SMARTHOUSE, helmed by Danielle Guirguis, Suzan de Swaan and Ot Leendertse, is on a mission to help purpose-driven people tell their stories. We provide filmmakers, artists, professors, and impact brands with a platform for their stories in various forms. From branding to feature films, from websites to documentaries, animations or campaigns.
Founded in 2011 and extended with an advertising branch in 2015, SMARTHOUSE became a recognized player in both fields. We were nominated for Best Feature Film for “La Holandesa”, which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival, and won a Dutch Academy Award for “La Ultima Ascención” by Kevin Osepa. However, after many years of commercials for international brands like Tesla, Twitter, Tele2, Toyota, and other brands that don’t start with a ‘t’, we decided to change direction. The pandemic made us realize that the world is on fire and that we need to change. So SMARTHOUSE shifted from a traditional production company to a creative impact studio, working exclusively with impact brands and people. Because we believe that stories are the catalysts of change. Suzan is the founder of AWARE, a talent development program for people who don’t have access to the film industry, Danielle is the Impact officer of ACE Producers, cofounder of AdGreenNL to make the advertising industry more sustainable, and is the Dutch representative for the sustainability committee (ASN) of the European Film Academy.
MEET THE SMARTIES
DANIELLE
CEO / Founder
She is never afraid to speak up or break some rules. With her Egyptian-Rotterdam roots, she feels the urge to make things happen, but in a more charming way than is common in Rotterdam. Read more
Organised
Straightforward
OT
Creative Director / Partner
He not only masters the bass guitar, but also plays around with motion graphics & VFX. Design is his thing, whether it’s a poster, a website (like the one you are looking at) or a logo. He makes it.
Sitting still
Imagination
SUZAN
Film Producer / Partner
The master of blending arthouse and mainstream and founder of AWARE. She previously worked at Millstreet Films on ANNE+, Father & Sons, and Jammed.
Staying awake during a film
Numbers
MYRTHE
Political Strategist / Partner
Coming soon…
Being patient
Uniting the unexpected
VERA
Junior Designer
An IRL fairy that has an eye for detail and design. With her unusual perspective she makes her magical world a reality. Graphic design with a pinch of fairy dust to make every brand fly.
Being on time
Eye for detail
LISA
Office Manager
Coming soon..
Saying no
Welcoming
JORN
Business Affairs
Coming soon…
Beating around the bush
Photography
SOMA
Intern
Raised in a Kurdish family, she studies at the Netherlands Film Academy and aims for a career in production. Working across film, fashion & campaigns with a soft spot for romance & 80s/90s culture.
Patience
Getting shit done
SHEKHAR
Financial Controller
Coming soon…
Colour photography
Numbers
YOU?
Project Manager
• Bent georganiseerd en gestructureerd • Je hebt minimaal 5 jaar werkervaring • Je spreekt en schrijft in het Nederlands en Engels