Passion Behind Every Frame

Motion Dog Films is an independent film production company based in Missouri, specializing in story-driven, low-budget feature films outside the Hollywood system.

Founded and led by filmmaker Thomas Smugala (who also serves as a key director and producer), the company focuses on genres such as horror, comedy, action/adventure, and thriller. It emphasizes high production value on modest budgets, shooting in Southeast Missouri—affectionately dubbed "NoWhereWood" by Smugala—to leverage local talent, crews, locations, and cost efficiencies while boosting regional economies and film-friendliness.

Notable projects include:

• Interviewing Monsters and Bigfoot (2019), a comedy featuring Tom Green, Les Stroud, and Jessi Combs.

• The Spring, a historical supernatural thriller co-produced with partners like 573 Magazine, City of Perryville and L.A.-based producer John Steven Schneider.

• Other works like ABQ (2008 a comedy/horror) and films such as 2 Heads (a twisted thriller soon ready for release).

Motion Dog Films also supports initiatives like FilmFriendlyPerryville.com to attract more indie productions to the region. With a passion for compelling storytelling and independent cinema, the company continues developing new features, including projects in pre-production as of recent years.

For more details, visit their official site at motiondogfilms.com.