Skip to main content

BrendanDonovan

  • Director
  • Writer
Brendan_Donovan_-_Key_Profile.jpg

Brendan Donovan’s first short film Here (2001), made during eight years living in the United States, starred Six Million Dollar Man star Lee Majors as an aging hitman. After returning home Donovan pursued dramatic work, helping create a distinctive look for acclaimed ensemble series Insiders Guide to Happiness. He went on to win Qantas Awards for prequel show Insiders Guide to Love and quake drama Aftershock, then directed his first feature, 2010 family drama The Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell. Donovan lectures in drama directing at Auckland University, and continues to helm a range of projects, including commercials and short films.

Screenography

2023 Writer Film
Billion Dollar Heist
2023 Director of Recreations, Writer Film
Penumbral
2019 Director, Writer Short film
2018 Executive Producer Short film
No Shame
2018 Director, Writer Short film

Awards

2018 New Zealand International Film Festival
Nominated for Best New Zealand Short Film: No Shame

2009 Qantas Film and Television Awards (New Zealand)
Best Director - Drama/Comedy: for Aftershock

“I would love to do a third series and always will. It's a programme that is dear to my heart.”

Brendan Donovan on the Insiders Guide series