Rupert Smith
agent: Natalie Spanier - natalie@sternwild.com
Rupert is a two time Emmy nominated British Director and Director of Photography who has been based in Los Angeles, CA. for the last 15 years. He works on premium projects both on location and in studio, can shoot multi or single camera and take films from conception through to the edit
Prior to moving to LA, Rupert had a successful ten year career in the UK including winning 3 BAFTAs and he continues to work for UK production companies as either an on the ground US director or as an expert at delivering to US networks and streamers. He has delivered shows to networks and streamers including Netflix, Apple TV, Disney, FOX and NBC. And has a long track record of working with A list talent including Reese Witherspoon, Forrest Whitaker, Bear Grylls, Bros and Tyson Fury. Whatever the project he aims for universal delivery of epic visuals, cinematic vision, high production values and compelling storytelling.
Rupert is highly experienced at both unfolding narratives and retrospective storytelling. He’s worked across Talent led Travelogue and Action Adventure : Top Gear USA (HISTORY), Rennervations with Jeremy Renner (DISNEY+) and Escape to the Legion with Bear Grylls (C4) True Crime: including Breaking Homicide (and Fatal Affairs (ID), Sport: Full Swing (NETFLIX) , Make or Break (APPLE) , Specialist Factual : Earthshot with Sir David Attenborough (BBC) and Obs Doc: Tyson Fury - The Gypsy King (ITV). He’s also directed numerous reality and entertainment competition shows including The Voice (NBC), Masked Singer (FOX) , Truck Night in America (HISTORY)
Although Rupert is mostly focused on work as a director he has a background in Series Producing with strong good logistical and problem solving skills . He can adapt to changing circumstance and unpredictable shoots, can work within budget large or small and have has a long history working in hostile and extreme environments.
When not working in long form Rupert is highly experienced in the commercial and branded worlds which means he understands stakeholder and brand management and can work with very high production values to achieve client satisfaction.Clients have included BMW, Shell, Kia, Lexus, Jaguar and Range Rover.
As a DOP, he brings a directors eye to his shooting and aims for cinematic and compelling content. He can shoot on any current camera model, can light everything from interviews to stages and green screens to drama reconstructions, Can shoot as part of a team or be a single lone operator for access docs. In all areas he brings years of experience as a director and producer to get the content needed with the highest production values possible.