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, it was distributed by TriCoast Worldwide in California, USA.
In 2016, I followed up with my second Australian feature, The Night Flyers. Shot on a shoestring budget, this horror film stands as a testament to my skills as a director and producer in harnessing limited resources and finances to deliver compelling storytelling. It has recently gained renewed acclaim, including winning Best Horror Film at the 2025 New York International Film Awards (NYIFA). It's the project I'm most eager to remake today, leveraging the latest advanced technologies and equipment.
In late 2024, I wrote, directed, and produced the gripping 30-minute short film Deep Red Water. Once again created on a shoestring budget, it showcases how film technology has advanced and earned the Grand Jury Award for Best Short Film at the 2024 New York International Film Awards (NYIFA). A full shoot budget is now prepared to shoot this film in its entirety, delivering a kick-ass full-length feature.
In early 2024, I completed the first draft of John the Revelator, a compelling feature film project inspired by a true story shared with me, set against the breathtaking and unique landscapes of Kuranda in Far North Queensland. This narrative is brimming with adventure and excitement, featuring the rugged motorcycles of that era—which have long been a personal passion of mine—and richly drawn indigenous characters who embody the spirit and culture of the region. The revised draft was finalised in 2025, with full development wrapping up that same year, paving the way for production in 2026. A dedicated page on this film explores the story in depth, highlighting its real-life roots and the vibrant elements that make it a thrilling tribute to Far North Queensland's heritage.
I look forward to showcasing my talents as a writer, director, and producer, bringing these stories to life in ways that elevate Australian cinema like never before. I'm committed to promoting up-and-coming Australian actors, earning recognition on par with Hollywood's greatest, and delivering authentic storytelling with supreme viewing experiences for audiences worldwide.
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