Shayna Smith is a graduate from Boston University, where she majored in Film and Television and minored in English. She graduated Magna Cum Laude in Spring 2024. Shortly after graduation, Shayna was accepted into the Cal Arts Summer Animation Residency of 2024, where she proceeded to further her education in art, design, and animation.

Shayna’s undergraduate studies were primarily focused on writing and directing. Her thesis film, “Frere Jacques,” is a live action horror short that explores family dynamics and grief. As of June 2025, “Frere Jacques” has been accepted into 11 festivals internationally and won a multitude of awards; including “Best Horror,” “Best Art Direction” and two nominations for “Best Student Film.” Her prior short “Pas De Deux” was also nominated as a Finalist in the 2024 Redstones Film Festival.

Currently, Shayna has jumped headfirst into the world of animation as the 2025 Current Series and Development Intern at Disney TV Animation. Here, she’s learned the ins and outs of major network development, the animation pipeline, and aspects of both production and executive work. She also covers desks as needed, having served VP level and above. Most of all, she’s excited to be where her favorite cartoon, Gravity Falls, was made.

Outside of her film experience, Shayna is an accomplished figure skater: she has performed internationally with Disney On Ice and represented Team USA in theatrical skating. She also enjoys writing prose, poetry, storyboarding, drawing, and of course, 2D animation.