Patchogue-Medford graduate (2009) Monika Felice Smith, now living in Los Angeles, Calif., recently worked with Marvel’s Jeremy Renner, Hawkeye, to choreograph the Silk almond milk commercial that aired during Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11.

It’s a “feel good” commercial highlighting not only the way Silk makes you feel, but also the comeback of actor Jeremy Renner after he suffered a life-threatening snowplow accident, on Jan. 1 2023, leaving him with 30 broken bones, a collapsed lung, and a pierced liver.

According to Felice Smith, he completed the 30-second commercial without a stunt man and alongside his 10-year-old daughter, who, with his entire family, gave him his will to live.

“They wanted to show that he didn’t take any steps back from his accident. He’s stronger than ever—that’s why they also chose the song ‘I Feel Good,’” Felice Smith said of the commercial. “The whole thing was action packed and lighthearted.”

As for her work on the Silk commercial, she said, they had about two weeks prior to it airing working with producers to run through the needs for the project. She came up with the movement based on guidelines and certain actions they wanted, such as kicking off the cap and slicing the strawberries.

“They needed me to figure out a way to get him from A to B to C in the smoothest way possible,” she explained of the process.

They then had a day to prep and rehearse in the house it was shot at. As for her work with Renner, she said, working with a stunt coordinator, she helped walk him through his movements.

“I really like working with actors; they always have a strong sense of concept and an objective—they bring their own ideas,” she said, noting it’s fun to collaborate.

Where did she watch the commercial? She went to a friend’s Super Bowl watch party and saw it live.

Even though this was her first Super Bowl-aired commercial, it was only a small mark in her ever-growing resume.

Felice Smith, 32, is known for her freelance business choreographing several commercials for big names including Nike, LULULEMON, Skinny Pop, Liquid Death, and more. But, after moving to California originally following a career in interior design with a degree from FIT, she has since also followed her passion as the founder and director of LUME Dance, alongside choreographer and business partner MaryAnn Chavez.

“I moved out here from Brooklyn needing a change of pace and a lifestyle change,” Felice Smith said, explaining her journey back to dance.

“There is not just one clear-cut path for your trajectory—whatever that might be, everyone has their own timeline. There is no finish line as artists we are constantly building and growing,” she offered as advice to current Pat-Med students. “Just remember your journey is your own—stop comparing yourself. It’s about following your gut without putting pressure on yourself.”

Felice Smith is also VMA nominated, director, movement director and dancer.  She has worked with The Rolling Stones, Olivia Rodrigo, FINNEAS, Panic! At The Disco, JLo, Doja Cat, Twenty One Pilot, One Republic, Alessia, Cara, Bella Poarch and more. Her work can also be seen in feature films including “Mother’s Instinct” and TV specials such as Hulu’s “Huluween Dragstavaganza.”

For more information about Felice Smith and her growing business visit: www.monikafelicesmith.com.