RTA Media Alum Arthur Smith speaks to students about his career in TV
In his book, Arthur Smith draws on the most exciting moments of his pioneering career as a producer to show how far you can go when you reach for your dreams. Photo: Zach Lyons Photography, Courtesy of Future PLC.
Growing up in Montreal, with zero connections to the entertainment industry, RTA Media alum Arthur Smith loved television.
Smith's first big break was at 22, producing major sporting events with CBC and later becoming Head of CBC Sports at only 28 years old. He made a number of changes to the way CBC covered sports.
"My approach to sports coverage was highly focused on storytelling and doing whatever it took to get people vested in the athletes. I also pushed for new stylized graphics, liberal use of music, and innovative coverage," said Smith.
After years of covering sports, Smith began to explore other genres of television, notably entertainment programming. In his recently launched book Reach, Smith shares a life changing story of when he was nine years old that brought him out of his shell, and how he ended up as a young actor cast in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Through this, Smith says he had a deep fascination with the production process. “I took advantage of those opportunities on set to observe and ask the producer, the director and the crew many questions”
"This, combined with my time in RTA at The Creative School doing personal productions, confirmed that this would be my path," said Smith.
A. Smith & Co. Productions
Smith is the current Chairman and CEO of A. Smith & Co. Productions, a company known for producing over 200 shows for over 50 networks. The company has created some of the longest-running unscripted series in television history. Smith says he is very proud of the longevity of the production company, one of the oldest non-fiction companies with multiple major prime-time series always in production.
The production company is known for launching the modern food competition television genre in the U.S., with Hell's Kitchen on FOX and NBC's award winning American Ninja Warrior. Photo courtesy of Arthur Smith.
Behind the success of A. Smith & Co. there are four key building blocks that Smith says you must have for a successful long-running show: a great format/concept, the right on-camera talent and cast, exemplary execution, and freshness in some form – either in the POV, the style, the idea, or the casting.
"In addition, to keep it long-running – you need to continue to reinvigorate your series," said Smith. "You have to be careful not to change it too much because there is a reason people are enjoying it, but at the same time, you can never get complacent."
Smith added that to stay ahead of the curve in creating trendsetting formats, you need to consider the marketplace, the platform, and what is happening in the world and take risks.
In his book, Smith talks about the complete journey of how Hell’s Kitchen and American Ninja Warrior were ideas that not many people believed in at the start and how they managed to get the shows on air.
Advice for RTA media students
Smith lays out a list of advice that he would give RTA students looking to succeed in unscripted television production. He encourages students to focus on the genre that excites them the most, then visualize the role they see themselves playing within the industry. Lastly, Smith advises students to select a few companies they’re interested in working at, and clearly identify what separates them from other candidates and what makes them a unique asset to the company.
That advice is echoed by Smith in his newest book, which talks about “reaching” to find out what you're capable of.
"When you reach, you realize the difference between a pipedream and what you haven't dared to try just yet. I'm really hoping the book inspires people to not be afraid to put themselves out there and take chances," said Smith. "Yes, you need to be prepared before you reach, but don't overanalyze and get stuck in neutral,"
Reach is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook through Amazon (external link) , Indigo (external link) , or your local bookstore.
The Creative School at Toronto Metropolitan University
The Creative School is a dynamic faculty that is making a difference in new, unexplored ways. Made up of Canada’s top professional schools and transdisciplinary hubs in media, communication, design and cultural industries, The Creative School offers students an unparalleled global experience in the heart of downtown Toronto.