ABOUT ME
DANIAL DONÁI
I am Danial Donái, a seasoned professional with over four decades of dynamic expertise as a writer, film director, second unit director, stunt coordinator, and producer in the global motion picture industry. My Hollywood career is marked by thrilling successes, including collaborations with some of the world's biggest stars, such as my close colleagues Arnold Schwarzenegger and George Clooney.
Hailing from Brisbane, Australia, my cinematic adventure kicked off in 1984 in Sydney, where I burst onto the scene as an action actor in Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, starring Mel Gibson and Tina Turner. After four triumphant years in the Australian film industry, I relocated to Los Angeles in 1988, sharpening my skills as an action performer while cultivating my passion for writing, advancing my journey both in front of and behind the camera.
During production on Batman & Robin, Director Joel Schumacher reviewed my debut feature screenplay, Indestructible—a high-octane action story—and applauded my work, inspiring me to pivot from acting to writing and directing my own visionary projects.
My illustrious filmography boasts iconic blockbuster hits such as Mission Impossible, Die Hard 2, Men in Black, The Matrix Reloaded, Gone in Sixty Seconds, and Batman & Robin—and that's just a glimpse of my extensive contributions to Hollywood. Dive into my IMDb profile to explore the full breadth of my acclaimed career.
During this time, I was regularly approached to craft dynamic action scenes that elevated blockbuster storylines with my distinctive storytelling flair—often without public recognition. Yet, many of these sequences have become some of the most memorable and iconic moments in cinema today, even if on a more understated scale.
Supporting Australian Film Production
In 2010, I wrote, directed, and produced my first Australian feature film, Like a Bat Outta Hell. Inspired by my own novel, the film was distributed internationally by TriCoast Worldwide in California, USA.
In 2016, I followed with my second Australian feature, The Night Flyers. Produced on a modest independent budget, the film demonstrated my ability as a writer, director, and producer to deliver compelling storytelling while maximising limited resources. It has since received international recognition, including Best Horror Film at the 2025 New York International Film Awards (NYIFA), and remains a project I look forward to expanding into a full-scale feature production.
In early 2024, I completed the first draft of John the Revelator, an ambitious feature film inspired by a remarkable true story set against the breathtaking landscapes of Kuranda in Far North Queensland. Combining the rich history of the region with 1970s motorcycle culture, Indigenous heritage, and powerful themes of loyalty, brotherhood, and redemption, the screenplay was further developed and finalised in 2025.
To date, I have written six original feature film screenplays, all of which have completed development and are ready to progress into pre-production. Together, they represent a diverse slate spanning action, thriller, horror, and crime genres, each with strong international commercial appeal while showcasing the unique landscapes and stories of Australia.
Today, John the Revelator leads that slate and is now progressing toward production with Producer Tristan Barr of Filmbarr, as we work to secure the remaining finance required to commence principal photography in Far North Queensland.
My vision is to create globally competitive Australian films that showcase our extraordinary locations, champion emerging Australian talent, and deliver authentic, cinematic storytelling that resonates with audiences around the world. Through SilverFox Films, I am committed to building a sustainable film production pipeline in Far North Queensland while producing films capable of standing alongside the very best of international cinema.
Danial onset with Joel Schumacher - Batman & Robin
Danial Donai, Gold Coast
On set with Arnold Schwarzenegger as 'Mr Freeze'
Filming on set for 'The Night Flyers'
Working with Mel Gibson & Tina Turner
One of the 'Blue Light Team' on Die Hard 2