John McDonnell

John McDonnell is one of Ireland’s most experienced producers.  In 2000 he founded the OSCAR™ winning production company Fantastic Films, which he runs with Brendan McCarthy. John’s principal role is to oversee all aspects of production, post-production as well as the day to day running of Fantastic Films.

Since the company’s inception, John has produced and collaborated on a variety of film projects and has received over 50 international awards, including an OSCAR™ for Best Live Action Short in 2006 for Six Shooter (2004, Martin McDonagh).

As well as producing for Fantastic Films John has also recently produced: Zonad for Element Pictures, Ireland directed by John Carney (Once); Pelican Blood for Ecosse Films, UK directed by Karl Golden (The Honeymooners) and co-produced The Tiger’s Tail for Merlin directed by John Boorman, 2006 (Excalibur, Deliverance & Hope and Glory).

In 2006 John was nominated as Irish “Producer on the Move” in Cannes. John is an active participant in the ACE Producers Network and a founding member of the Irish Film and Television Academy.

In addition to receiving his Hons MA in Screenwriting from Dun Laoghaire College of Art, Design & Technology (DLIADT) in 2008, John has recently designed courses for FAS/ Screen Training Ireland and lectured in Film at Trinity College, Dublin and DLIADT, Dublin. He is a regular juror for the Irish Film & Television Awards.