MEGAN SMITH-HARRIS
Producer | Director | WRITER
THE BUDDY SYSTEM
Independent One-Hour Documentary
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR & WRITER
Dogs are transforming the lives of children on the autism spectrum. The Buddy System tells the intimate stories of three families touched by autism, who experience remarkable change when a specially trained autism assistance dog comes into their lives. Autism assistance dogs not only become best friends with the children they serve, but also act as powerful therapeutic tools, helping kids develop essential social skills and heightening their emotional empathy. level the playing field so they can finally feel like they belong.
TRIAL BY FIRE: LIVES RE-FORGED
Independent Feature Documentary - Airing on PBS
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR & WRITER
Inspiring stories of people who thrive after surviving the devastation of fire. First they reclaim their lives, then they reclaim their dreams. The film is framed and given insight by Iraq War Veteran, actor, and author J.R. Martinez, (All My Children, Dancing With the Stars). When you forge metal with fire, it becomes stronger. It turns out—the same is true of the human spirit.
Distributed globally by PBS International / Streaming & Download on Amazon Prime.
THE TACKLE GIRLS: ONE TEAM, ONE MISSION
Gives a Whole New Meaning to 'Hits like a Girl'
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Meet the Tackle Girls, an exceptional team of football players, as they hit the field to knock down lingering misconceptions that women can’t play real professional football. The film follows the U.S. team from training camp to the International Federation of American Football’s 2013 Women’s World Championship in Helsinki, Finland. The Tackle Girls explores the lives of players both on and off the field, and reveals what drives them to sacrifice so much in pursuit of the sport they love.
SURROGATE STORIES
Two-Hour Television Special - Aired on WEtv
PRODUCER, DIRECTOR & WRITER
No longer do individuals or couples have to resign themselves to being childless. More and more wanna-be moms and dads are turning to surrogacy. Surrogate Stories meets the people so desperate to have a family of their own they will consider any solution, and asks why some women are prepared to endure the rigors of pregnancy and the intense pain of childbirth only to hand the baby over to people she may never see again?
Distributed Internationally by Off The Fence
CHILD BRIDES
1 Hour Television Documentary - Aired on WEtv
WRITER, PRODUCER & DIRECTOR
The term “child bride” conjures up images of solemn, wide-eyed girls in far-flung lands forced into early marriage. So it’s surprising to discover that girls as young as 13 can legally marry right here in America. And the post-nuptial reality is harsh—child brides face an elevated risk of domestic assault, sexual abuse, and murder. The likelihood of these young women completing high school or pursuing a career is slim. The only near certainty is that they will struggle with poverty for the rest of their lives.
Distributed Internationally by Off The Fence
POLYGAMY CULTS
1 Hour Television Documentary - Aired on WEtv
PRODUCER & WRITER
The traditional definition of “family” has evolved and alternative lifestyles are gaining more acceptance. Single parents, gay parents and unmarried couples with children are no longer so unusual. Can polygamous families fit into this new paradigm? Silenced by society for so long, these women finally take us inside their hidden world.
Distributed Internationally by Off the Fence
Original theme song written for the independent feature documentary
Trial By Fire: Lives Re-Forged
Available on iTunes