EP 111: Beyond the Bolex with Director/Producer/Screenwriter Christopher Emanuel Smith

In this week's episode of Visual Intonation, we dive into the world of Christopher Emanuel Smith, a filmmaker whose journey from Florida to the bright lights of New York City is as compelling as the stories he tells. A former Floridian with a knack for avoiding "Florida Man" infamy, Christopher swapped gators for a camera and pursued an MFA from NYU Tisch. With a career that blends screenwriting, directing, and videography, he has earned his place in the industry, crafting visuals that captivate and stories that resonate. His current gig as a Senior Director at Condé Nast Entertainment has only sharpened his unique cinematic voice, a voice that has already captured the attention of major publications like Vanity Fair and GQ. 

But Christopher isn’t just a director; he’s a storyteller at heart. His goal? To create coming-of-age narratives that seamlessly weave together comedy and drama, stories that capture the awkwardness, beauty, and struggle of growing up. From his work on music videos and documentaries to his upcoming episodic series, Christopher’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt moments places him in a class of his own. The silent storytelling technique he mastered with a 16mm Bolex camera continues to inform his work today, ensuring that every frame he shoots is packed with meaning. 

We also explore Christopher's ideal projects—shows like 'Atlanta' and 'Dave', which mix razor-sharp wit with emotional depth, and action-comedy films like 'Tropic Thunder', where humor and adventure collide. His blend of sharp social commentary and visual storytelling makes him a standout in an industry often overcrowded with cookie-cutter projects. Whether it’s through the lens of a camera or the page of a script, Christopher remains steadfast in his mission to tell stories that matter, stories that go beyond the bizarre encounters of a life lived in Florida. 

Don’t miss this episode of Visual Intonation, where we talk about Christopher's experiences, creative processes, and his exciting future projects. We’ll also discuss his latest short film, 'Male Pattern Boredness', which follows a self-sabotaging musician on a hilariously rocky path toward self-discovery. Tune in to hear how one filmmaker is pushing boundaries and creating headlines that don’t involve any alligators. 

Christopher Emanuel Smith's Website: https://www.culturewax.com/

Christopher Emanuel Smith's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/c.emanuelsmith/?hl=en

Christopher Emanuel Smith's Coverfly: https://writers.coverfly.com/profile/writer-541ab3bff-195734