Theron Smith is the Executive Director and Founder of SPARK GSO, a nonprofit organization transforming neurodiverse workforce development into sustainable economic and community impact throughout North Carolina's Piedmont Triad. Through his leadership, SPARK GSO operates three integrated divisions: ASTEAM Engine workforce development, SPARK Creative professional services, and SPARK ID community events.

​

​Hailing from Brooklyn, NYC, Theron has built a remarkable career over three decades across various media categories within American entertainment. As a producer, director, cinematographer, veteran editor, educator, pivotal figure in hip-hop culture, and respected community advocate, his career was kickstarted with an extra role in Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" in 1991, paving the way for his significant contributions to the industry.

 

He also serves as Principal of 10/12 Media Group LLC, a creative production company that curates an extensive archive documenting 30 years of hip-hop culture, entertainment history, and behind-the-scenes footage from iconic moments in American media. This collection—spanning his work with Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Viacom's music television networks, legendary hip-hop artists, and pivotal cultural events—represents a significant cultural repository. Through an exclusive partnership, SPARK GSO holds the rights to develop exhibits, immersive installations, and educational experiences from this archive, creating unique opportunities for SPARK ID programming while preserving important chapters of creative excellence and hip-hop's evolution for future generations.​

​

In the film sector, Theron refined his skills at Winsome Sinclair and Associates as a casting assistant, where he played a crucial role and developed his expertise. Working under the mentorship of Spike Lee, he contributed to casting on influential films such as "American History X" and Hype Williams' "BELLY". His filmography includes an extras casting position on Steven Spielberg's "Amistad" and several of Spike Lee's films, including "Summer of Sam", "He Got Game", "Get on the Bus", as well as featured acting parts in "Miracle at St. Anna", "Bamboozled", and "Inside Man".

​

In the realm of music videos, Theron worked on projects for artists like Nas, TLC, and Notorious B.I.G., with a notable role as the Cinematographer for the Paramount Classics Feature documentary "JAY-Z Fade to Black".

​

In television, Theron showcased his production talents on "The Chappelle Show". He proved his skills as a Producer and Director on "BET Rap City", "MTV2 Sucker Free", "Yo! MTV Raps" (2011), VH1's "Behind the Breaks", as an editor on Netflix's "Rhythm + Flow", and at various Network Brands within the Viacom ecosystem (MTV, BET, VH1, Nickelodeon) and as a Cinematographer and Editor includes "6 Minutes to Glory" on the ASPIRE Network.

​

Beyond his professional achievements, Theron has significantly contributed to his community through initiatives like the Gateway Outdoor Movie Night Event and the Brooklyn Renaissance Festival, the first solar-powered outdoor music and arts festival in Brooklyn. Now, through SPARK GSO, he channels his 30+ years of entertainment industry expertise into creating pathways for neurodiverse young adults to thrive in creative careers while strengthening local business communities.

​

Through his diverse work in film, music videos, television, and community engagement, Theron Smith continues to be a significant influence in American entertainment, inspiring future generations with his dedication to his craft, inclusive workforce development, and community advocacy.