
About Neuhaus Ideas
Strategic Creative Producer & Community Builder
Adam Neuhaus is the founder of Neuhaus Ideas, an ideas company focused on strategic creative development and production. Adam spent 7+ years in development for 30for30 and ESPN Films, producing 100+ projects across documentary, series, digital, scripted adaptations, and launching 30for30 Podcasts. Neuhaus Ideas currently produces, The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs, a puzzle podcast with 500+ episodes and 5M+ downloads.
Previously, Adam worked in development for RadicalMedia and Original Media, and began his career at William Morris Agency, with additional experiences at IFP New York and Paradigm. Adam serves as a mentor for Unlock Her Potential and on the Capacity Council for the Brown Girls Doc Mafia (BGDM). He recently founded The Nonfiction Hotlist, a community initiative championing exceptional unproduced nonfiction storytelling.
Current Ventures:
Executive Producer, The Puzzler with A.J. Jacobs, 500+ episodes, 5M+ downloads, 2024 Signal Award Winner
Founder, The Nonfiction Hotlist, 23 selected projects, 639 submissions, 5,000+ industry community
Co-Founder of Hello, Puzzlers! a creator owned company focused on puzzle-based content and products
Recent Press
Realscreen
Adam Neuhaus on how the Nonfiction Hotlist might “reverse power dynamics for creators”
Doc Voices
What's Behind The Nonfiction Hotlist?
Woodstock Film Festival
Non-Fiction Hotlist + Sports Betting Documentary STATE OF GAMBLING w/ Adam Neuhaus and Kyle Thrash
Older Press
For Help Finding a Job, Friends in Low Places
Widening Field of Movie Makers
Meditation on Adam Neuhaus
Core Services
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Transform your concept into a market-ready, fundable project
Apply proven development expertise to get your project pitch-perfect:
Pitch Development: Evaluate and craft compelling narratives that resonate with decision-makers
Market Positioning: Identify the right platforms, audiences, and strategic timing
Materials Creation: Professional pitch decks and supporting materials that open doors
Strategic Planning: Executive Producer mindset applied to your project roadmap
Targeted Introductions: Leverage extensive industry relationships for the right connections
Perfect for: Creators with developed concepts ready for the next level
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Fresh perspective and structured creativity for teams and companies
Drawing from years of executive experience evaluating creative concepts, facilitate brainstorms with proven methodologies:
Ideation Sessions: Half-day to full-day structured creativity for teams 5-100 people
Human-Centered Approach: Collaborative exercises that generate actionable ideas while building team cohesion
Format Innovation: Develop new content formats and platform strategies that stand out in crowded markets
Vision Clarification: Help teams identify what's possible
Perfect for: Companies seeking fresh creative jolt or teams needing strategic breakthrough on specific challenges
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Leverage proven ability to identify exceptional content and talent
Apply expertise from evaluating hundreds of projects annually:
Competition Management: Design and execute submission/selection processes
Jury Leadership: Serve and identify selection committees with strategic oversight
Programming Design: Create compelling content slates and festival programming
Community Building: Develop sustainable creative communities (like Nonfiction Hotlist model)
Perfect for: Organizations launching competitions, festivals, or talent development initiatives
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Navigate every aspect of bringing your idea to market
Comprehensive development support from concept to execution:
Creative Assessment: Honest evaluation from someone who understands what works
Medium Optimization: Determine optimal format - documentary, series, podcast, digital
Expert Community Building: Marketing strategy as community building
Development Strategy: Structure deals and partnerships for maximum creative control
Market Intelligence: Real-time insights on buyer preferences and industry trends
Perfect for: Creators with access to compelling stories or unique subjects
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Strategic introductions that accelerate project development
Facilitate meaningful professional relationships:
Production and Talent Partnerships: Connect with the right talent including production companies, directors, producers, editors across all content formats
Distribution Connections: Introductions to platform executives and sales agents
Funding Relationships: Connect projects with appropriate investors and grants
International Opportunities: Bridge US creators and IP with global distribution possibilities
Perfect for: Established creators seeking specific industry relationships
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Create and design impactful gatherings that drive real outcomes:
Panel Curation: Compelling industry conversations with strategic business goals
Creative Retreats: Immersive experiences that foster lasting professional connections
Masterclass Development: Educational programming that positions brands as thought leaders
Corporate Innovation Programs: Custom workshops combining creativity with business strategy
Community Events: Replicable programming that builds ongoing engagement
Wine Events: High end wine hospitality in partnership with Wine Ideas
Perfect for: Brands and organizations seeking to establish thought leadership and community
Work with Neuhaus Ideas
Creative Judgment: Successfully developed 100+ projects including award winners and culturally significant documentaries from ESPN Films, 30for30, and current ventures
Community Building: Created lasting industry initiatives (Headsets & Highballs, Nonfiction Hotlist) that prioritize authentic connection and meaningful opportunities over transactional networking
Values Driven Leadership: Long-term mentor and supporter of emerging voices through partnerships with Ghetto Film School, Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and Unlock Her Potential
Creative Strategy: Understands both creative excellence and commercial realities from executive perspective, with focus on regenerative approaches to content development
Decisive Execution: Known for swift decisions, clear communication, and respect for creatives — an approach that honors timing and relationships
Current Market Knowledge: Actively pitching, producing content and building intellectual property (Hello, Puzzlers!) in an evolving media landscape
Adam works with a select number of clients annually to ensure focused attention and meaningful results. Projects typically range from intensive short-term consultations to ongoing strategic partnerships.
Ready to discuss your project?