Eric Saarinen's academic odyssey commenced with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Goddard College, marking the inception of his intellectual and artistic pursuits. Subsequently, he embarked upon further studies in Filmmaking at the prestigious UCLA Graduate School, where he honed his skills and expanded his knowledge in the realm of cinematic storytelling.
Eric, a highly accomplished Director of Photography, has had the privilege of working on an astonishing 15 theatrical features throughout his illustrious career.
Notably, his impressive body of work includes the highly acclaimed film "Lost in America", expertly directed by the renowned Albert Brooks.
Furthermore, Eric's portfolio boasts an Oscar-nominated short film, "Exploratorium", a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication to his craft.
In addition, his visually stunning film "Symbiosis" has garnered widespread acclaim, particularly for its breathtaking beauty and technical mastery. This 16-minute, 70-millimeter masterpiece was created for the Land Pavilion at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center, a fitting tribute to Eric's innovative and imaginative approach to filmmaking.
Eric's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited in 1982, when he co-established Plum Productions, a pioneering television commercial production company, in tandem with Chuck Sloan. As a multifaceted Director/Cameraman, Eric's talents were showcased in the creation of hundreds of captivating television commercials, garnering a plethora of esteemed accolades.
Eric Saarinen's illustrious career reached a milestone as he became the first-ever Cinematographer to be formally recognized by the esteemed American Society of Cinematographers, a prestigious honor conferred upon him in acknowledgement of his remarkable accomplishments and outstanding contributions to the realm of television commercials.
Born into a family of highly acclaimed and influential artists and designers, Eric Saarinen was the son of the celebrated and internationally renowned Architect and Designer, Eero Saarinen, whose work had a profound impact on the field of architecture and design. Eero's innovative and groundbreaking designs, which spanned multiple disciplines, including architecture, furniture, and sculpture, left an indelible mark on the world of design. Eric's mother, Lily Saarinen, was a talented and skilled Sculptress, whose artistic expression and creativity added another layer of depth and richness to the family's artistic heritage. His grandfather, Eliel Saarinen, was a famous Finnish-American Architect and Designer, who had a significant influence on the development of modern architecture and design. Eliel's work, which included designing the Cranbrook Academy of Art and the First Christian Church in Harbor City, Michigan, showcased his commitment to innovative and avant-garde design. Eric's godparents, the iconic and legendary design duo, Charles and Ray Eames, were renowned for their groundbreaking work in furniture design, architecture, and filmmaking. The Eames' innovative and influential designs, which included the famous Eames Lounge Chair, had a profound impact on the field of design and continue to be celebrated and emulated today. Growing up in an environment where the phrase "Art is God" was a common mantra, Eric was instilled with a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age.
