Whitney Sudler-Smith
Whitney is a versatile American filmmaker, television director, and reality TV personality best known for his work on the Bravo series Southern Charm. He served as the creator and executive producer of the show, which has garnered a dedicated fan base and multiple spin-offs since its debut in 2014, including Southern Charm: New Orleans and Southern Charm: Savannah.
Sudler-Smith also has a background in film, directing documentaries such as Ultrasuede: In Search of Halston, a critically recognized exploration of the life and legacy of fashion designer Halston. The film re-ignited interest in the designer, achieved international theatrical distribution, and was acquired by Showtime. Smith is also a producer on the documentary Mrs. America and the creator, writer, and producer of the upcoming scripted comedy Family Office, both for Fremantle.
In addition to his work in television and film, Sudler-Smith is noted for his influence in the cultural landscape of Charleston, South Carolina, where Southern Charm is set, and for his role in shaping the modern reality TV genre. He is also a classically trained guitarist and philanthropist.
John Paul Horstmann
John Paul develops documentaries, films, and television, using his skills as a director and editor.
Documentary films he developed include Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes (HBO Max) and I Want My MTV (A&E). He had a hand in development for She Hulk (Marvel) , Marry Me (Universal), and Spiderwick Chronicles (Disney). He recently oversaw the music documentaries Life in Pink (Hulu) for Machine Gun Kelly and Happier Than Ever for Billie Eilish. He has been a close collaborator with Billie Eilish and Melanie Martinez on many of their music videos, while also working with artists such as OutKast, Modest Mouse, and Doja Cat.
He is also a member of American Cinema Editors and has worked in editing several critically acclaimed films such as Assassination of Jesse James, Killing Them Softly, and Cold in July, and the Marilyn Monroe feature Blonde.
He and Whitney pitched the original Southern Charm, and he went on to help develop two other Bravo shows, Summer House and Southern Charm: New Orleans.
