Donna Smith
CO-FOUNDER
Donna Smith began her career as Production Coordinator on RAGING BULL and quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Production Manager, Line Producer and Producer on notable projects that included THE TERMINATOR.
Smith was tapped by Universal Pictures to serve as President of Physical Production and Post Production; becoming the first woman to serve in that role for a major Hollywood studio.
The woman who launched 150 films
A powerhouse producer, trailblazer, and architect of modern production infrastructure, Donna Smith's career stands as a definitive example of leadership built not on titles, but on mastery, accountability, and results. Her goal, as she defines it: "creating the atmosphere that allows the filmmaker to make a successful movie."
Donna Smith is one of the most influential figures in modern film production, having shaped over 150 feature films across studio, independent, and international cinema.
She began her career as a Production Coordinator on Rocky II then Raging Bull, and rapidly rose through the ranks as a Production Manager, Line Producer, and Producer on landmark films including The Terminator.
Donna Smith made history as the first woman ever served President of Physical Production and Post Production at a major Hollywood studio, leading the Motion Pictures division for seven years at Universal Pictures.
During her tenure, she oversaw the release of more than 120 films, including Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, Apollo 13, Casino, Backdraft, Babe, Scent of a Woman, the Back to the Future sequels, and Waterworld, many of which became cultural touchstones and Academy Award winners.
Following her executive leadership at Universal, Smith transitioned to the completion bond and insurance sector, where she became widely regarded as "one of the most 'bondable' producers in the industry."
As CEO and President of Entertainment Coalition, she built and led a global operation providing full-service completion bonding and insurance for major studio and independent productions worldwide.
Under her leadership, the company bonded films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, L.A. Confidential, The Matrix Trilogy, Armageddon, Batman & Robin, Lethal Weapon, and The Nutty Professor.
Smith served as CEO and President of Cinema Completions International, overseeing underwriting operations across Los Angeles, London, and Sydney. Known for her uncompromising standards and deep command of physical production, budgeting, scheduling, and post-production logistics, she has long been trusted by studios, financiers, and filmmakers alike to deliver complex productions on time, on budget, and to completion.
​
In recognition of her global influence, Donna Smith was appointed United States Film Ambassador to China and serves as a trustee of Women In Film.
