Simon Damast is a committed and a professional producer with experience in feature films, television drama, documentaries and commercials. Simon combines a thorough and forward-thinking approach to filmmaking with a firm belief in solid preparation and teamwork. He started in the industry in 1988 and worked up from production runner to production manager, after which he spent many years as a 2nd and then 1st assistant director, working on some of the country’s larger feature film productions, TV dramas and commercials.

As a 1st assistant director, Simon has worked on some of the biggest and most challenging commercials to be produced in South Africa with dangerous stunts and complex technical requirements like motion control. Clients included Velocity Africa, The Big Picture Company, Freshwater Films, Frieze Films, Giant Films, Moonlighting, Fresh Eyes, Movie Makers and Reeleyes Films.

In 2000, Simon formed Griffin Films with his partner Jemima Spring and made the move to producing. As a freelance line producer, he has worked for a number of commercial clients and has also worked internationally (Coca Cola©, Clockwork Films).

In 2006, he and Jemima joined Tina-Louise Smith in the formation of Free Range Films, where he continues to produce and is also the company’s financial director.

Simon is also the resident IT-guy and fix-it man.