Dan Smith Productions

24/06/2024

WHAT IF I HAD SAID YES TO THE KING OF POP?
I don’t do much second guessing. That’s because of my long-held practice of instinctively going over the pros and cons of any major decision I make and then living with the decision I make! While it is rare for me to think about “do overs,”the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death is one of those times. In March of 2007, I got maybe the biggest break of my career when I was selected to film what would turn out to be the King of Pop’s final visit to Japan. I personally filmed footage for him and my team (plus a corporate news partner) filmed footage that went out to TV stations around the world. I also used the footage in two TV specials I produced on Michael, which I distributed on Fox. Michael, his Mom, and his three kids were in Japan for 11 days. I filmed him for most of that time. It was exhilarating. I had to contend with thousands of his fans, his management, media requests and the fact that I was determined to do it in a way to make everybody proud - especially Michael! There aren’t many quiet moments when you are filming the King of Pop. But during one of those moments he shook my hand and said, “You are doing a tremendous job!” He threw in a couple of more nice comments and then surprised me by saying, “I know you have strong ties to Japan but you should come work for me? I really need some good people like you on my team!” I was floored. I figured he was just being nice, so I took it as a huge compliment! When he brought it up again a day or so later, I realized that he might be serious! I gave him some lame answer about wanting to build my business in Japan and it didn’t come up again. But honestly, in witnessing the hectic day-to-day, 24-7 operation that surrounded him, I realized fairly quickly that I might not be a good fit! I would always have the Japan experience filled with great memories. When he died just shy of making what would have been his historic “This Is It”comeback, I thought back to the day he asked me to come work for him.

23/06/2024

Just some simple thoughts for today.

22/06/2024

THE SECOND TIME AROUND IS TWICE AS GOOD!
Even though I had seen Bad Boys Ride Or Die Friday night, I could not pass up a "date night" offer from Mika Aikawa to take in the movie again - this time at the Toho Roppongi Cinema's MX4D theater! ? It is was pretty "immersive" experience for a two-hour movie that is just packed with all kinds of action. I can't wait to see Will back in Japan again so I can tell him just how good a job they did in this film! . If you haven't seen the Backstage Pass segment I did on the film and some of my past Will Smith interviews check it out at the link below. ...And definitely check out BAD BOYS RIDE OR DIE! https://youtu.be/H0xpD2IO32I?si=1JMLVgsxuoNcZrz3

21/06/2024

NOT GOING TO LET A LITTLE RAIN STOP ME!
I was one of the first to show up this morning for opening day of Bad Boys Ride or Die in Japan today! I couldn’t wait to see the movie after our Buzzfeed Backstage Pass feature on the film debuted this week! Check out our link here: https://youtu.be/H0xpD2IO32I?si=_sa9bZdEXSpveJcs

19/06/2024

TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND
It seems I am in big demand for meetings for the past two weeks! I am not complaining but just asking for patience if I don't get back with you as quickly a you would like! My daughter's health concern is taking top priority.

18/06/2024

OUR BAD BOYS 4 BSP FEATURE IS HERE!
Hot out of the editing room! We got Will Smith and Martin Lawrence rocking YouTube on our Buzzfeed Backstage Pass feature! Caught them at the LA premiere as well as included some of our favorites times we have covered Will in Japan! Check out the link below and let me know if you liked it! The movie opens in Japan June 21st!

ハリウッドで開催された『バッドボーイズ RIDE OR DIE』LAプレミアに、ウィル・スミスは家族で登場。ラッピングバスに乗ったウィル・スミスがファンを盛り上げ、会場全体が大興奮！さらに「Backstage Pass」にしか見せないウ.....

16/06/2024

LOOKING FORWARD TO A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE
I have had a pretty difficult month with my eldest daughter Tia recently surgery; the first anniversary of the murder of my youngest daughter Alice’s son, and my grandson Phadon; deaths of some friends and myself trying to rebound from some health issues. Rather than delve on that, I am focusing on some new film, studio and TV projects… many which will come your way fruition late this year or early 2025. Next year is significant for me because it will mark 25 years of working in the entertainment/media/PR community in Japan. In my spare time I’ve been making “post cards” of many of the international and Japanese celebrities I’ve worked with or covered during that time. I thought maybe I could compile 50 or so. I really underestimated that number - by a large margin. I also decided to write a book on my life in Japan to commemorate that journey as well.

08/06/2024

UPDATE ON MY DAUGHTER TIA
My daughter Tia suffered a setback today. The doctors said there were some compression in her head and it was causing her to lose consciousness again. The doctors said there was additional bleeding in her head as a result. So they have to perform another surgery to relieve some of the pressure in her head and drain the blood. It should only take about an hour or two, then they will bring her back and put her on a breathing machine. She was doing her normal routines of responding to commands and the doctor had come to visit to check on her. It literally happened right as the doctor was leaving, so they took her to the OR immediately. She told me yesterday, before this happen, that if I put up a picture of her in head bandages that I should put up pictures of her that are not as terrible. So here are also two pictures of both my girls that I really love. It is 03:18 in Japan right now so I will try to get some sleep, do I can be ready when she wakes up. Please keep her in your prayers…

07/06/2024

FRIDAY FLASHBACK: BAD BOYZ 4 LIFE!
I am looking forward to watch Will Smith’s latest movie - Bad Boyz Ride Or Die, in theaters now. I’ve known and covered Will Smith for nearly 20 years in Japan. He has always been kind and thoughtful, even treating me to a one on-one breakfast at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Roppongi. But the biggest thing I am grateful for was him keeping his word to visit U.S. troops and their families in Japan. We took a Blackhawk helicopter to Yokota where Will talked and entertained nearly 6,000 who gathered to see him! Can’t wait for him to come visit Japan again! WillSmith

06/06/2024

I NEVER STOP WORRYING ABOUT MY DAUGHTERS
A colleague once asked me what was the hardest job I ever had? I told him it was being a father to my two daughters. Even though I’ve been fortunate in that I have always had a great relationships with my daughters. As soon as they were old enough to understand it, I stresssed to them how important it was for them to know they can talk to me about anything. Anything! Nothing was off limits. It was something my Mom instilled in me and made me pledge I would do the same for my kids. That has worked well with only a few hiccups here and there and also with me separated from them by continents now for nearly 25 years! Still the distance or time doesn’t lesson the fear I always have that I can’t protect them from the horrible and unfortunate things that happens in life. They are now grown with their own kids but in my eyes I still see the “girls” I taught to tide a bike; watched their softball or basketball games and cheerleading events. Still the guy who cried inside when they each left home to start their own life journey. For me a can never stop worrying about them even though it is very little I can do. But they still know u am here for them no matter what. That’s what good fathers do!

05/06/2024

DOING DOUBLE TIME ON THE CINEMA FRONT!
With Aurora Borealis Entertainment partner Gudni Gudnason and myself decision to move our company firmly in the direction of film production, we been making the rounds to some significant cinema-related events in Tokyo. Yesterday I got to attend the opening ceremony of the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia. The day before I got to attend a special screening for a very touching film, “Songs Of Kamui,” at the Canadian Embassy.

02/06/2024

THE HEALING PROCESS HAS BEGUN!
I got to have my first conversation with my daughter Tia since her surgery four days ago. She can’t open her right eye and can barely open her left eye, I could sense her determination to start the healing process! She still has several weeks of recovery but it is moving in the right direction. Little Sis, her Mom (who has been sleeping in the hotel room every night even before the surgery) and all the siblings are giving her positive energy. Tia also told me to thank all her well-wishers out there from all over, especially in Japan where she grew up! Big thanks from me too! It has been a stressful six days!

01/06/2024

VISITING WITH SOME SUPERSTAR FRIENDS
Yesterday, myself, and fellow Aurora Borealis Entertainment producer Mika Aikawa got to revisit a lot of Superstar friends in cinema business, courtesy of Georgiana Pope and Toho Tomba! We were amazed to see Japan’s hottest star Ryohei Suzuki, who years ago hosted our FOX Backstage Pass program! We also got to mingle with casting director and producer Yoko Narahashi, actor Shogen 尚玄, and another former Backstage Pass host, Adrienne Lunson. I also wanted to thank so many of the attendees there who expressed support for my daughter Tia, who is recovering from her surgery.

29/05/2024

FIRST UPDATE ON MY DAUGHTER
Here is the latest update on my eldest daughter Tia. She can’t open her right eye. They have stabilized her and she is talking with family members, but they are moving the surgery to tomorrow morning because of how long that surgery is expected to take. Her younger Sister Alice Si Daii Smith has arrived from New York. Alice took this picture which shows Tia surrounded by her kids and nephew, my grandkids. We thank you all for the support and prayers we have received so far. Need it again for the surgery tomorrow. I going to try to get a couple hours of sleep. It is 2 pm in Houston but 4 am here in Tokyo.

28/05/2024

ASKING FOR YOUR PRAYERS & SUPPORT
Please take a moment to pray for my oldest daughter Tia. She was rushed to the hospital today after collapsing at work and will undergo emergency surgery in a few hours for an aneurysm.

16/05/2024

CATCHING UP ON MY SELFIES
I haven't been able to stay in one place for very long lately as it seems I've had to be everywhere at once. Which is why I love selfies! So while I have to apologize for not being able to stay long Iam am happy I got to at least say, "Hello!"

27/04/2024

HAWAII VACATION DAY 4 - FRIDAY FIREWORKS!
There is nothing more chilled out that frozen margaritas and Friday Fireworks on Wakiki Beach! Getting up early tomorrow for gym workout and swimming laps!

23/04/2024

WATCHING OUR BSP HOLLYWOOD EP INFLIGHT
As I get ready to board my flight from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to the Honolulu Airport in Hawaii, one of my inflight films will be the half-hour Backstage Pass program of our recent trip to Hollywood for Oscars Week. The episode features Miss Universe Japan 2021 Juri Watanabe doing dual reporting duties for the 2024 Oscars Red Carpet Arrivals and the glamorous annual Luxury Gala Oscar Viewing Party courtesy of Samira Kazemeni! Of course, we were lead there by co-Executive Producer Gudni Gudnason. The video also includes the EIKO'S World fashion party and a bunch interesting meet ups with friends in Hollywood such as Aurora Borealis Entertainment alumni Hideto and Louisa Nakagome, Mika Aikawa, former Japan figure skating champion Fumie Suguri and Devin Deer, Tomoko Brown and Tom Brown, Alec Peters, Crysstal Hubbard, Eiji Inoue, Sachiko Ishida, Kiyotaka Fujii, Evan Landy, Narisa Suzuki, Vanessa Valante, Andrew, Wada Ara RieKo, Reina... and even my youngest grandson, Elijah Howard. I've got my popcorn and champagne for the flight and headphones ready to go!
WATCHING OUR BSP HOLLYWOOD EP INFLIGHT
As I get ready to board my flight from Tokyo's Haneda Airport to the Honolulu Airport in Hawaii, one of my inflight films will be the half-hour Backstage Pass program of our recent trip to Hollywood for Oscars Week. The episode features Miss Universe Japan 2021 Juri Watanabe doing dual reporting duties for the 2024 Oscars Red Carpet Arrivals and the glamorous annual Luxury Gala Oscar Viewing Party courtesy of Samira Kazemeni! Of course, we were lead there by co-Executive Producer Gudni Gudnason. The video also includes the EIKO'S World fashion party and a bunch interesting meet ups with friends in Hollywood such as Aurora Borealis Entertainment alumni Hideto and Louisa Nakagome, Mika Aikawa, former Japan figure skating champion Fumie Suguri and Devin Deer, Tomoko Brown and Tom Brown, Alec Peters, Crysstal Hubbard, Eiji Inoue, Sachiko Ishida, Kiyotaka Fujii, Evan Landy, Narisa Suzuki, Vanessa Valante, Andrew, Wada Ara RieKo, Reina... and even my youngest grandson, Elijah Howard. I've got my popcorn and champagne for the flight and headphones ready to go!

Backstage Pass went to Hollywood for 2024 Oscars Week and did dual duty covering the Oscars Red Carpet Arrivals and the massive Luxury Gala Oscar Viewing Par...

21/04/2024

HOLLYWOOD, HOUSTON & TOKYO - NEXT HAWAII
It seems I have been constantly on the road for 2024! It began January 1st when I was visiting Toyama and Ishikawa for a vacation that turned into an earthquake news reporting stint. Then it was on the road to Chiba, Japan for “Defending Japan” related work and Okinawa for production support work for an Australian TV program. Next came a trip to Hollywood for 2024 Oscars Week; Houston for my grandson’s wedding; and back to Tokyo for our “Buzzfeed Backstage Pass” coverage of Beyoncé new album promotion and also the “Super LVMH Art De Vivre” event. Tuesday I head to Hawaii for a much needed Golden Week vacation (and yes, some work), but I must return to Japan May 2nd to travel to Osaka the next day for “Comic Con 2024” and then back to Tokyo for the start of production on Season 2 of “Defending Japan.” After that, I get into the busy part of my schedule with some new projects!

19/04/2024

BACKSTAGE PASS FILMING - 'SUPER LVHM' JAPAN
Luminaries from Japan's fashion world joined with local celebrities for the "Super LVHM" launch of the Leslie Kee Art De Vivre Exhibition yesterday evening. Here are some photos but look for the Backstage Pass segment early next week on the Buzzfeed Channel!

16/04/2024

PAYING OUR RESPECTS TO AKEBONO & FAMILY
Yesterday we were able to pay our respects to Sumo great Akebono and his family at his funeral. It was conducted in a beautiful Hawaiian style as a tribute to his roots.

12/04/2024

ALL THANKS TO YOU AKEBONO!
As people from around the world mourn the loss of Sumo great Akebono, I also mourn the loss a good friend who lent his name and stature to some of my promotion projects during my 10-year tenure with FOX! The most memorable one is “The Walking Dead” promotion stunt that might not have ever seen the light of day had it not been for Akebono and Jane Yamano! The stunt to storm the Tokyo Tower on Halloween with over 1,000 Akebono led zombies ended up going viral around the world and also earned me the prestigious PromaxBDA Asia Gold Award! Thank you Chad! Many Hollywood producers, actors and PR people have complimented me many times over, but you were the catalyst! People still google “Tokyo Tower Zombies!”Thanks again big buddy. I’m sure you will be just in demand in heavy!

11/04/2024

IT’S A TITLE I THINK I CAN LIVE WITH!
While I was in Hollywood last month for Oscars Week, I was given what I felt was a huge compliment from a couple of Japanese friends who live there. They told me I was a great example of an American who is a “Good Ambassador for Japan!” I am often asked in Japan to appear on entertainment or news shows; do promotional photo shoots; or to visit various cities, towns and prefectures in the hopes that I can help explain the people, culture and country to my fellow Americans as well as people from all parts of the world! I think this has contributed to the “Samurai Dan Smith” nickname I’ve picked up over the years! Hopefully that will expand with some of our Japan based TV and films projects on the horizon.