Franklin Smith

Franklin R. Smith earned a B.S. degree in Telecommunications and Film from San Diego State
University. He later attended graduate school at Pepperdine University, earning a M.A. degree in
Counseling Psychology. He later became a licensed psychotherapist.

For many years, he worked with children, adolescents, and their families in a variety
of settings. More than a decade ago, he was hired to provide therapy to at risk abused foster kids and
gang members in South Central L.A. and Compton. Specifically, the therapy did not occur in a
traditional office setting. Rather, it was done in the field such as street corners, juvenile hall,
foster homes, group homes, etc. Even fast-food restaurants. You name it.

His work as a therapist for at-risk gang members and foster kids
inspired him to write the TV pilot, “1600 Slauson”. Much of the script is based on his actual
experience with those clients. In addition to “1600 Slauson”, he wrote a feature screenplay
entitled “Death Station” which was retitled and made into a feature film as “Back to Back”. The
film was produced by Roger Corman, Brad Krevoy, Steven Stabler, and Mark Ezralow.
In addition, he has written two features: “Sleeping Dogs” and “Criminal” as well as two TV
pilots entitled “Phillip Ballantine” and “Danger to Others”.