He joined CUSO, a Canadian humanitarian group in his twenties and later got involved with other charitable organizations such as Oxfam.
After returning to Canada Brandis began working in multiple films as a gaffer, cinematographer, and on lighting and special effects.
[2] Brandis would later state that his experience working with charitable organizations made it easier to create these items.
[3] During the 70s Brandis and his wife, Suzanna, were the subjects of the documentary film The Salvage Prince, which focused on their efforts to restore a historic tugboat.
[4] To alleviate their burden Brandis contacted Dr. Tim Williams of UGA, who informed him of a Bulgarian peanut shelling design.