Bryan Smiley

About Bryan Smiley

Bryan Smiley is an Emmy Award–winning producer, seasoned media executive, strategic advisor, and early-stage investor operating at the intersection of media, technology, and entrepreneurship.Smiley is the co-founder of Hartbeat, Kevin Hart’s global media company, where he most recently served as President & Chief Content Officer. At Hartbeat, he led the company’s film and television studio and oversaw all financing, development, and production across a high-impact slate. He also led Hartbeat’s audio division, launching and expanding partnerships with Audible, SiriusXM, and other major platforms. During his tenure, he secured the company’s landmark first-look film deal with Netflix and managed strategic relationships across the entertainment ecosystem.His producing credits include Number One on the Call Sheet (upcoming, Apple TV+), a documentary chronicling the cultural legacy of Black leading actors in Hollywood; Lift (2024), a global heist thriller starring Kevin Hart; Me Time (2022), a buddy comedy with Hart and Mark Wahlberg; Fatherhood (2021), showcasing Hart in one of his most dramatic performances; and Prom Dates (2024), a coming-of-age comedy acquired by Hulu. On the television side, Smiley served as executive producer on acclaimed titles such as Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist (Peacock), True Story (Netflix), Celebrity Game Face, London Hughes: To Catch a Dick, Kevin Hart: Zero F**ks Given, and WTF, Baron Davis.Smiley’s work has earned widespread acclaim and industry recognition. He is the recipient of several prestigious honors, including an Emmy Award, an NAACP Image Award, a Cannes Lions Gold Award, and multiple Signal Awards for excellence in podcasting. He has been featured in Variety’s “New Leaders” and The Hollywood Reporter’s “35 Under 35.”Before Hartbeat, Smiley served as Vice President of Creative Development & Production at Columbia Pictures (Sony Pictures Entertainment), where he forged strategic partnerships with top talent including Issa Rae and Stephen Curry’s Unanimous Media. He also co-founded No Label Productions with NBA All-Star Baron Davis and held key consulting roles at Fox Digital Entertainment and Fox Digital Studios, pioneering early models for influencer-led content.Outside of traditional entertainment, Smiley is also a tech-forward entrepreneur and investor. He was an early advisor and investor in PlayVS—the high school esports platform that has raised over $109 million—and co-founded Rush Esports, which was acquired by global esports powerhouse Team SoloMid (TSM).

Experience

1. Investor & Advisor

   Cazza

   May 2025 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   The Future of Style-Care. Hair in motion.

Education

• Columbia College Chicago

  Film Production

Skills

• Digital Strategy
• Strategic Partnerships
• Digital Distribution
• Sales
• Branded Entertainment
• Television
• Business Development
• Mobile Devices
• Leadership
• Home Video
• Content Strategy
• Entertainment
• Creative Writing
• New Business Development
• Digital Media
• Entrepreneurship
• Video
• Broadcast
• Video Production
• Screenwriting
• New Media
• Post Production
• Content Development
• Film Production
• Film
• Producing
• Script Coverage
• Feature Films
• Final Cut Pro
• Final Draft
• Avid
• Video Editing
• Reality
• Commercials
• Short Films