D.C. native is a multi-talented entertainer
Chad Eric Smith has made his dream to become a successful entertainer a reality and encourages young people to do the same.
Many people dream of becoming an actor, writer, and film director, but Chad Eric Smith has made his dream a reality.
“One of my favorite actors is Jeffrey Right. I liked his versatility. I liked how he played Dr, Martin Luther King Jr,” said Smith, referring to the 2001 movie Boycott.
While studying psychology at University of Pittsburgh, Smith began acting. He performed in several stage plays at community and professional theaters, garnering over 15 years of acting experience.
Smith has realized his dream, as an actor, film director and screenwriter. Courtesy photo.
Many people dream of becoming an actor, writer, and film director, but Chad Eric Smith has made his dream a reality.
In October 2019, he was recognized for his achievements, when he was named filmmaker of the month by the D.C office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment.
Smith, 34, a D.C native, who was born and raised in the Bellevue neighborhood of Southeast, first discovered his love of the entertainment business as a child. He was inspired by ironic films and legendary actors.
In 2014, he co-wrote and starred in the comedy Dark Therapy, an award winning film based on D.C. culture. Smith plays a vampire with an irrational fear of blood, but who loves mumbo sauce. In 2019, the film won third place in a contest with Revolt TV, a network owned by Sean Combs, known as “Diddy” in the entertainment industry.
Smith plays the vampire in Dark Therapy. Courtesy photo.
I love irony. Irony is one of my favorite things as both actor and writer – to do something that goes contrary to what you would imagine or think,” said Smith.
Still thriving as a filmmaker, Smith wrote, produced and directed the drama Rumination in 2017 with his company “MisterDuke” Productions. The film starred Kelvin Drama, as a heartbroken man who travels into the past for a second chance at a failed relationship.
Smith’s award-winning 2017 film. Courtesy photo.
Rumination was selected at over 30 film festivals and won over 20 awards including the Gold Peer Award.
“People really enjoyed it,” said Smith. “The great thing about filming unlike theater is that you shoot it once, but you can show it forever’
Smith’s latest film Fatherless made its world premiere this year at the Greater Lehigh Valley Filmmaker Festival, winning the best performance award. The film focuses on a young physicist with a troubled past who seeks to develop time travel in an attempt to fix his childhood.
In addition to writing and producing films, Smith enjoys mentoring youth. For 10 years he dedicated his life to higher education, advocacy, primary violence prevention, and mentorship in Washington D.C.
Smith now lives in Philadelphia working at the Mural of Arts Philadelphia, a public partnership dedicated to the belief that art ignites change, where he helps youth with job readiness and life skills.
Smith is aware that there are many young people who want to be writers and filmmakers and he encourages them to write down their ideas and watch good films.
“Write from truth, whether you’re doing comedy or drama, your best reference is the truth. Whether it’s your own truth or someone else’s truth, if it’s true it’s going to resonate. What comes from the heart enters the heart,” said Smith.
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