"Katie, Thank you once again. Yet another seamless production. It is always a pleasure being able to come down under to see you. Your team get better every time, and we always leave with a surplus of fond memories. Cannot wait for the next one."

Barry Hughes - Executive Producer
Therapy Films


"Katie and Cherokee Films are one of the best production service producers in the world. Katie gets it. She has mastered blending the requirements of US commercial productions with the resources available in New Zealand. The bidding process is smooth, timely and bids are well researched. She understands her competing markets and can outline the pros and cons of executing any production down under as well as put realistic price tags on things.

Once you are a go, production is a breeze. She is very hands on ensuring everything she promised in prep and more is delivered. We have always been very happy with our shoots with Cherokee Films!"

Jennifer Siegel - Executive Producer & Amy DeLossa - Head of Production
Tool of North America


"I recently worked with Katie Smith and her phenomenal production team at Cherokee Films on a shoot I did last December in Auckland. I’ve shot all around the world and no one compares to Katie. She runs Cherokee Films to be more than just a production service, they become a team member with a vested interest in having your project succeed creatively and fiscally. Katie’s background of line producing in the US gives her a deep understanding of US agencies and clients and our quirky idiosyncrasies and demanding schedules.

She has amazing production savvy and an uncanny ability to anticipate our needs. She found us an impossible location, great casting in Sydney, Auckland and Wellington, pulled together a top notch crew and also found the time to be sure we were well taken care of in our off hours. Of course, while shooting, we realized we knew a slew of the same folk. Katie’s reputation in the States is impeccable and I soon learned that many of the production companies I respect have also worked with her.

Katie is genuine, funny and oh so smart. My only regret is that she didn't’t produce the project I shot 9 years ago in New Zealand. I adore her!"

Jan Zislin - VP/Group Executive Producer
GREYnyc


"I have had the absolute pleasure of working with Cherokee Films twice in the past two years. Both experiences were as close to perfect as one can hope to have ANYWHERE in the world. Katie Smith runs her company like a well oiled machine. More importantly, Katie’s sense of fairness and humanity make her a person you are lucky to know and trust. I feel very fortunate to work with and know Katie Smith, she is a treasure to us all in this business and this world."

Dawn Iacino - Producer
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