In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks with David Neumann, CEO of Newmation, a talent management and production company working with some of the world’s leading writers, directors and TV creators in both animation and live action.
David shares his journey from ICM and CAA to founding Newmation, and why he bet early on global and independent animation. He discusses how to balance creativity with business, what makes a project stand out, and why IP ownership matters more than ever.
The conversation explores:
- How international co-productions and new funding models are reshaping animation
- Why African and global voices are essential for the next generation of stories
- The impact of technology — from Flow’s Blender breakthrough to AI disruption
- How creators can pitch, package and protect their dream projects
It’s an inspiring, candid look at where the animation industry is heading — and how new storytellers can succeed within it.
About David Neumann
David Neumann is a Producer, Talent Manager and CEO of NEWMATION. Newmation represents Academy award winning animation writers, directors and TV creators, spanning 5 continents and produces animated and live action films & series. He previously was an agent at Hollywood mega-agency, CAA, growing global animation in New York. Between his agent career at CAA and ICM, he's represented Oscar winning filmmakers such as David Yates (Harry Potter), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The King's Speech), Sir Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) Arlene Klasky (Rugrats), Todd Komarnicki (Sully), and Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) to name a few. In 2020, Neumann launched his own company and was honored on Observer's Entertainment Power 50 List, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, JJ Abrams, Margot Robbie, and more.
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In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks with David Neumann, CEO of Newmation, a talent management and production company working with some of the world’s leading writers, directors and TV creators in both animation and live action.
David shares his journey from ICM and CAA to founding Newmation, and why he bet early on global and independent animation. He discusses how to balance creativity with business, what makes a project stand out, and why IP ownership matters more than ever.
The conversation explores:
- How international co-productions and new funding models are reshaping animation
- Why African and global voices are essential for the next generation of stories
- The impact of technology — from Flow’s Blender breakthrough to AI disruption
- How creators can pitch, package and protect their dream projects
It’s an inspiring, candid look at where the animation industry is heading — and how new storytellers can succeed within it.
About David Neumann
David Neumann is a Producer, Talent Manager and CEO of NEWMATION. Newmation represents Academy award winning animation writers, directors and TV creators, spanning 5 continents and produces animated and live action films & series. He previously was an agent at Hollywood mega-agency, CAA, growing global animation in New York. Between his agent career at CAA and ICM, he's represented Oscar winning filmmakers such as David Yates (Harry Potter), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The King's Speech), Sir Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) Arlene Klasky (Rugrats), Todd Komarnicki (Sully), and Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) to name a few. In 2020, Neumann launched his own company and was honored on Observer's Entertainment Power 50 List, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, JJ Abrams, Margot Robbie, and more.
86. Fiona Gilles and Mahesh Ramachandra: Pitching, AI and Getting to Greenlight with SMASH
Future of Film Podcast
41 minutes 34 seconds
7 months ago
86. Fiona Gilles and Mahesh Ramachandra: Pitching, AI and Getting to Greenlight with SMASH
In this episode of Future of Film Podcast, we’re joined by Fiona Gillies and Mahesh Ramachandra, co-founders of SMASH — the innovative platform that’s transforming how creators connect with industry decision-makers.
SMASH is rethinking the pitching process from the ground up—offering creators a structured, accessible space to build and share their projects, while helping commissioners and buyers discover the stories they’re truly looking for.
In this conversation, Fiona and Mahesh share the origin story of Smash, explore how AI and smart data are shaping the future of development, and offer practical advice for filmmakers looking to sharpen their pitches and navigate the industry with confidence.
We also discuss the art (and pain) of writing a great logline, how to stand out in a crowded marketplace, and why the future of pitching is all about transparency, connection, and creator empowerment.
This episode was recorded as part of Future of Film Africa 2024 in partnership with Sèmè City of the Republic of Benin.
About Fiona Gillies - Indie Producer & SMASH co-founder
Fiona has produced award winning features and shorts. The Beat Beneath my Feet was in competition in the Berlinale, and her debut feature City Slacker was nominated for a BIFA.
She began her career with director Roger Michell at the RSC and has worked extensively both in front and behind the camera. She co-founded SMASH, the Rights and IP Marketplace, with fellow producer Christine Hartland and digital pioneer Mahesh Ramachandra to encourage new, diverse talent to engage with decision makers.
About Mahesh Ramachandra – Co-founder / CPO
Mahesh is a digital product expert with 25 years of experience building and operating B2B SaaS and B2C entertainment services around the world. He focuses on early-stage products and companies, specialising in product conceptualisation, building teams, lean development, finding product-market fit, and scaling to success. Mahesh recently led the pre-school mobile app studio at eOne (Hasbro) and was previously Chief Product Officer at KidsKnowBest, Azoomee and Hopster, the award-winning SVOD service for kids. Prior to that, he developed and operated live interactive television programmes globally for almost 10 years, following stints in edtech and running his own interactive media studio.
Mahesh is a regular speaker at industry conferences such as Kidscreen and the Edinburgh Television Festival and has been a judge for the Interactive Emmy Awards. He is a mentor with the BYP (Black Young Professionals) Network and is a team advisor with Antler Incubator.
Mahesh has an MA in Design for Interactive Media from Middlesex University.
My SMASH Media won a Gold Award for Tech Innovation at Cannes NEXT, the
Innovation section of the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Check out SMASH at www.mysmash.media
Future of Film Podcast
In this episode of Future of Film, Alex talks with David Neumann, CEO of Newmation, a talent management and production company working with some of the world’s leading writers, directors and TV creators in both animation and live action.
David shares his journey from ICM and CAA to founding Newmation, and why he bet early on global and independent animation. He discusses how to balance creativity with business, what makes a project stand out, and why IP ownership matters more than ever.
The conversation explores:
- How international co-productions and new funding models are reshaping animation
- Why African and global voices are essential for the next generation of stories
- The impact of technology — from Flow’s Blender breakthrough to AI disruption
- How creators can pitch, package and protect their dream projects
It’s an inspiring, candid look at where the animation industry is heading — and how new storytellers can succeed within it.
About David Neumann
David Neumann is a Producer, Talent Manager and CEO of NEWMATION. Newmation represents Academy award winning animation writers, directors and TV creators, spanning 5 continents and produces animated and live action films & series. He previously was an agent at Hollywood mega-agency, CAA, growing global animation in New York. Between his agent career at CAA and ICM, he's represented Oscar winning filmmakers such as David Yates (Harry Potter), Tom Hooper (Les Miserables, The King's Speech), Sir Stephen Frears (The Queen, Philomena) Arlene Klasky (Rugrats), Todd Komarnicki (Sully), and Anthony McCarten (Bohemian Rhapsody) to name a few. In 2020, Neumann launched his own company and was honored on Observer's Entertainment Power 50 List, alongside Dwayne Johnson, Will Smith, JJ Abrams, Margot Robbie, and more.
