Jacob Shaw, an independent documentary filmmaker and full-time videographer at the Armstrong Flight Research Center, is set to shine a light on another iconic Bakersfield staple in his upcoming short docuseries titled "Smith’s." Shaw, alongside his wife Bethany, runs Shaw Cinema, a small media company based in Tehachapi, California. With a passion for storytelling and a knack for bringing local history to life, the duo has outlined four episodes that are ready to move into production, celebrating the beloved Smith’s Bakeries.

Smith’s holds a special place in Shaw’s heart. For the past 30 years, a cherished tradition has marked his birthdays—picking up Halloween-themed cookies from Smith’s, a custom that started when he was just two years old, now shared with his children. This personal connection to Smith’s is one of the many reasons Shaw is eager to share its stories with the community.

Shaw Cinema’s approach to storytelling is deeply rooted in the local fabric of Bakersfield, as seen in their previous success, “Basque Tracks.” This docuseries highlighted the vibrant Basque community in Bakersfield, featuring episodes on the journey of Basque immigrants into Kern County, Pyrenees French Bakery, Benji’s and Wool Growers Basque restaurants. It culminated in the fourth episode about the Kern County Basque Festival, celebrating the culture and traditions of this tight-knit community. Local business sponsorships played a significant role in bringing these stories to life, with Motor City of Bakersfield serving as the lead sponsor for all four episodes. The series received local widespread acclaim and can be viewed at basquetracks.com.

Shaw Cinema is now offering limited sponsorship opportunities for "Smith’s." For $1,500, sponsors can secure a mini-commercial package and have their advertisements featured in the episode they sponsor, allowing local businesses to be a part of this heartfelt tribute to Smith’s Bakeries.

As production gears up, Shaw encourages viewers to follow Shaw Cinema on social media and explore their website, shawcinema.com, for updates on “Smith’s” and other upcoming projects. This series promises to be a nostalgic celebration of a beloved local bakery that has been a part of Bakersfield’s history since 1945, blending personal memories with the rich legacy of Smith’s.