Bruce W. Smith, a highly accomplished and esteemed American character animator, film director, and television producer, has earned widespread recognition for his groundbreaking work as the visionary creator of Disney's beloved and iconic franchise, The Proud Family.
Throughout his illustrious career, Smith has consistently demonstrated a profound passion for the art of animation, which led him to enroll in the esteemed Character Animation program at the renowned California Institute of the Arts, a prestigious institution that has long been synonymous with excellence in the field of animation.
Noted animator and director, Smith, made a significant mark in the industry during a time when there were only a handful of Black professionals working in the field. His impressive career began with a stint as an assistant animator on the 1984 television special "Garfield in the Rough," helmed by the renowned Bill Meléndez.
Throughout the mid-1990s, Smith's remarkable résumé was bolstered by his extensive involvement in various projects, including overseeing the animation for the critically acclaimed film, The Pagemaster, where his expertise was instrumental in bringing the story to life.
In addition to his work on The Pagemaster, Smith also made significant contributions to the development of Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, serving as both the director and character designer, thus lending his unique perspective to the project. His impressive range of skills was further showcased through his character design work on A Goofy Movie and C Bear and Jamal, two beloved animated films that have stood the test of time.
Furthermore, Smith was instrumental in the creation of the animated segments of the highly successful film, Space Jam, a project that marked a significant milestone in his career. He also co-directed these segments, working closely with a talented team of creatives to bring this ambitious project to fruition.
In addition to his work in film and television, Smith was also a co-creator of Da Boom Crew, a groundbreaking project that he developed alongside John P. White and Stiles White. This innovative venture allowed Smith to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of what was possible in the world of animation.
In the year 1998, a significant milestone was reached for the talented individual, Smith, as he made the decision to join the esteemed Walt Disney Feature Animation. During his tenure at this renowned animation studio, Smith assumed the role of supervising animator on four notable films, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic world. These four films, which showcased his exceptional skills, were Tarzan, The Emperor's New Groove, Home on the Range, and The Princess and the Frog.
Before embarking on this new chapter in his career, Smith was actively involved with Hyperion Pictures, where he was instrumental in developing a television series, The Proud Family. Although Nickelodeon initially declined to pick up the project, Smith's determination and perseverance ultimately led to Disney Channel's decision to acquire the series the following year. This marked a significant turning point, as The Proud Family went on to become a successful television program, running for a period of eight years until 2005. Moreover, this project was the first production to be undertaken by Smith's own production company, Jambalaya Studios, a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to his craft.
Smith's life story is a remarkable tale of triumph, unfolding against the vibrant backdrop of Central Los Angeles, the city that nurtured his creative spirit and fueled his passion for animation.
From a young age, Smith's innate curiosity and artistic flair led him to explore the vast expanse of the animation world, immersing himself in the rich tapestry of styles, techniques, and storytelling methods that have shaped the industry over the years.
As he grew older, Smith's dedication to his craft only intensified, driving him to push the boundaries of what was thought possible and to continually challenge himself to innovate and improve.
Through sheer force of will and unwavering perseverance, Smith carved out a name for himself in the competitive world of animation, his reputation spreading like wildfire as a master of his craft.
Today, Smith stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and a relentless passion for one's art, his remarkable journey serving as an inspiration to countless others who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
