Directing
David Smick
David M. Smick, Sr. is a distinguished global macroeconomic strategist, magazine publisher, and acclaimed author, who has recently ventured into documentary filmmaking. He established Johnson Smick International, a strategic advisory firm based in Washington, D.C., alongside former Federal Reserve Vice Chairman Manuel H. Johnson. This firm has been instrumental in providing valuable insights to some of the world's most prominent investors.
Throughout his career, Smick has penned op-ed articles for major publications such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, and USA Today. His expertise has also led him to appear as a commentator on renowned platforms including CNN, CNBC, The Charlie Rose Show, Bloomberg News, and Fox Business.
In 2020, Smick made his mark in documentary filmmaking with "Stars and Strife," a feature-length film he both wrote and directed, which forecasts a significant wave of political, social, and economic discord in the United States and beyond. The documentary, produced with the help of Academy Award-winning director Barry Levinson, received high praise, with Tom Friedman of the New York Times calling it “an incredible work.” Acquired by Lionsgate, it premiered on Starz on September 21, 2020.
His latest project, "America’s Burning," premiered at the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival and was distributed nationwide by Regal Cinemas. This documentary explores the economic factors contributing to America's division, including the erosion of the middle class. Executive produced by Michael Douglas and Barry Levinson, it received accolades from critics, with David Ignatius describing it as “incredibly powerful.”
Smick is also the author of the award-winning bestseller "The World Is Curved," published in 2008. The book, which has been translated into 32 languages, offers a prescient analysis of the financial risks associated with globalization and was lauded by Bill Clinton as one of the top three books on the financial crisis.
Filmography