6 Questions with Fiona Gillies, CEO of London-based SMASH

It was our pleasure to catch up with Fiona Gillies, CEO of SMASH, which is building a matchmaking marketplace for new film and TV projects.

1. Can you give us an overview of your background and how you started SMASH?

I started working in film & TV as an actor and then began producing indie shorts and features including 'The Beat Beneath my Feet' starring Luke Perry which launched Nicholas Galitzine's career.

The transition to producing seemed very natural, as an actor I was always very interested in how a production actually works so producing seemed the next logical step. Collaboration and talent development have always excited me as I benefited hugely from others being generous with their advice and time.

When I met producer Christine Hartland, we had a shared vision of how the industry could, but doesn't currently, work. We joined forces with Mahesh Ramachandra and SMASH was born.

SMASH began as a way of connecting creators and decision makers, the platform is disruptive - it offers people a new way to find each other.

We help decision makers to reach beyond their traditional commissioning circles to find innovative, engaging projects. New voices often provide the opportunity to connect with new audiences.

2. What is something about the TV/show industry that might surprise people?

It's not all fun and games! There's a huge amount of hard graff involved. The industry demands long hours and commitment, which makes collaboration and clarity the key to success.

Holding the creative vision through the production process means you need to get buy-in from the whole team. This approach is something we hope we're bringing to SMASH as the business scales.

Having said all that about hard graff, nothing beats doing something you enjoy!

3. What tips can you give to entrepreneurs considering starting a business in London?

Nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you have an idea that keeps gnawing away at you, talk about it and get your mates to challenge you about it. As a society we need new ideas, or different ways of solving problems, your idea might just be a game changer.

4. What's a great digital tool or hack you've discovered recently?

We use Notion and slack at SMASH HQ.

On a personal front I love the Merlin app which identifies bird songs (I've used it in the US, India and all over Europe - anywhere SMASH travels).

5. What London-based startups are you personally excited about?

I really admire the work that Call it Appare doing to help make film & TV a better environment for all concerned, and from a production perspective, SuperScount.ai are making a Producer's life easier.

6. What can we expect to see coming out of SMASH in the near future?

SMASH has over 3000 global users and is steadily growing. Our SMASH Cupid, the matchmaking tool bringing decision makers and creators together, has started making matches *SMATCHES*.

The SMASH Cupid curates a slate of projects for decision makers based on their detailed brief.

Cupid brings together people with projects and people who need projects. Decision makers include Production companies, individual producers, streaming services, film financing companies and talent agents.

After all, everyone's looking for their next big hit. SMASH is a streamlined, efficient way to find projects that fit your slate. Our plan for 24/25 is to grow our user base and roll out the SMATCHES - we want to bring people and projects together. We all need a little Cupid in our Lives. 😍