BRENNAN CUSACK
Journalist | Producer | Writer
I am an Emmy-winning political journalist with experience directing and producing documentaries for VICE, The New York Times, Showtime and National Geographic Channel.
I cut my teeth on print reporting while based in Cairo and Istanbul. After returning to focus on domestic politics, I moved to Washington D.C. in March 2020 just in time for... well, you remember. My team's election coverage received that year's Emmy for Outstanding Newscast. Off the campaign trail, my investigative work received the Emmy for Outstanding Longform Hard News Story.
I've traded the fluorescents of the Capitol Pressroom for sunburn in Hollywood as I pursue my MFA in screenwriting at USC. As an Annenberg Fellow and Harmon Fellow, I work with undergraduates creating media meant to disrupt the online recruitment pipeline to the extremist groups I covered as a journalist.
I grew up between the California coast and Minnesota’s Iron Range. However, I am not a skilled surfer or fisherman. My personal skills include: dominating the Settlers of Catan board, gardening and swearing in Italian.
Based in Los Angeles
For work inquiries please contact:
FROM THE FIELD
"Talk Radio Nation" | Director & Producer | VICE
A four-part documentary series on how conservative talk radio changed American politics and shaped our current media environment.
"The Big Squeeze" | Producer | VICE
A feature documentary investigating the economic levers behind the Game Stop stock squeeze.
"The Brink" | Producer | VICE on Showtime
A news-making interview with Secretary of Defense Chris Miller in the aftermath of January 6th.
"VICE NEWS TONIGHT" | Producer & Investigator | VICE
Coverage of presidential campaign, BLM protests and COVID crisis.
"The Weekly" | Associate Producer | The New York Times & Showtime
A weekly half-hour documentary series by The New York Times.
"Uncensored" | Associate Producer | National Geographic Channel
A limited series following war correspondent Michael Ware.
RECENT WORK
MY WRITING
Non-fiction:
Print bylines for The New York Times, VICE, The Economist, Forbes and AmCham's Business Monthly
Fiction:
I am a published short story writer currently pursuing my MFA at USC's John Wells Division of Writing for Screen and Television. Inspired by my work in the field, I write about the new American identity.
To read a sample of my original feature, TV or narrative podcast work, please reach out to brennancusack@gmail.com