Susan Smiley spent 17 years as a documentary and corporate film producer, writer and director in Los Angeles. During that time she worked on films for Discovery Channel, History Channel, Learning Channel, MTV and Frontline on PBS. Her own production company, Vine St Pictures produced several corporate and educational films. Her most acclaimed film, Out of the Shadow was released in May 2006 on public television stations nationwide. In the US, it debuted at the SILVERDOCS, and internationally at the Vancouver International Film Festival. It screened at many film festivals worldwide and was translated into 12 languages. In addition, Susan led a robust outreach campaign in partnership with NAMI and MHA affiliates, allowed for hundreds screenings throughout the United States which helped raise awareness about the plight of the severely mentally ill and shortcomings of public health services.