Named one of Variety's "10 Producers to Watch" in 2015, Laura D. Smith most recently produced the indie horror sensation IT FOLLOWS and the feel-good dramedy I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS, both of which made Indiewire’s list of “Top 20 Grossing Indies of 2015.”
IT FOLLOWS premiered to rave reviews at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival and subsequently screened at the Toronto and Sundance Film Festivals. Released by RADiUS-TWC, the film received three Film Independent Spirit Award nominations (Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing), as well as a nomination for Smith for the prestigious Piaget Producers Award.
I'LL SEE YOU IN MY DREAMS premiered at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, where it was acquired by Bleecker Street for worldwide distribution, and garnered a Gotham Award Best Actress nomination for Blythe Danner.
In addition to her narrative work, Smith recently produced the documentary feature HOLBROOK/TWAIN: AN AMERICAN ODYSSEY, an inside look at actor Hal Holbrook and his famed one-man stage show "Mark Twain Tonight!"
Previously, Smith produced THAT EVENING SUN, winner of the Audience Award and a Special Jury Prize at its 2009 SXSW premiere and nominated for two Film Independent Spirit Awards; and SIRONIA, winner of the Audience Award at its 2011 Austin Film Festival premiere. Smith has also served as Co-Producer and Associate Producer on many other notable independents, including FACTORY GIRL, HAPPY ENDINGS, and COME EARLY MORNING.
Smith began her career working under award-winning filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson and his producer, JoAnne Sellar, at Goulardi Film Company, and acclaimed writer-director Andrew Niccol. She is a Sundance Institute Fellow and a Film Independent Producing Fellow, and has lectured and served on panels for organizations such as U.C.L.A., the Sundance Institute, Film Independent, SAGIndie, and the Austin Film Society.
Smith received a BA from U.C.L.A. and currently resides in Los Angeles.
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