Leighton is Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Miami University and a producer for TricksterFilms. Leighton was the producer of the documentary films Weaving Worlds and Columbus Day Legacy, both award winning films produced for US public television. He is the author of several journal articles engaging Native American media, film, and linguistic vitality. Leighton produced the documentary film Weaving Worlds for public television, co-produced by the Independent Television Service (ITVS) in association with Vision Maker Media (NAPT). He was also Executive Producer and voice over talent for Bennie Klain’s award-winning short Yada Yada (Sundance), which premiered on the groundbreaking PBS series ColorVision. Leighton is producing Apache Scouts and Roadman.