MEET STEPHEN

Stephen J. Smith is a rising force in the world of genre storytelling, known for crafting bold, high-concept horror and thriller films alongside inspirational and action-packed novels and short stories.

In the film world, he recently co-wrote — with writing partner Matt Leslie — and sold his latest horror spec to Sony in a competitive deal, with John Terzian’s h. wood Media producing. As a director, the duo made their feature debut with DON’T OPEN THE DOOR (formerly THE KNOCKING), a chilling, character-driven mystery-horror film they also co-wrote. The film is slated for release later in 2026. Their breakthrough came with SUMMER OF ’84, a nostalgic, paranoia-fueled thriller that landed on the 2016 Blood List. The film was financed by Gunpowder & Sky and premiered in the Midnight Lineup at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival before rolling out in theaters worldwide.

In the print world, his debut novel, THE SABRAEL CONFESSION, is adored by many for its unique blending of familiar Bibilical and historical events into a story packed with action, mystery and adventure through the eyes of its reluctant hero, an angel who bore witness to it all.

Raised in Wisconsin, Stephen graduated with a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison, then attended the UCLA Professional Program in Screenwriting. He’s bounced back and forth between Wisconsin and California since, and now currently resides in Santa Clarita, CA with his wife and two children. His knack for elevated storytelling combined with his love and training in the illustrative arts gives his writing a visual flair that electrifies his narrative work and creates enthralling, immersive worlds that have garnered him many awards and an ever-growing fan base.

A man with light brown hair and a trim beard, wearing a navy blue T-shirt, standing outdoors near a staircase with metal railings, looking at the camera.
Two men standing outdoors with trees and chairs in the background. One is a large man in a blue uniform with a badge, and the other is a smaller man wearing a NASA t-shirt and jeans. They are smiling and have their arms around each other's shoulders.
Two men with curly hair taking a selfie outdoors, with trees in the background.
Three people standing together in a casual setting, smiling and with arms around each other's shoulders. One woman in a patterned dress and white shoes, one man in a white shirt and tie, and another man in a red t-shirt with
Three men sitting at a table with shoes and sprays, in a room with shelves full of shoes and binders, two wearing baseball caps and one wearing a tank top and a cap with an eagle logo.
Group of seven young people posing together inside a building with large windows, some smiling and making peace signs, and one person in the background playfully making a face and raised hands.
Group of six young people standing outside on a residential street, with arms around each other's shoulders, smiling at the camera.
People wearing face masks on a film or video shoot outdoors, standing near a large monitor and equipment, with trees and houses in the background.
Film project team badge with name Stephen J. Smith, a writer from the movie Summer of 84, and a Sundance Film Festival ticket for Monday, January 22, 2018, at 11:59 PM for the Park City Library Park City.
A man standing on stage with a microphone in front of a large red curtain.
A man in glasses wearing a black t-shirt that says 'Summer of 84' stands in an empty movie theater lobby with rows of blue chairs and a red-lit screen in the background.