Biography
Shari O'Donnell is a Producer and Business Development Executive. Her diverse entertainment portfolio spans Film, Documentary, TV, Theatre, Animation, Live Events, and the Ominverse.
Renowned for her adept negotiation skills, Shari has successfully secured filming incentives and major deal elements for motion pictures worldwide, with a focus on regions including the USA, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Notable achievements include securing finance for over 100 projects through various channels such as private equity, gap funding, incentives, grants, and pre-sales. In 2015, she played a pivotal role in securing Mel Gibson for the Asian motion picture, The Bombing.
Previously serving as Head of Development, Shari spearheaded the greenlighting of numerous award-winning projects for various film houses. As a Producer, she has garnered over 50 accolades, including recognition for "Penance," Ireland's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 2020 Academy Awards. Noteworthy among her projects is "Obama's Irish Roots," a documentary showcasing her expertise in working with historians, uncovering the connection between Barack Obama and his Irish heritage, which contributed to a Presidential visit to Ireland during Obama's re-election campaign.
Shari holds the position of interim Chairman at Oscension Multimedia, an Entertainment, Immersive, and Gaming Company launched in 2024. Through her role, she facilitates upfront Gaming and Filming incentives in Ireland in partnership with the Godland Group. Additionally, she serves as the Chief Development Officer of the Godland Group and sits on the Board of Directors for Womenful Voice.
A frequent contributor to entertainment panels, Shari provides valuable insights to independent filmmakers and documentarians on securing funding and getting projects greenlit. Her academic background includes studies in law and film, complemented by operational experience gained from various roles in the industry. Early in her career, she honed her skills as a theater critic for the UK Theatre Network and other publications.
