Peer Review: Stuart McIntyre

What was your journey to becoming a director? 

I started my path as an editor in Toronto, co-founding and running an editorial company. But then life took an unexpected turn: my kidneys failed, and I was forced into two long years on dialysis—it felt like an eternity. After those years, my brother stepped in and donated his kidney, changing everything in an instant. It was the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. I realised I had to make a change. So, with no plan B and no safety net, I walked away from the security I’d built to take a shot at directing.

It was a long haul, scraping by, but after years of pushing, I got the chance of a lifetime: a project for Louis Vuitton

The road from there was… a lot harder and slower than I’d imagined. I took on just about anything I could—kids’ shows, corporate videos, reality TV—whatever came my way, while still freelancing as an editor. Every spare dollar went into personal projects, where a few friends and I would shoot ads for local shops, fashion pieces, and skate films. It was a long haul, scraping by, but after years of pushing, I got the chance of a lifetime: a project for Louis Vuitton—a tribute to Muhammad Ali, starring Yasiin Bey. I still don’t know how I landed it, but it changed everything.

Above: Stuart McIntyre

What do you like most about the work that you do? 

It’s definitely the people. The experiences and connections I’ve had with so many unique individuals have added so much richness to my life and work. I’ve been lucky enough to travel all over, working with people from all walks of life, each bringing their own stories, perspectives, and talents. It’s shaped how I see things as a filmmaker in a big way. These connections are a constant source of inspiration, always pushing me to grow and evolve in my craft.

Having someone you trust to share the weight—someone who listens, understands, and brings their own unique perspective—is invaluable.

What is one thing every director needs? 

A great collaborator. Directing can be lonely, with every decision ultimately resting on you. Having someone you trust to share the weight—someone who listens, understands, and brings their own unique perspective—is invaluable. For me, that kind of collaborator brings clarity when things get chaotic and gives you that needed boost when inevitable self-doubt creeps in. 

Who are three contemporaries that you admire?

Aoife McArdle – Her work constantly inspires me, especially the way she brings so much depth to small, quiet moments. Take Samsung's Feel More, where a woman just stares into a store window—it’s understated but filled with this intensity that’s hard to shake. McArdle has this unmatched skill with subtle details; she knows exactly how to evoke emotion and meaning without ever going overboard. Every time I watch her work, I’m reminded of how powerful nuance can be and how much depth there is in simplicity. She has a way of making the ordinary feel extraordinary, which makes her work unforgettable.

Niclas Larsson – His WhatsApp One spot is a piece of filmmaking I return to whenever I need inspiration. It’s not just well-made; it’s a masterclass in craft. Every shot, every cut, and every element feels purpose-driven, creating a seamless piece of storytelling that engages at every level. Watching it, you sense the skill and vision behind each decision, and it’s easily the best example of craftwork I’ve seen in years. Larsson understands how to take a simple idea and elevate it to something exceptional, and that ability is what makes his work so inspiring.

Gabriel Moses – I’ve admired his work for a while now, but his recent project for Cactus Jack with YE just hit me with the sheer power of his vision. His work has this raw, visceral quality that grabs you; it’s dynamic, intense, vulnerable, and deeply atmospheric all at once. There’s an authenticity to his style that you can almost feel—it goes beyond the visuals and hits you on a gut level. Moses brings such a unique, fearless approach that’s rare and honestly thrilling to watch. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when you go all-in on a bold, personal vision.

Please share 3-4 pieces of work that exemplify great directing. 

Great directing isn’t really about genre or style; it’s about creating a world so vivid and immersive that it pulls you right into the story, no matter the medium. It’s the director’s vision that makes every little detail—lighting, composition, sound, movement—serve the story’s authenticity and emotional pull. The best directors know how to make each element feel purposeful yet effortless, so you’re fully absorbed and forget you’re even watching. 

Great directing isn’t really about genre or style; it’s about creating a world so vivid and immersive that it pulls you right into the story

A few films that have stayed with me over the years, influenced my work, and transported me into their worlds are; BMW Films: The Follow, Levi’s Ready To Work, Vans Syndicate x Luke Meier, Sony Playstation Double Life, and Guy Maddin Heart of the World. 

What is the most valuable skill you’ve learned in your career, and why? 

Persistence. I really believe that persistence will take you further than talent. It’s what fuels your passion, drive, and belief, helping you push through the inevitable challenges and rejections while keeping your focus on the end goal. In a field where setbacks are just part of the journey, persistence is what keeps you moving forward, no matter what. 

Who was the greatest filmmaker of all time? Why? 

It’s an impossible question. My favourite director changes often because so many extraordinary filmmakers inspire me, but right now, I feel a deep connection to John Cassavetes. The power of his work lies in his revolutionary approach to filmmaking, which helped shape the rise of independent cinema in America. He rejected Hollywood’s polished formulas, fearlessly diving into the complexities of human relationships with unrelenting honesty. 

His improvisational style makes his stories feel like real life unfolding, with characters so deeply human that they linger with you long after the film ends.

By embracing imperfection, he created raw, unpolished films that feel alive and true. His improvisational style makes his stories feel like real life unfolding, with characters so deeply human that they linger with you long after the film ends. His work left an indelible mark on cinema and continues to inspire me, reminding me of the beauty and power of unfiltered storytelling.

Did you have a mentor? Who was it? 

I never really had a mentor or another filmmaker I could turn to for advice. Instead, I had my wife, Stephanie Pigott, a Partner & Senior Music Producer at Walker. Our journey pretty much started at the same time as my path as a director, and she quickly became my compass and sounding board. We’d stay up late talking through ideas, she’d “help” me write treatments, and we’d analyse edits together. Her knowledge, insight, and unwavering support have become such a big part of my career—she’s been there guiding me every step of the way