Jonathan Gray

Jonathan Gray is a French American entrepreneur currently leading several businesses across various sectors including film production, consulting and real estate. He is the founder & CEO of First Idea International (First Idea Group), a boutique strategic advisory firm and the parent company of The Hideaway Entertainment. Jonathan brings valuable business experience and a wide network in serving his clients’ interests while providing meaningful initiatives and making a positive impact on the global economy. First Idea selects opportunities aligned with the principles of the positive economy by focusing efforts on identifying corporate or institutional entities willing to address societal and economic change. Gray divides his time, with his wife and three children, between the United States, the French Riviera, Europe, and the Middle East.

Matthew Rhodes

Matthew Rhodes is a veteran motion picture and television producer and executive with over 25 years of experience. He has produced over 35 films, worked with top tier directors, and notable stars. His films have received box office success, terrific reviews and award-winning recognition. Before joining The Hideaway in 2017, Rhodes was President of Bold Films, where he oversaw a large slate of films and television shows as head of creative and production activities such as Whiplash (Sony Classics), Nightcrawler (Open Road). Both films received numerous nominations and wins from The Academy Awards, The Golden Globes, the Independent Spirit Awards, and dozens of others around the world. Matthew Rhodes graduated with a B.A. from Ohio University’s School of Telecommunications. Rhodes grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. and currently lives in Pacific Palisades, California with his family.

Director, Development & Production — Producer / Executive

Ryan Cassells

Ryan Cassells has been with the company since its 2017 inception. Cassells is a key asset with ongoing creative, production, corporate, and legal operations within the company. He recently Co-Produced CHERRY and additionally supported President, Matthew Rhodes, in the making of The Hideaway’s tentpole movies including Mile 22, Men In Black: International and Bloodshot. Prior to The Hideaway, he was the Associate Producer on the films: Charlie Says (IFC Films) and Time Freak (Lionsgate). He also worked at Revelations Entertainment on CBS’ hit political series Madam Secretary. Additionally, Cassells worked at Innovative Artists. He is a contributing member of the Producer’s Guild of America, Color of Change, Sierra Club, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Television from California State University, Fullerton. He is a native to Southern California.

Louis Godfroi

Louis has been with The Hideaway Entertainment since its inception as Jonathan Gray’s Business Assistant. His role is to assist Jonathan Gray in the day-to-day operations of his companies, including The Hideaway Entertainment and its parent company, First Idea International. Louis holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Management and a Master’s degree in International Marketing & Strategic Intelligence.

Emma Choules

Emma Choules, based in London, has been supporting Jonathan Gray across his various businesses since 2017.