
Chris Smith
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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.
Known for
Credits

WHAM! (2023)
Director

Fyre (2019)
Director

"Sr." (2022)
Director

Don't Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever (2025)
Director

American Movie (1999)
Director

Jim & Andy: The Great Beyond (2017)
Director

Biggest Heist Ever (2024)
Director

Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal (2021)
Director

DEVO (2024)
Director

Collapse (2009)
Director

The Yes Men (2003)
Director
Wilder (—)
Director

Home Movie (2001)
Director

American Job (1996)
Director
Untitled John Hughes Documentary (—)
Director

The Pool (2007)
Director
LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2024 (—)
Director

LGBTQ+ New Comedian of the Year 2022 (2023)
Director





