Smith & Nasht
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media production, Film production |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Founder | Dick Smith, Simon Nasht |
| Headquarters | Australia |
Key people | Simon Nasht |
| Products | Documentary films on energy, climate change, scientific advancements, natural history, population growth, cybercrime |
Smith & Nasht is a media production firm based in Australia, established in 2010 by entrepreneur Dick Smith and filmmaker Simon Nasht. The company focuses on producing films that address significant global challenges such as energy, climate change, scientific advancements, natural history, population growth, and cybercrime. Their first project, I Can Change Your Mind About Climate, premiered on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) in 2012 and was subsequently followed by a widely viewed episode of the TV discussion program Q&A.
Dick Smith exited the company in 2013 and no longer participates in its ownership or management.
Simon Nasht
Simon Nasht is an accomplished film producer and former journalist who has received numerous accolades including the Prix Jules Verne for international history film (2002), a Logie Award, honors from the Australian Writer's Guild and Director's Guild, as well as a shared Eureka Prize for Science Journalism (2009). He has been behind some of ABC’s most successful documentaries, including works focusing on the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Dick Smith’s Population Puzzle, which contributed to the highest-rated Q&A panel show of its genre on Australian television. Nasht’s documentaries have brought attention to notable Australians such as photographer Frank Hurley in The Man Who Made History, actor Errol Flynn in Tasmanian Devil, and explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins in Voyage of the Nautilus. Additionally, he has authored two books on Wilkins titled The Last Explorer and No More Beyond.
In 2014, Nasht publicly expressed concerns over Screen Australia’s documentary funding cuts, criticizing a reduction exceeding $2 million as unjustified, especially since feature film budgets remained intact despite underperformance.
Howard on Menzies (2016)
In March 2015, Nasht revealed a partnership with Stuart Menzies—former head of ABC TV Content and Creative Development—and ex-Prime Minister John Howard to produce a two-part ABC TV series called Howard on Menzies: The Making of Modern Australia. The idea was initiated by Menzies, who collaborated with Nasht before engaging Howard. Nasht characterized the project as a genuine collaboration fueled by Howard’s active participation, extensive knowledge, and political enthusiasm, with the final narrative reflecting Howard’s viewpoint.
I Can Change Your Mind About Climate (2012)
I Can Change Your Mind About Climate was broadcast on ABC1 as a televised event designed to ignite national conversation concerning climate change. It featured former conservative senator Nick Minchin alongside climate advocate and author Anna Rose, documenting a "journey of mutual discovery" between contrasting perspectives on the causes and consequences of climate change. The hour-long documentary was succeeded by a live studio debate on ABC’s Q&A. Directed by Max Bourke and produced by Kate Hodges and Simon Nasht, it was created in partnership with ABC TV, Screen Australia, and Screen NSW.
The film attracted criticism from environmental advocates and scientists who argued that climate change is not subject to scientific dispute and that the format resembled tactics used by climate change deniers. Climate journalist Graham Readfearn remarked that it appeared similar to approaches used by fossil fuel industry lobbyists. Simon Nasht defended the approach, highlighting the importance of examining each participant’s sources thoroughly.
Defendant 5 (2014)
Director Heidi Douglas delved into the logging of Tasmania’s ancient forests by Gunns Ltd., revealing local resistance against the woodchipping of these old-growth areas. Following a $6.4 million lawsuit filed by Gunns against Douglas and 19 other critics, her ten-year struggle was encapsulated into a thirty-minute documentary. The film, directed by Douglas and produced by Ruth Cross, featured executive producers Trish Lake and Simon Nasht. It was created in collaboration with ABC TV, Al Jazeera English, Screen Tasmania, Screen Australia, and Metro Screen.
Frackman (2015)
Frackman is a full-length documentary chronicling the efforts of anti-coal seam gas campaigner Dayne Pratzky as he examines the effects of the industry on rural communities across Australia. Directed by Richard Todd alongside co-director Jonathan Stack, it was produced by Todd, Simon Nasht, and Trish Lake, with Kate Hodges and Daniel Lake serving as co-producers. After its debut in March 2015, the film toured cinemas throughout regional Australia.
The coal seam gas sector publicly criticised both the documentary and the use of government funding to support such productions.
Ten Bucks a Litre (2013)
Ten Bucks a Litre is a one-hour documentary focused on Australia's future in energy exports and domestic supply. Narrated by Dick Smith, who sought "to separate the facts from the hot air," the film investigated topics such as energy efficiency, affordability of solar panels, battery storage technologies, coal seam gas extraction, and the prospects of nuclear energy. Directed by Max Bourke and produced by Simon Nasht and Kate Hodges, it premiered on ABC on 1 August 2013. Despite endorsements from advocates like Smith and Ziggy Switkowski, nuclear power continues to face significant opposition within Australia.
Life On Us (2014)
Life On Us examines the microscopic life forms residing on and inside humans through cutting-edge electron microscopy and super-macro cinematography. This two-part series was both written and directed by Annamaria Talas and produced by Simon Nasht. It premiered in April 2014 on SBS and was co-produced with Mona Lisa Production (France), ARTE France, and Screen Australia.
The Kingdom: How Fungi made The World (2018)
Produced in partnership with Canada's Real to Reel Productions, this acclaimed documentary was directed by Annamaria Talas and produced by Simon Nasht alongside Susan MacKinnon. By late 2019, it had garnered over 15 international awards including the Paris Science Grand Prix, Jackson Hole Science Media Award, Best Film at Scinema 2019, and Germany’s Horst Stern Award for Best Nature Film. The film emphasizes fungi's essential contribution to terrestrial life’s evolution and has been broadcast on Curiosity Stream, ARTE, SVT, and National Geographic Australia.
Quoll Farm (2020)
Set in a secluded valley in Tasmania, Quoll Farm follows wildlife expert Simon Plowright during his year-long research on distinctive species such as the endangered Eastern Quoll marsupial. This production was developed in collaboration with Wild Creature Films for broadcasters including ABC, NHK, Smithsonian Networks, and ZDF/ARTE.
Dick Smith's Population Puzzle (2010)
Dick Smith's Population Puzzle (2010) was the initial project where Smith collaborated with Nasht, although it was not officially branded as a Smith&Nasht production. The film attracted attention due to its mixed funding sources, combining ABC public financing with approximately $50,000 contributed by Dick Smith himself. After its debut on ABC, the subject matter was further explored on the discussion program Q&A, establishing a format that would later be adopted by Smith & Nasht productions.
The Vasectomist (2013)
The Vasectomist is a one-hour documentary that chronicles Dr Doug Stein, a urologist who performs vasectomies worldwide as a response to challenges like overpopulation, climate change, and the planet’s carrying capacity. Directed by Jonathan Stack and produced by Ruth Cross, with Simon Nasht and Dick Smith serving as executive producers, the film premiered at the Adelaide Film Festival in 2013. Its production partners included SBS, CBC, DR, VPRO, Screen Australia, and Screen NSW. This documentary inspired the global NGO World Vasectomy Day, which annually encourages male participation in family planning initiatives.
The People Paradox (2013)
The People Paradox is a 90-minute documentary featuring Professor Paul Ehrlich as he highlights the risks posed by human overpopulation. Directed jointly by Simon Nasht and Jonathan Stack, it was produced by Nasht, Stack, and Ruth Cross.
Joyride (2017)
Focusing on the challenge of developing effective and affordable female condoms, Joyride profiles innovators such as Frank Sadlo (Luvli, US) and Dr John Tang (Wondaleaf, Malaysia). Directed by Randall Wood, this film combines humor with serious insight to showcase ongoing efforts aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections worldwide.
Canberra Confidential (2013)
Hosted by Annabel Crabb, Canberra Confidential is a one-hour documentary uncovering overlooked secrets and scandals from Australia’s capital city. Directed by Ian Walker and produced by Kate Hodges, Anna Cater, and Simon Nasht, it was developed in association with ABC TV, Screen Australia, and Screen ACT.
I Can Change Your Mind About Recognition (2015)
In anticipation of Australia’s Indigenous recognition referendum, conservative columnist Andrew Bolt and Indigenous politician Linda Burney travel across the country to challenge each other’s perspectives. This one-hour ABC documentary received production funding from Screen Australia and $51,000 from Screen NSW. It was originally titled I Can Change Your Mind About Racism.
Inside the Inferno – The Science of Bushfires 2 x 1 hour (2016)
This two-part series investigates bushfires in Australia within the context of population growth and climate change. Directed by Max Bourke and produced by Marcus Gillezeau and Ellenor Cox, it represents a co-production between Dragon Fly UK for SBS and BBC. Distribution rights are managed by Shine International.
Films in development
The Science of Success (2020)
A one-hour documentary exploring how emerging scientific research challenges the notion that talent combined with hard work alone determines success. Written and directed by Annamaria Talas.
The Children In The Pictures (2020)
An extensive examination of law enforcement efforts to combat online child sexual abuse. Developed with backing from Screen Australia and Film Victoria alongside DNX Media. Plans include both a feature-length documentary and a 10-part podcast series for Audible Australia scheduled for release in 2020.