Built upon a foundation in drawing, painting, and photography, Xandy Smith’s style of visual storytelling has been shaped by years of acting study and the quick and clear communication demanded by commercials. Proving versatility across a range of formats, genres, and budgets, his skills in post production—from editing to grading to compositing—add to a well-rounded approach to filmmaking, contributing to his style and control of the filmmaking medium.
Raised in Dallas, TX by a father who is a popular underground author and a mother who is a professional storyteller, his first movie was made in a sandbox at the age of four, beginning a constant exploration of filmmaking. This continued through his education at NYU film school, to Los Angeles where he assisted some of the industry's top commercial directors, learning the 30-second format very intimately. He has gone on to helm numerous national spots of his own, regularly collaborating with highly respected ad agencies.
His accomplishments in commercials stem from his passion for strong visual storytelling, and working closely with actors. His feature directorial debut, Solver (2017), sold out select theaters across the country and is now available on streaming, and many of his short films have entertained at festivals, leading HBO to pick up Trespass (2005), starring Harry Lennix (Man of Steel) and Nelsan Ellis (True Blood), who also wrote the film. Among his music video work is a chart topping single from State of Man, several projects for cult-favorite psychobilly artists, a rap video for viral group 3rd Flo, and a collaboration on short films with Grammy winner Lupe Fiasco.