Frank H. Smith

Frank H. Smith is an American media executive and producer, and current President and Chief Executive officer at Anschutz Film Group (AFG) and Walden Media. He is a former Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at New Line Cinema and Fine Line Features.

Frank Smith
Born
Brooklyn, New York
Alma materPepperdine University, New England Law Boston
Occupation(s)Film executive and producer

Background

Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York,[1] and attended New England Law Boston (formerly New England Law School) where he received his Juris Doctor and earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Pepperdine University.[2]

Smith started his career with New Line Cinema on the Business and Legal Affairs team.[1][3] In 2003, he moved to AFG as head of business affairs.[4] He later became general counsel and has served as the Chief Operating Officer since 2013.[5][6][7] He was appointed as the Chief Executive officer within a few years;[8][1] in this role, he oversees all aspects of Walden's operations.[9] He has expanded Walden from a producer for the theatrical market into TV and streaming, producing projects such as Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club and Apple TV+'s Finch where he served as an executive producer.[10][11][12][13][14]

In 2009, Smith was named the Deal Maker of the Year and was awarded the Association of Media and Entertainment Counsel's Dan Brandhorst Award.[15]

During his tenure at AFG and Walden, he oversaw business and legal affairs on several award-winning films such as The Chronicles of Narnia: the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Journey to the Center of the Earth, Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Parental Guidance,[5] Wonder, A Dog's Purpose, and The Star.[16]

In 2022, Smith won an Emmy Award as an executive producer of Netflix's The Baby-Sitters Club at the inaugural Children and Family Emmy Awards on December 11, 2022 in Los Angeles.[17]

References
  1. "Walden Film Chief on 'A Dog's Purpose' Abuse Claims, New Nate Parker Project and Giving Up 'Hacksaw Ridge'". The Hollywood Reporter. 2017-01-27. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  2. "Charitybuzz: Lunch Meeting with Frank Smith, President and CEO of Ansc... - Lot 1606937". Charitybuzz. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  3. "Not in Narnia Anymore: 'The Giver' Marks Walden's First Push Into PG-13". The Hollywood Reporter. 15 August 2014.
  4. "Rpin Suwannath to direct The Lotus Caves for Walden Media". Screen.
  5. "Walden Media Restructures, Names Frank Smith COO". The Hollywood Reporter. 2013-12-05. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  6. "Walden Media, PG Filmmaker, Seeks Studio Partners Across Cultural Divide". The New York Times. 2014-05-19. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-10-23.
  7. "Walden Media restructures". Screendaily. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. "Netflix's adaptation of The Baby-Sitters Club aims at homebound families". BusinessWorld. 2 July 2020.
  9. "Walden Media Restructures, Names Frank Smith COO". Animation World Network. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. "'The Baby-Sitters Club' Season 2 Confirms a Release Date on Netflix, So Get Ready to Say Hello to Your Friends Again". Collider. 26 August 2021.
  11. "Listen: How Walden Media Navigates the Mega-Budget Film Era". Variety. 2019-07-31. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. "Apple Picks Up Tom Hanks Sci-Fi Film 'Finch' From Amblin EntertainmentTheWrap". Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. "'Finch' Trailer: Tom Hanks Sets Out On A Roadtrip With Canine & Robot Pals In Post-Apocalyptic Apple Original". Deadline. 2021-09-20. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  14. "Walden Media Sets Expansion into TV, Animation". Variety. 5 December 2013.
  15. "Bob Pisano picks up honor". Variety. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  16. "Amma Asante To Direct Drama Thriller 'The Billion Dollar Spy' For Walden Media". Deadline. Retrieved 2021-10-23.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. "The 1st Annual Childrens Family Emmy Award Winners" (PDF). 1st Children's and Family Emmy Awards. 11 December 2022.
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