Smith & Nasht

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Smith & Nasht is an Australian media production company formed by serial entrepreneur Dick Smith and filmmaker Simon Nasht. The company was established in 2010 and has specialised in "global issue" films. As of 2019, topics have included energy, climate change, science, natural history, over-population and cybercrime. Smith&Nasht's first film – I Can Change Your Mind About Climate – aired on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television in 2012 and was followed by a high rating episode of the TV discussion show, Q&A. [1]

Contents

Co-founder Dick Smith retired from the company in 2013 and no longer has any shareholding or management role.

Simon Nasht

Nasht is a film producer and former journalist. Honours garnered by his work include a Prix Jules Verne for international history film of the year in 2002, a Logie and Australian Writer's Guild and Director's Guild awards. In 2009, he received a shared Eureka Prize for Science Journalism. Nasht has written and directed some of the highest rated documentaries for the year for the ABC, including a film about the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Dick Smith’s Population Puzzle. The hour-long Q&A talk show panel that followed the latter was the highest rating show of its kind on Australian television, according to the ABC. [1] Nasht's films have raised the profile of several Australians, including photographer Frank Hurley in The Man Who Made History , Tasmanian Devil, which focused respectively on Hurley and actor Errol Flynn and Voyage of the Nautilus, which focused on Sir Hubert Wilkins about whom Nasht also authored two books: The Last Explorer and No More Beyond. [2]

In 2014, Nasht criticised Government cuts to documentary funding through Screen Australia stating:,"Documentary has been hit with a totally unjustified cut of more than $2 million while feature film remains a protected species mired in failure." [3]

Howard on Menzies (2016)

In March 2015, Nasht announced he would work with Stuart Menzies (the former head of ABC TV Content and Creative Development) [4] and former Prime Minister John Howard on a two part series for ABC TV entitled Howard on Menzies: The Making of Modern Australia. [5] Stuart Menzies brought the concept to Nasht and the pair then approached Howard with it. Nasht has said of the project:

“Howard is very hands on, has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the era and the personalities and has an absolute passion for the art of politics. It is a true collaboration but ultimately the opinions being expressed are Mr Howard's.” [6]

Film productions by topic

Environmental films

I Can Change Your Mind About Climate (2012)

I can change your mind about climate was an ABC1 TV event designed to kick-start a national conversation about climate change. Representing two extremes of position on the topic and separated by a generation, the documentary featured conservative former Liberal party senator Nick Minchin and climate activist, founder of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition and author, Anna Rose as competing protagonists. They shared a "journey of mutual discovery" to see if they could change each other's mind about climate change, its causes and impacts. The one-hour long documentary was followed by a live studio audience discussion on the ABC TV program, Q&A. [7] The production was directed by Max Bourke, produced by Kate Hodges and Simon Nasht and partnered with ABC TV, Screen Australia and Screen NSW. [8]

The film attracted criticism from environmentalists and scientists [9] [10] who stated that climate change is not scientifically controversial, and that the format of the show was read "directly from the denialist strategic playbook." [9] Graham Redfearn said of the program: "If I were a climate sceptic activist or a fossil fuel lobbyist designing a format for a TV show, this show is what I’d probably come up with." [10] Simon Nasht defended the choice of format by saying "We set out to see who Nick relies on and who Anna relies on. That’s a valid approach.” [11]

Defendant 5 (2014)

Documentary filmmaker Heidi Douglas went to Tasmania to investigate the old-growth forest logging industry by Gunns Ltd. After discovering that locals were up in arms about the woodchipping of the island's ancient forests, Douglas was shocked when she and 19 other critics were sued by Gunns in a $6.4 million lawsuit. Douglas’ ten-year journey, a battle between a corporation and community activists was condensed down to a half-hour documentary film. It was directed by Heidi Douglas and produced by Ruth Cross. Executive Producers were Trish Lake and Simon Nasht. The production partnered with ABC TV, Al Jazeera English, Screen Tasmania, Screen Australia and Metro Screen. [12]

Frackman (2015)

Frackman is a feature-length documentary film which follows anti-coal seam gas activist Dayne Pratzky through his personal investigation of the industry's impact on rural Australian communities. The film was directed by Richard Todd, co-directed by Jonathan Stack, produced by Richard Todd, Simon Nasht and Trish Lake and was co-produced by Kate Hodges and Daniel Lake. [13] The film premiered in March 2015 and commenced a touring program of cinema screenings in regional Australian towns.

The coal seam gas industry criticised the film, and public funds being used to produce documentaries of its kind. [14] [15]

Energy

Ten Bucks a Litre (2013)

Ten Bucks a Litre, is a one-hour documentary film which sets out to investigate the different options available for addressing Australia's energy export and domestic production future. The film starred and was narrated by Dick Smith, and was colloquially described as a "dick-umentary" by producer, Simon Nasht. On receipt of government funding via Screen Australia, the film's synopsis described Dick's intention "to separate the facts from the hot air" as he asked "What are Australia’s options as we enter the age of energy disruption?" [16] The film was directed by Max Bourke and produced by Simon Nasht and Kate Hodges. The film premiered on ABC on 1 August 2013. [17] [18]

The film discusses topics like energy efficiency, the affordability of solar panels and battery storage, coal seam gas extraction and the potential for nuclear power in Australia. While Dick Smith and Ziggy Switkowski (profiled in the film) have advocated for nuclear power, strong opposition exists in Australia.

Natural history

Life On Us (2014)

Life On Us investigates the microscopic world of organisms which live on and inside human bodies. It featured innovative moving image electron microscopy and super-macro filming techniques. The work took the shape of a two part series, each a two-hour episode. It was written and directed by Annamaria Talas and produced by Simon Nasht. It premiered in April 2014 on Australian broadcaster, SBS. The production partnered with co-producers Mona Lisa Production (France), SBS, ARTE France and Screen Australia. [19]

The Kingdom: How Fungi made The World (2018)

A co-production with Canada's Real to Reel Productions, this multi-award winning film was directed by Annamaria Talas and produced by Nasht and Susan MacKinnon. As of late 2019 it had won more than 15 international prizes, including the Paris Science Grand Prix, Jackson Hole Science Media Award, [20] Best Film at Scinema 2019 [21] and the Horst Stern Award for Best Nature Film in Germany. The film tells the story of the importance of fungi in driving the evolution of life on land and was initially broadcast on Curiosity Stream, ARTE, SVT and National Geographic Australia.

Quoll Farm (2020)

Hidden in a secret valley on an island at the bottom of the world, is Quoll Farm. It's a wondrous place, full of unique animals including the endangered marsupial, the Eastern Quoll. Wildlife specialist Simon Plowright will spend a year of his life on this abandoned property, observing and filming this special place. A co-production with Wild Creature Films in Tasmania for ABC, NHK, Smithsonian Networks and ZDF/ARTE.

Overpopulation

Dick Smith's Population Puzzle (2010)

Dick Smith's Population Puzzle (2010) was Smith's first collaboration with Nasht, though it was not released as an official Smith&Nasht production. It attracted media attention due to the public and private sector contributions to its financing, which included public funding via the ABC and a personal contribution of Dick Smith's time and approximately $50,000 in cash. [22] Following the film's premiere on ABC television, the discussion show Q&A picked up the program's topic. This programming format and partnership with Q&A set a precedent that later Smith & Nasht productions would follow.

The Vasectomist (2013)

The Vasectomist is a one-hour documentary which follows Dr Doug Stein, a urologist as he travels the world conducting vasectomies. He is motivated by his concerns for over-population, climate change and the carrying capacity of the earth and the film is intended to prompt conversations around these themes. The film was directed by Jonathan Stack and produced by Ruth Cross. Simon Nasht and Dick Smith were the executive producers. Film production partners included SBS, CBC, DR, VPRO, Screen Australia and Screen NSW, and the film premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival in 2013. [23] Dick Smith has long been concerned with the issue of overpopulation, as evidenced in his first film, Dick Smith's Population Puzzle. The film led to the establishment of the international NGO, World Vasectomy Day [24] which each year hosts a global live event to encourage male participation in family planning.

The People Paradox (2013)

The People Paradox is a 90-minute documentary film that follows the life and work of Professor Paul Ehrlich as he warns the world of the dangers of human overpopulation. The film was directed by Simon Nasht and Jonathan Stack, and produced by Nasht, Stack and Ruth Cross. [25]

Joyride (2017)

For some, creating an effective, affordable female condom that people want to use is an obsession. For millions, accessing such a device is a matter of life and death for the unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections it would prevent. Frank Sadlo, from the US, has developed Luvli. Dr John Tang has developed Wondaleaf from Malaysia. It has been a challenging and expensive exercise for both of them – and all who have gone before. A humorous film about a very serious subject, directed by Randall Wood

Miscellaneous

Canberra Confidential (2013)

Presented by Annabel Crabb, Canberra Confidential is a one-hour documentary film which explores forgotten secrets and scandals from Australia's capital city. The film was directed by Ian Walker and produced by Kate Hodges, Anna Cater and Simon Nasht. It was produced in partnership with ABC TV, Screen Australia and Screen ACT. [26]

I Can Change Your Mind About Recognition -(2015)

As Australia heads to a referendum on Indigenous recognition, two strongly opposed advocates, conservative media columnist Andrew Bolt and Indigenous politician Linda Burney, travel the nation to see if they can change each other's mind. The film was produced as a 1-hour documentary film for broadcast on ABC. The film received production investment from Screen Australia, announced in November 2014 [27] and an additional $51,000 from Screen NSW in production finance. [28] The project had also been listed under the working title I Can Change Your Mind About Racism. [29]

Inside the Inferno – The Science of Bushfires 2 x 1 hour (2016)

To live in Australia is to experience bushfire. As our population grows and as the effects of climate change are felt, will Australia experience its worst bushfire season yet? Inside the Inferno - The Science of Bushfires is a two part series directed by Max Bourke and produced by Marcus Gillezeau, Ellenor Cox as a co-production with Dragon Fly UK for SBS and BBC. . Program sales managed by Shine International. [30]

Films in development

The Science of Success (2020)

A one hour film that reveals how new science is showing that talent and hard work are not enough to ensure success. Written and directed by Annamaria Talas.[ citation needed ]

The Children In The Pictures (2020)

We go deep inside the law enforcement agencies battling the most ghastly of all crimes: online child sexual abuse. Developed with the support of Screen Australia and Film Victoria in association with DNX Media. As well as a feature length documentary, a 10 part podcast series is in production with Audible Australia for release in 2020[ citation needed ]

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Gasland is a 2010 American documentary written and directed by Josh Fox. The film focuses on communities in the United States where natural gas drilling activity was a concern and, specifically, on hydraulic fracturing ("fracking"), a method of stimulating production in otherwise impermeable rock.

Dick Smith (entrepreneur) Australian aviator and entrepreneur

Richard Harold Smith is an Australian entrepreneur, aviator and philanthropist. He holds a number of aviation world records and is the founder of Dick Smith Electronics, Australian Geographic and Dick Smith Foods. He was selected as 1986 Australian of the Year. In 2010, he founded the media production company Smith&Nasht with the intention of producing films about global issues. In 2015, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of Australia. He is a fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.

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Dayne Pratzky is an Australian anti-fracking activist known colloquially as the Frackman. He is also the subject of a 2015 feature-length documentary film of the same name produced by Smith & Nasht.

Cathy Henkel is a South African documentary filmmaker who lives and works in Australia. Her works have typically focused on subjects of environmental activism, and to a lesser extent, the performing arts.

The Lock the Gate Alliance is an incorporated Australian community action group which was formed in 2010 in response to the expansion of the coal mining and coal seam gas industries, which were encroaching on agricultural land, rural communities and environmentally sensitive areas. The organisation has initially focused on responding to developments in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, through peaceful protest and noncooperation. Lock the Gate Alliance's stated mission is "to protect Australia’s natural, environmental, cultural and agricultural resources from inappropriate mining and to educate and empower all Australians to demand sustainable solutions to food and energy production." The Alliance claims to have over 40,000 members and 250 local groups constitute the alliance including farmers, traditional custodians, conservationists and urban residents. The organisation was incorporated in 2011 in New South Wales and became a registered company, limited by guarantee on 6 March 2012. The inaugural AGM was held in Murwillumbah on 11 June 2011 at which Drew Hutton was elected president. Another notable member is Dayne Pratzky, whose activism became the subject of the 2015 documentary film, Frackman.

<i>Frackman</i> 2015 Australian film

Frackman is a 2015 Australian documentary film about the former construction worker turned anti-fracking activist Dayne Pratzky as he responds to the expansion of the coal seam gas industry near Tara, Queensland. The film was produced by Simon Nasht of Smith & Nasht in collaboration with Trish Lake of Freshwater Pictures and was co-directed by Richard Todd of Aquarius Productions with Jonathan Stack. The film also features the president of Lock the Gate, Drew Hutton, conservative radio personality Alan Jones and many other residents of Queensland and New South Wales.

Trish Lake is an Australian producer of feature films and documentaries and former ABC TV journalist. Among her works are Gettin' Square (2003), The Burning Season (2008) and Frackman (2015). She is the CEO of Freshwater Pictures, based in Brisbane, Queensland, which she founded in 2001. Lake was National President of the Screen Producer’s Association of Australia – SPAA from 2005 - 2008 and is a former recipient of the SPAA Feature Film Producer of the Year award. Lake is an Adjunct Fellow at Griffith University, Brisbane where she leads a mentoring program for emerging producers at the Griffith Film School. Lake has been an advisor to the Breath of Fresh Air Film Festival (BOFA) in Tasmania since its inception, and has been the event's artistic director since 2012. She has collaborated professionally with her nephew Daniel (Dan) Lake on many productions. Dan Lake left Freshwater Pictures in November 2014 to take on a position as a director of production investment at Screen Queensland.

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Mitu Bhowmick Lange Indian-Australian filmmaker, film producer and distributor

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Erica Glynn is an Indigenous Australian filmmaker, known for directing, producing and writing documentaries and other films.

References

  1. 1 2 "Canberra Confidential - A Century of Spies, Lies and Scandals with Annabel Crabb - Key creatives" (PDF). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 February 2015.
  2. ↑ "Books". Trove. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  3. ↑ Groves, Don (2014-11-16). "Docs funding guidelines criticised". IF. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  4. ↑ Knox, David (2014-08-15). "Stuart Menzies to depart ABC". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2015-03-20.
  5. ↑ Kembrey, Melanie (2015-03-19). "John Howard to present ABC documentary on Robert Menzies". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2015-03-20.
  6. ↑ Groves, Don (2015-03-19). "John Howard to examine the Menzies era". If.com.au. Retrieved 2015-03-20.
  7. ↑ De Zylva, Diane (2012-04-20). "I Can Change Your Mind About…Climate – Documentary". Bluegum Studios Productions. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  8. ↑ "I can change your mind about climate". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  9. 1 2 McHugh, Ian (2012-04-27). "'I'd rather slam my cock in a door than debate climate change'". Crickey.com.au. Retrieved 2015-03-02.
  10. 1 2 Readfearn, Graham (2012-04-24). "I can engage in a flawed debate about climate change". Graham Readfearn. Retrieved 2015-03-02.
  11. ↑ Readfearn, Graham (2012-04-30). "Simon Nasht tells me why he made that ABC climate documentary". Graham Readfearn. Retrieved 2015-03-02.
  12. ↑ "Defendant 5". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
  13. ↑ "Frackman (2014) Full cast and crew". imdb.com. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  14. ↑ "'Frackman', the movie". Lateline. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 March 2015.
  15. ↑ "Frackman facts". Energy Resource Information Centre. 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2015-03-03.
  16. ↑ Knox, David (2012-10-03). "ABC, SBS documentary funding approvals". TV Tonight. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  17. ↑ "Ten bucks a litre". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  18. ↑ "Ten bucks a litre". Youtube.com. Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  19. ↑ "Life on us". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
  20. ↑ "2018 Media Competition". SCIENCE MEDIA AWARDS & SUMMIT. Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  21. ↑ "Au royaume des champignons / The Kingdom – How Fungi Made Our World | Festival Pariscience". Festival Pariscicence (in French). Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  22. ↑ Quinn, Karl (2010-08-09). "Dick Smith justifies funding 10% of TV documentary". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  23. ↑ "The Vasectomist". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-03-01.
  24. ↑ www.worldvasectomyday.org https://www.worldvasectomyday.org/ . Retrieved 2019-11-22.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  25. ↑ "The people paradox". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 3 March 2015.
  26. ↑ "Canberra Confidential". Smith&Nasht. Retrieved 2015-02-28.
  27. ↑ "Approvals - Production Investment". Screen Australia. 2014-11-14. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
  28. ↑ "Funding approvals". Screen NSW. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
  29. ↑ "I Can Change Your Mind About Racism (2015)". Screen Australia. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
  30. ↑ "Approvals - Production Investment". Screen Australia. 2014-03-17. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
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