Outdoor Filmmaker
Roo Smith is a 3x Emmy-nominated filmmaker who creates docu-style commercials around the outdoors and sports. His work focuses on real people and leans heavily into storytelling, emotion and the heart of the human condition.
His work blends cinematic visuals with emotional depth, focusing on genuine moments and uplifting advertising.
Who I’ve Worked With
Heyyo!
I’m Roo Smith - a two-time Emmy-nominated commercial director based in Boulder, Colorado. I’ve spent the last decade crafting stories and moments that move people, working with brands like Patagonia, The North Face, Microsoft, Outside Magazine, and Netflix to tell grounded, character-driven stories rooted in emotion.
Whether it's a short branded documentary, an outdoor lifestyle commercial, or a campaign built for conversions, I’m here to take the creative off your plate and deliver something that sticks with people.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me songwriting, swimming in alpine lakes, and trail running.
My 3 Step Plan
1. Reach Out & Kick Things Off
Shoot me a message below. We’ll jump on a quick call, swap ideas, and map out the story you want to tell - whether it’s wild, heartfelt, or product focused.
2. Lock It In & Hit the Trail
Once we’re aligned, I’ll send over a contract and set the shoot date. From there, I’ll handle the heavy lifting - planning, filming, editing - so you can stay focused on your other missions.
3. Launch Your Story & Watch It Move People
You'll get a finished film or photo set crafted to inspire action and spark connection. Get ready to share it with the world and see real results roll in.
All assets will always be optimized for all platforms, website, social, and paid ads.
Full-Service Brand Campaigns
From story development to final edits, I create emotionally resonant films, photos and short-form content that connect with your audience and drive results.
Let’s Tell a Story People Remember!
If you’re looking for creative partner to lead a story-driven campaign from start to finish, I’m here to help you create work that actually moves people. My goal isn’t just to make beautiful content, it’s to make something that works hard for your brand and feels deeply human.
Fill out the form below and tell me a bit about your vision. I personally read every inquiry and usually respond within 24–48 hours.
This isn’t just a contact form - it’s the start of making something meaningful together.
My Blog
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5 Things Brands Should Look for in a Director
When you're an outdoor minded brand, your identity doesn’t just live in your product, it lives in the stories you tell. And in 2025, storytelling is everything. A single short film or campaign video can define how your audience perceives your values, your authenticity, and your purpose.
But too often, brands pour their budgets into gorgeous films that don’t land. They look great, sure - sweeping drone shots, golden-hour lighting, a voiceover about “the journey” but they don’t connect. They don’t get shared. And they don’t build long-term trust with the audience.
A big reason is brands are hiring the wrong creative leadership.
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Branded Documentaries Vs. Commercials
In marketing, storytelling isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s the foundation of connection. The most beloved brands in the space aren’t just known for their products. They’re known for their point of view. For the way they frame adventure. For the way they make people feel seen, inspired, and invited into something larger than themselves.
But here’s where things get tricky.
There’s more content than ever competing for attention. Scroll-stopping visuals are everywhere. “Authentic storytelling” has become a marketing buzzword. And outdoor brands are left asking:
What kind of content actually works?
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What Makes a Great Marketing Campaign?
In an era where people scroll faster than they think and skip ads without blinking, getting someone to not only pay attention to your campaign but to care about it is hard. Doing that as a brand is even harder. But it’s not impossible.
The strongest campaigns have a spark, a pulse, something that makes people stop. And that spark isn’t always the biggest budget or the flashiest celebrity. Often, it’s resonance. A deep alignment between what’s being shared and what people feel.
Good brand campaigns are simple at their core.
They find one clear feeling and build everything around that.