The Voice of David: Brandon Engman '13

From the Eastside Catholic stage to the big screen, alumnus Brandon Engman '13 is building a career in film and television. In this Q&A, he reflects on voicing Young David in the upcoming animated musical David, working alongside George Clooney, and how his time at EC helped inspire his journey into the arts.

Reprinted from EC Magazine, Summer 2026

---

Tell us about your role in “David” and what drew you to it.

My journey with playing Young David in the “David” movie started in 2017. I just graduated from NYU and received my first-ever voiceover audition for a project called “David.” They described the movie as a mix between “The Prince of Egypt” and “Tangled.” First, I was just excited that the movie was being made. David has always been a figure I’ve looked up to. I was always the smallest guy in class and on the sports field. Second, I was just excited I got an audition! I had zero expectations. All I wanted was to do a good job and impress my new agents so that they would send me more auditions.

About a month later, I found out I got a callback, and following the callback I got a call that I booked the movie. I couldn’t believe it. Little did I know the long adventure ahead of me. From when I started working on the movie to the premiere in December 2026, it was over 8 years. We started with a 5-minute demo to raise money for the feature, then a short series called “Young David,” and finally the film, “David.”

I love animation and musicals, so getting to be in an animated movie musical about one of my heroes is an honor of a lifetime. I also learned a lot along the way. Sometimes things don’t happen when you think or want to in life, but as long as you keep working at it, you can make it happen! 

 

 

What has been one of the most exciting or meaningful moments in your career so far?

It definitely has to be working with George Clooney. In 2023, I auditioned for a secret commercial. For some of the bigger commercials, they don’t tell you what the product is or who you are going to be working with. So, I auditioned for this “mystery” commercial and, about a week later, I got a call from my agent that I booked it. I was like, “Oh. Yay, that’s cool. What’s it for?” She then said, “Nespresso. And you are working with George Clooney.” I was speechless.

The day before the shoot, I got zero sleep. I was so nervous. I couldn’t believe I was going to be on set with George Clooney. They say, “Don’t meet your heroes,” but when I showed up to set, George was everything you ever hoped for. He was incredibly kind. He asked me questions about my life. He treated me as an equal actor on set. It was very cool. After we finished our scene, he walked up to me, shook my hand, and said, “Great working with you. Good luck. Good luck!”

What’s it like working on large-scale productions?

I’ve been fortunate to work on some big sets, shows like “Law & Order: SVU” and “High Potential.” Most people don’t realize how complicated a film set can be. So many moving parts. So many people. You are always racing against the clock yet need to make sure you capture the footage you need to tell the story. I’ve been on sets where you go through 11 pages of script a day (which is a lot for film), or only two pages because of how technically complicated the scene is. For instance, when I was on “Law & Order,” we filmed a car sequence for hours through the night. I think we eventually wrapped around 3 a.m. The sequence probably would have lasted maybe 15 seconds of screen time, but in the end, they cut the scene because it didn’t work… All that work for nothing. They call it, “movie magic,” but it’s really true. Sometimes it’s a miracle when a film or TV show works.

I’m incredibly grateful for the EC Drama program. Without it, I wouldn’t have pursued my passion for the arts.

What first sparked your interest in film and television?

My mom’s side of the family is very creative. I have a lot of artists in the family, but my true inspiration is my Aunt Mary Ann. My aunt was a Broadway dancer who performed in over 10 Broadway shows. 

Whenever I talk to professional dancers and they find out who my aunt is, they always say, “Mary Ann’s a legend!” She truly is. Seeing her do it made me realize that I could too.

How do you prepare for a new role?

There is a lot of prep work before I start memorizing the lines. If I’m joining a TV show that is already on the air, the first step is watching some episodes. Understanding the world and how my character fits in it. After that, I build the character. I create a “backstory” for them and try to make their life as specific as my own. If I’m able to create a 3-dimensional character, then learning the lines usually isn’t too difficult because I know the character and I can just live in them.

How did Eastside Catholic help shape your path into the arts industry?

I remember in my senior year of high school, I didn’t fully know what I wanted to study in college or pursue in life. Do I continue pursuing the arts, which at the time, I thought was a “risky” career?

The drama program helped me make my decision. In the spring, I was in my last school musical, “Children of Eden.” Being around that group of artistic friends and performing on stage made me realize I didn’t want to give up on my dream.

The artistic community is small, and we all help each other along the way.

Who or what at EC influenced your creative interests?

I always loved the art classes. I have to shout out Art Teacher Ms. McDermott. I loved doing pottery and glass fusing. I took a pottery class in LA not too long ago and was surprised I still remembered some skills from high school. Also, of course, I also have to shout out the Drama Department at EC and Leslie Spero and Matt Knott. I’m incredibly grateful for the EC Drama program. Without it, I wouldn’t have pursued my passion for the arts.

What advice do you have for students interested in the arts?

You can do it. Don’t let your self-doubt tell you you can’t. One thing that can be intimidating about a career in the arts is that there is no right path to take. But that can also be liberating. Know that a career in the arts is a long and rewarding journey. There is time to get where you want, and it doesn’t always happen on the timeline you think it will.

Also, remember to surround yourself with people who inspire you and make you a better person. The artistic community is small, and we all help each other along the way.

What inspires you to continue in your work today?

Going to shows, watching movies, cooking and traveling. My wife, Sarah (Lewis) Engman (Class of 2013), and I are slowly working through the American Film Institute’s Top 100 Movies of All Time. That’s been fun. It’s a great education and inspiring to watch movies that have influenced so many others.

At NYU, we were taught that being a student of the world is just as important as working on your craft. I try to be inspired by whatever I find around me.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Sarah and I just welcomed our first child into the world, so that is keeping us pretty busy! It’s amazing seeing him grow and discover new things. Having a child changes your perspective on the world and reminds you of what is important in life. 

He inspires me and motivates me to continue pursuing my dreams. I hope to show him that with hard work and dedication; he can do anything he puts his mind to!

---

Read about Brandon's journey and other Eastside Catholic alumni stories in the EC Magazine Summer 2026 issue.