed independent feature Captain Fantastic and Henry Bowers box office sensations It and It: Chapter Two. Winning awards for films such as Captain Fantastic and Strangerland, Hamilton has burst onto the scene as a young actor to watch. His intensity and passion make him the perfect choice to portray the teenaged Nate Williams in Brave the Dark.
2017 SAG Award nominee for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture, Captain Fantastic
2017 Young Artist Award nominee for Best Supporting Actor, Captain Fantastic
2013 Tropfest Short Film Award winner for Best Actor, Time
Directed by Damian Harris
British director Damian Harris makes films that explore the depth of human relationships. Harris was drawn to Brave the Dark because it’s an inspirational story about a teacher and student who work to find a way to relate to one another. Harris debuted as a director with the short films Killing Time with Eric Stoltz and Greasy Lake. He then moved to full-length films debuting with The Rachel Papers, the adaptation of the Martin Amis’ novel by the same name. Harris has directed episodes for several TV series and made the 2008 drama Gardens of the Night with John Malkovich. His most recent film is The Wilde Wedding with John Malkovich, Patrick Stewart, and Glenn Close.
DP’d by Julio Macat, A.S.C.
Julio Macat, A.S.C. is an Argentine-American cinematographer known for his work on Home Alone, Wedding Crashers, Pitch Perfect, Horrible Bosses 2, A Walk to Remember, and The Wedding Planner.
Co-Produced by Inspiring Films
Inspiring Films is dedicated to producing feature films, TV programs, and other forms of inspirational programming. With over 50 feature film and TV credits, Inspiring Films’ projects are crafted for theatrical release, network broadcast, or distribution through various media outlets and platforms. Inspiring Films is owned and operated by international producers, whose combined experience totals over 100 years of writing, filmmaking, film financing, and product distribution.
Co-Produced by MAKE/FILMS
MAKE/FILMS is a team of filmmakers producing meaningful content to inspire and motivate. They seek to delight, inspire, and educate audiences — close to home and the heart — on screen. From films to documentaries to commercials, MAKE/ works with businesses and individuals to tell impactful stories that resonate with audiences and deliver results. Together, they make things that make things happen.
GO BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE SET OF BRAVE THE DARK
Brave the Dark wrapped filming in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Photo captured by Joseph Gidjunis
IN THE NEWS
Golden Globes Feature – “Brave the Dark” – Classic Underdog Story Based on Actual Events
‘Brave the Dark’ starring Jared Harris and Nicholas Hamilton wraps up filming
Climactic Scene Shot at Poplar Neck Bridge for Upcoming Film, Brave the Dark
Extras fill McCaskey High School stands for filming of ‘Brave the Dark’
‘Brave the Dark’ based on Garden Spot teacher set to begin filming here in the fall
Jared Harris to lead UK drama ‘Brave The Dark’ for GFM Films (exclusive)
‘It’ star Nicholas Hamilton joins UK drama ‘Brave The Dark’ (exclusive)
‘Chernobyl,’ ‘Mad Men’ star Jared Harris will play PA hero-teacher in ‘Brave the Dark’
‘Chernobyl’ star Jared Harris to film movie in Lancaster County based on true story