tony dean smith

Tony Dean Smith is an award-winning Director, Screenwriter, and Editor renowned for his sharp sense of story, elegant camerawork and grounded performances. His critically acclaimed feature film, VOLITION, captivated audiences worldwide, sweeping up festival awards and earning glowing reviews from Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Ain’t It Cool News, and Rotten Tomatoes (88% Fresh). The film’s success led to Tony receiving the Directors Guild of Canada’s “Best BC Director” Award. Recently, Tony has brought his signature visual style and narrative expertise to Paramount+, directing standout films including RISQUÉ, STRANGERS, MERCY and the upcoming supernatural thriller THE HIGHEST STAKES. With a lifelong passion for cinematography and a keen eye for storyboarding, Tony possesses a rare ability to visualize every frame before the shoot, maximizing both time and budget efficiency. His technical precision, collaborative spirit, creative playfulness and background as a stage and screen actor make him an exceptional leader on set, where he thrives in elevating performances and crafting unforgettable cinematic experiences. At his core, Tony believes that storytelling is more than entertainment—it is a profound tool for transformation and the building of culture.