David Gilna signs contract with World Picture Films to have play ‘The Gift of Lightning’ turned into a feature film

Young Dublin Irish Playwright, David Gilna has been given the chance of a lifetime by signing a contract with World Picture Films in London to have his play The Gift of Lightning turned into a feature film. What is even more fascinating about this story is that David’s play is not fictional but the play is entirely based on his own experience having been struck by lightning while on a J1 visa to Boston in 2004. ‘I am so proud of being Irish and am very excited that my play will be turned into a movie,’ says David Gilna

While most people would not survive let alone recover from such an ordeal, as part of his rehabilitation David took to writing how the experience was affecting him. This led to the creation of the black comedy “The Gift of Lightning”. This was first staged in the New Theatre in Temple Bar, Dublin and the Axis Theatre in Ballymun and then David took off to London. He received his first break on the London scene from Gerald Armin of the Waterloo East Theatre who asked if he would put his play on for the Irish season in London. The play was a roaring success in London and this led to Jon Thompson of World Picture films sitting in the theatre one night. He asked for an introduction to the playwright. David was introduced to Jon’s business partner Dimitri Jagger and discussions began with World Picture Films. Ossie Kilkenny has advised David during contract negotiations, the contracts have now been signed to turn the play the Gift of Lightning into a feature film.

Originally from Swords, Co. Dublin David is based in London for the last year and a half. Back home David is known for his short film My happiness, Working with Lane Productions, Mind the Gap Films, The Olympia, The Axis Theatre, Dublin City Theatre, RTE’s Fair City, RTE’s Aishlings Diary and NPAS. In 2010 David was voted as rising Irish Playwright by Irish Tatler Magazine.