← Back to explore

Chris Smith

Directing

Born May 20, 1970 · Rahway, New Jersey, USA

Biography

Chris Smith (born in 20 May 1970; Rahway) is an American film documentary director, cameraman, producer, writer, and editor. He is best known for directing American Movie, which was awarded the Grand Jury Prize for Documentary at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival. Smith completed his first film, American Job, while attending the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee's Graduate Film Program. Chris met Mark Borchardt (the subject of American Movie) while editing American Job, and began filming a documentary about the making of Mark's psychological thriller Coven. Both films played at the Sundance Film Festival, and American Movie was bought by Sony Pictures for $1 million. Chris Smith's directing credits include: Collapse (2009), The Pool (2007), The Yes Men (2003), Home Movie (2001), American Movie (1999), and American Job (1996). He is signed to Smuggler for representation.

Filmography29 titles

Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult

Director, Executive Producer

Mr. McMahon

2024Executive Producer

Devo

2024Camera Operator, Director

100 Foot Wave

2021Executive Producer

American Movie

1999Director, Director of Photography, Producer

Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond

2017Director, Producer

Wham!

2023Director, Producer

Home Movie

2001Director

Twisted House Sitter

2021Steadicam Operator

Hollywood Hustler: Glitz, Glam, Scam

Executive Producer

Sr.

2022as Self

The Pez Outlaw

2022Executive Producer

Tiger King

2020Executive Producer

Fyre

2019Director, Producer, Writer

The Yes Men

2003Director, Producer

Operation Varsity Blues

2021Director, Producer

The Big One

1997Director of Photography

Bitconned

2024Producer

The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann

2019Creator, Director

The Mystery of Marilyn Monroe: The Unheard Tapes

2022Executive Producer

Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever

2025Director, Director of Photography, Producer

Bad Vegan: Fame. Fraud. Fugitives.

2022Director

Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story

Executive Producer

Biggest Heist Ever

2024Director

'Twas the Fight Before Christmas

2021Executive Producer

Hollywood Con Queen

Executive Producer

Animals

2014Producer

St Trinian's 2: The Legend of Fritton's Gold

2009Executive Producer

The Jeffrey Dahmer Files

2012Executive Producer