David Smith
David Smith (or Davey to everyone in the industry) is ICONIC. Anyone who has ever had the pleasure of meeting him, whether it be briefly in a foyer, working with him for years or having the privilege of being his friend, can attest to the fact that this man is a living legend. He is a true showbiz raconteur and is best known for saying to his clients ‘look, Darling - it’s only showbiz, not brain surgery!’ and ‘Darling, stop kvetching, you’re getting paid a fortune for dressing up in funny clothes and pretending to be someone else for a living - I’ll just say yes, ok??’
With a wealth of knowledge about the business we call show, Davey’s extensive experience on both sides of the desk have been significant in shaping the person and agent he is today. Davey began his career in this crazy industry (almost!) 52 years ago at the age of 8 when he starred in his first feature film SECOND STAR TO THE RIGHT in his native London. From there, Davey left school to pursue acting where he was constantly working in film, television and theatre (as well as acting, he was an extraordinary tap dancer!)
Davey then decided he should do a bit of training so attended the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London for 3 years where he studied voice under the legendary Patsy Rodenburg and shared a flat with Ewan McGregor where they became lifelong friends. Other actors in Davey’s cohort included Dan Craig, Joseph Fiennes and Orlando Bloom - not a bad way to spend 3 years!
Upon graduating, Davey toured the world with the Royal Shakespeare Company with stints at the National Theatre as well as ongoing roles on popular British series EASTENDERS, BBC sitcoms, BBC dramas and BBC radio (they loved him over at the BBC!)
Davey continued acting across all areas of the industry culminating in his last(ish) feature film role as John Hemmings in SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE (8 Oscars, thank you very much!), and his final film role was as Lord Argon in YOUNG ALEXANDER THE GREAT. When Davey wasn’t acting, he worked for his agency Jonathan Altaraz Associates (JAA) as a trainee agent before marrying the boss and officially moving to the other side of the desk.
At the time, JAA was one of the most influential agencies in London representing Sir Dirk Bogard, most of the Lords and Ladies, Gary Oldman (who they found at Drama School), Ewan McGregor (who came with Davey), Jude Law (who they discovered playing Fagin in a high school production of OLIVER), Pierce Bronson (when he was offered BOND both times!) - basically the cream of the crop of British actors throughout the 80s-90s.
Upon holidaying in Australia (about 25 years ago) Davey fell in love with a bartender in Sydney’s Oxford St but also with the lifestyle and the weather here (we can’t really blame him, can we!) In order to stay in the country, Davey set up Smith and Jones Management and became a permanent resident. After 20 years of PR, he FINALLY became an Australian Citizen so we are stuck with him now and couldn’t be happier!
Back in 2017, Davey met Tania when she was working down the hallway for a different company. There was an instant connection and when it became apparent that Davey needed some support, Tania jumped at the chance. Fast forward to 2020 where the 2 decided to rebrand with Tania as his business partner. Together they have continued to move forward with the same values and supportive environment for clients that Davey had always provided. Davey is thrilled that the talented actors, writer, designers and directors continue to employ him and Tania to be their agents, managers and in many cases friends after so many years. He remains aghast at their complete lack of judgement of character but appreciates it all at the same time.
ABOUT US
Tania Macdonald
Hailing from Avalon on the Northern Beaches, Tania grew up as a champion sea swimmer and decorated lifesaver, something that would stand her in good stead for her future as an agent!
She began her career by studying event management at the International College Of Management Sydney working in conferencing and corporate event planning at top notch hotels in Sydney. She then decided to travel and ended up in Canada to work in the beautiful Rocky Mountains supervising events in the beautiful Emerald Lake area. Her sister, the actress Danielle Macdonald was already working in LA, so she took the opportunity between working in the mountains to join her sister to get to understand the business in Los Angeles, regularly spending time there between 2012 and 2016.
From there she decided to spread her wings and went to join the fabulous Savoy Hotel in London in the events department. After learning her trade there, she was poached by D&D London to supervise all of the events in three major restaurants in the iconic Butler’s Wharf development on the Thames. After a few years there and not being able to face another winter in London, she decided to return to Sydney and to her roots.
After 15 years in the events and hospitality industry, Tania joined a Sydney based staffing company before deciding on what to do next. On her first day there, she met David Smith in the lift and her fate was sealed. She realised then that David actually worked in an office down the corridor, and on hearing that his assistant had left to become an actress, she leapt at the chance to work with him. During this time, she juggled three jobs - the agency, events, and teaching kids to swim.
Tania fell in love with the business of being an agent and she decided that it was her future. She even realised that through her close relationship with her sister, she had been actually been producing shows in her living room since she was seven. There was no getting away now. In fact, when on the phone to her sister’s reps in LA she mentioned that she had become an agency assistant, they thought it made complete sense.
Continuing to work together and helping build the agency, lockdown happened in 2020. After long conversations, Tania agreed to join David in setting up a new business alongside him - in the middle of a worldwide shutdown (not the brightest of moves all things considered). It was then that they set up Smith and Macdonald Creative Management, now known across the industry as S&M!
Tania’s greatest gift (alongside many others) is the fact that having lived her whole life alongside creatives, she completely understands the precarious nature of the business and the importance an actor’s mental health. This is at the forefront in her business dealings daily. To this end, she volunteers on the Lifeline crisis line, which she regards as one of the most important things to do in this very complicated world.
Tania’s love for actors and the understanding of the business (we call show) is remarkable and unparalleled. It is her absolute pleasure and joy to help build careers and nurture artists across the board, be they young or old, established or emerging, and to see them become the best that they can possibly be.
Thor
This gorgeous bear of a Labrador has been with David & Tania since before the official implementation of Smith & Macdonald Creative Management. Born during the Lockdown era of 2020, Thor has been instrumental in managing the mental health and wellbeing of the business owners (and every dog lover who meets him!) The most adorable, gentle and cuddly pup, Thor is always available upon request for cuddles and regularly attends client meetings. If he was allowed in theatres, we know he would also be there to support talent alongside David & Tania!
