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Today we’d like to introduce you to David O’Donnell.
Hi David, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Sydney, mainly at a beach town called Maroubra. I didn’t really know a single filmmaker, writer, or artist of any type. My dad was a cleaner; my mum was a nurse. They worked to keep a roof overhead and food in the cupboard. Maroubra was notorious at the time for its violence and crime, kind of like Venice in the 80s. But there was a tight community of surfers there that really looked out for each other. It was my first exposure to the power of community. That period delivered some core life lessons I carry with me to this day – as well as some demons to be exorcised.
After that wild teenage upbringing, I felt I had stories to tell. I was interested in people. I went off to drama school (West Australian Academy of Performing Arts) and though a culture shock, I began to realize my odd combination of experiences, disposition, and empathy could be a positive. Simultaneously, that theatrical grounding further pushed understanding of the possibilities of storytelling and precipitated unusual amalgamations in my ultimate career as a filmmaker.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being an artist of any type is typically not smooth. And it certainly hasn’t been for me. You make sacrifices, and there are far easier lifestyle choices you could make. You do see a lot of folks from privileged backgrounds in film – because they can. Though I’ve made films across genres, I have always had the goal to bring stories from the streets to the screen.
I remember watching Harmony Korinne’s ‘Kids’ when I was young and thinking… ‘Wow, film can speak to me. You can make films that are that real’.
Financially, in relationships and across virtually every other life metric, there are easier paths. But I love the art form. When I see a shot in a film I like I’ll sometimes watch it ten times over. It’s interesting to find a way to reveal life’s hidden multitudes. In rare cases, cinema is done well; it is a wonderful window to the human soul.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My first feature film UNDER MY SKIN came out in June and is available across most platforms – Apple, Amazon, etc. It stars Liv Hewson (Yellowjackets), Alex Russell (Chronicle), Bobbi Salvör Menuez (Euphoria), Alexis Denisof (Buffy), Lex Ryan (The L Word) and Kylo Freeman (The Night Agent). It’s an indie drama, a love story about how relationships can evolve. One of the partners starts exploring gender, comes out, and tensions ensue. The lead character is played by four different actors. It was nominated for an Australian Director’s Guild Award and an Australian Academy Award (AACTA).
We shot Under My Skin in 15 days and completed it in the pandemic on a shoestring. It’s the perfect example of a talented team coming together to make a compelling story despite any and all challenges. I think there’s something in this story for everyone. It was loosely inspired by my ex coming out about a decade ago. We produced the film together, which was fulfilling.
My next film will be a gritty surf crime drama, which might seem a big shift. But ultimately, I look to find the humanity in any story. It will be somewhat of a return to roots.
Ultimately, what sets me apart are my unusual combination of life experiences. What seems like an unbearable trial can result in new perspectives.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Meaning is important. To be open to it and listen for it. Those subtle lessons and thoughts can be important. Getting older is probably about becoming less reactive and less didactic.
Contact Info:
- Website: davidodonnellfilm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidodonnell99/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidodonnell99
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@davidodonnellfilm
- Other: amzn.to/449qkw7
Image Credits
Image 1 by Marlon De Silva (personal photo) Image 2 by Sarah Jane McAllan Image 3 by Marlon De Silva Image 4-9 Courtesy of Five Lip Films