A ‘gripping’ tale... Tyrone man on his behind-the-scenes role in Gladiator II

Ulster University graduate lands job on top movie

A COOKSTOWN man who has been rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood’s biggest names said working on upcoming action film Gladiator II was a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.

Ulster University graduate Donavan Gallagher (37) headed to Malta and Morocco last year to work on the highly-anticipated sequel to Sir Ridley Scott’s Oscar-winning historical epic, where he served as a grip on the camera crew.

The film, set decades after the first movie which catapulted Russell Crowe to worldwide fame, stars Irish actor and Normal People star Paul Mescal as the lead.

Other top names featured include Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Connie Nielsen.

“Working on Gladiator II was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Donavan who earned a media studies degree from Ulster University in 2009.

“The scope and spectacle of this film was truly awe-inspiring and it’s something I will never forget,” he added.

His role involved setting up essential camera equipment, a job that requires technical skill and physical endurance.

Working with Oscar winners on the film proved to be a full circle moment for Donavan who struggled to find direction in the recession-hit job market after he graduated.

He spent time working at a video rental shop and a bar at Belfast City Airport, before discovering a trainee scheme with Northern Ireland Screen.

In 2014, this opportunity led him to Game of Thrones, where he first came across the grip profession.

“I had never heard of a grip before, but I researched it and decided that’s what I really wanted to do,” he explained.

Since then, he has built an impressive resume, contributing to The Northman, Overlord, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Line of Duty, Succession and Blue Lights.

Donavan is now giving back to the industry and scheme by sharing his expertise with young aspiring filmmakers through Into Film’s Screenworks programme.

Funded by Northern Ireland Screen, the initiative provides people aged 14-19 with hands-on experience and insights into various screen industry roles.

During his session, Donavan introduced participants to the intricacies of his work, including setting up camera equipment and the physical demands of the job.

Sean Boyle, Screenworks lead, emphasised the importance of such interactions.

“The key to our programmes is getting access for the young people to industry experts like Donavan with his wealth of experience and love of the industry,” he said.

“It’s important to us to highlight all the jobs within the screen industries and the grip department is often overlooked as a career option.”

Donavan underscored the value of networking and collaboration within the industry.

He said: “There’s a fantastic camaraderie among the people who work in the screen industry in Northern Ireland and we all help each other.

“In fact, it was through a colleague that I was asked to work on Gladiator II.”

He also encouraged young people to seize opportunities like those offered by Screenworks.

Gladiator II is set to hit UK and Ireland cinemas in November