Adam Austin Smith is a Milwaukee-based director, producer, and screenwriter with an emphasis in Southern Gothic and science fiction-related storytelling. Originally from the "Bootheel" of Missouri, he earned a bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University in 2020. He owns Wishing Whales LLC. Adam is the writer and a producer behind the award-winning horror short "Aroma-Vision." He recently founded "Voices Off Paper," a monthly live table read workshop for local actors and writers, and a member of Wisconsin Production Collective (WPC). Since moving to Wisconsin, Adam has contributed to commercial projects for NFL Films, Illumination Entertainment, WWE, and the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as shows like The Daily Show, Real Housewives, Top Chef, and more. With Wisconsin's new film incentives opening doors for in-state production, he's proud to be part of the growing Midwest film community. He frequently writes short-form content on Substack under "Belly of the Well."