Blackthorn films was founded by industry talents Jamie Dornan and Conor MacNeill. Our mission is to bring distinctive stories to life over various genres, with a particular lens on projects from the island of Ireland and beyond that have a true global reach. The company’s aim is to produce work that flips the lens and presents fresh narratives.

Our Team

Jamie Dornan

Co-CEO & Founder

Jamie Dornan is one of the most in-demand actors of his generation. He gained critical acclaim for his performance in THE FALL, which netted him an Irish Film and Television Award for Best Actor and a BAFTA TV Award nomination. Jamie also starred in BBCs THE TOURIST which became the most watched UK/Irish drama in 2022 and secured the No.1 spot on Netflix USA. He also played the titular tole of Christian Grey in the 50 SHADES OF GREY franchise which made $1.4billion at the box office globally.
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His supporting turn in Kenneth Branagh’s BELFAST earned him Golden Globe, SAG, Critics Choice and IFTA nominations. Other film credits include A PRIVATE WAR, ANTHROPOID and BARB AND STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR.

Jamie will next be seen with Anthony Mackie in 12 12 12, a limited series at Apple TV+, which he executive-produced. He’ll also serve as an Executive Producer and portray twin brothers in the upcoming Netflix crime noir series THE UNDERTOW. Both due for release in 2026.

Conor MacNeill

Co-CEO & Founder

Conor MacNeill is an actor & writer, best known for HBO’s INDUSTRY and OUTLANDER: BLOOD OF MY BLOOD for STARZ. As a writer Conor has been nominated for a BAFTA film award for his short film THE PARTY. He has several projects in development, including his debut feature and LOYAL co-written with Jamie Dornan.

He appeared on both West End and Broadway in Martin McDonagh’s THE CRIPPLE OF INISHMAAN and THE FERRYMAN directed by Sam Mendes. Other notable screen roles include IN THE LAND OF SAINTS & SINNERS, Season 2 of THE TOURIST and THE SIXTH COMMANDMENT for the BBC. He has also appeared in DERRY GIRLS, BRING THEM DOWN, THE SEIGE OF JADOTVILLE & KING FRANKIE.

He will next be seen in HOW TO GET TO HEAVEN FROM BELFAST for Netflix and is currently filming season two of OUTLANDER: BLOOD OF MY BLOOD.

Shauna Shivers-McAtamney

Producer

Shauna joined BlackThorn Films from Element Pictures, where she worked across their film and television slate. She served as a script editor on the BBC-Hulu adaptation of Sally Rooney’s CONVERSATIONS WITH FRIENDS and the BAFTA-nominated dramedy THE DRY.

Recent credits include the forthcoming TRESPASSES with Gillian Anderson at Channel 4. Before stepping into the world of television, Shivers-McAtamney worked extensively in film production (short and feature films) and is also an alum of the British Film Institute’s Insight program, highlighting emerging producers.