Jack Thomas Smith, a highly acclaimed and accomplished filmmaker, made his feature film directorial debut with the gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller Disorder, a project that showcased his remarkable versatility as a writer, producer, and director.
Disorder, which premiered in select theaters across the United States, went on to be released on DVD and VOD by prominent distribution companies Universal/Vivendi and Warner Brothers, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The film's impressive run didn't stop there, as it was selected for screening at two of the most prestigious film festivals in the world: the Cannes Film Festival, a premier showcase for new and innovative cinematic talent, and the Raindance Film Festival in London, a leading platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their work.
March 10, 1969, marked the day of birth for a literary luminary, Smith, in the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His early life, however, unfolded in a serene island community nestled in the state of Michigan, where the idyllic surroundings would later influence his writing endeavors. It was during his formative years that Smith discovered the works of the master of horror, Stephen King, which sparked a creative fire within him. By the time he reached the tender age of 11, he had already penned a substantial 300-page novel, as well as a collection of short stories that showcased his burgeoning talent.
Smith's family uprooted to Sparta, New Jersey, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of the Garden State, where the young filmmaker-to-be stumbled upon a treasure trove of cinematic masterpieces crafted by the legendary George A. Romero, Stanley Kubrick, Brian De Palma, and John Carpenter. These influential works of art ignited a burning passion within Smith, fueling his desire to create movies that would captivate and inspire audiences. Undeterred by the limitations of his age and inexperience, Smith set out to hone his craft, pouring his heart and soul into writing and directing a series of short films shot on the humble yet iconic Super 8mm format. Featuring his brother and a cast of friends as his leading men, Smith's early endeavors showcased a nascent talent that would eventually blossom into a remarkable career in the world of filmmaking.
As a precocious and ambitious young adult, Smith embarked on a journey in the film industry, initially producing motion pictures for esteemed horror directors, Ted A. Bohus and John A. Russo, the latter being the co-creator of the cult classic, Night of the Living Dead, a pioneering work in the zombie genre, released in 1968.
Subsequently, Smith's creative endeavors culminated in the writing, production, and direction of the gripping dark thriller, Infliction, a cinematic exploration of the devastating consequences of child abuse, which premiered as a limited theatrical release in the United States, subsequently making its way to DVD, VOD, and Digital HD platforms.
Notable figure Smith holds a membership with the esteemed Horror Writers Association, a prestigious organization that brings together like-minded individuals who share a passion for crafting spine-tingling tales. His impressive credentials also include a significant contribution to the critically acclaimed book "Horror 201: The Silver Scream", a publication that garnered a nomination for the coveted Bram Stoker Award. Furthermore, Smith has demonstrated his versatility by taking on the role of director for a variety of music videos, showcasing his ability to work effectively with artists from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, he has been involved in several documentary projects, utilizing his skills to bring complex stories to life on the screen.
Smith is presently engaged to Mandy Del Rio, a renowned television producer and talk show host, who has been the driving force behind the popular program "The Indie Lounge" since its inception in 2014.
In addition to his executive producer role on Del Rio's show, Smith has also ventured into documentary filmmaking, creating the pro-military television series "War Heroes" in collaboration with Kris Paronto in 2021.
Furthermore, Smith has demonstrated his versatility as a director and co-producer by working on a range of documentaries, including "9/11: The Day That Shook the World" in 2021, "Socialism in America" in 2021, "Day of Outrage" in 2022, "America Burning" in 2022, and "Shame of a Nation" in 2022.
Megan Cruz, a highly accomplished individual in her own right, is none other than the daughter of the esteemed Smith, with whom she collaborates on a vast majority of his projects. Her involvement in her father's endeavors is a testament to the strong bond they share, as well as her own remarkable talents and dedication to her craft.
In addition to his paternal role, Smith is also the loving stepfather to Luna Del Rio, a young and ambitious individual with a passion for the performing arts. Her aspirations to become an actress are a source of inspiration and joy for Smith, as he proudly supports her in her pursuit of her dreams.
Fox Trail Productions, the production company founded by Smith, is actively engaged in developing a diverse range of feature films and documentaries. This endeavor is a testament to Smith's commitment to the world of entertainment, as well as his ability to foster and nurture creative talent.
