Erik Clapp's odyssey in the realm of cinematic storytelling commenced at the tender age of 15, marked by a video camera that had become an indispensable companion, courtesy of his father, a photographer, who had bestowed upon him a gift that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. This early exposure to the medium would serve as the catalyst for a lifelong passion that would not only define his existence but also shape the very fabric of his future.
Erik's academic journey came to a close at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he successfully completed his studies, setting the stage for his subsequent foray into the professional world. His initial foray into the world of broadcasting was marked by a stint at NBC 5, where he had the unique privilege of working alongside the esteemed and renowned reporter Bobbie Wygant, a broadcasting legend in her own right, in her film and video archives. This invaluable experience served as a crucial stepping stone, providing Erik with a solid foundation upon which to build his future endeavors.
Erik's professional journey in the advertising realm spanned an impressive 15-year period, during which he diligently refined his expertise in crafting captivating commercials that earned him numerous ADDY awards, leaving an indelible mark on the local advertising landscape. His remarkable abilities did not go unnoticed, and it was only a matter of time before he was entrusted with the creative reins of his very own feature film, "Seventy-8", which made its highly anticipated world premiere at the prestigious Hollywood film festival in the year 2004, subsequently securing worldwide distribution, a testament to his exceptional filmmaking prowess.
Erik's remarkable portfolio, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication, continued to expand and flourish, with his captivating time-lapse film, "The Fort," captivating the attention of a vast audience, becoming a viral sensation in the year 2011, and subsequently, earning him the esteemed American Advertising Award for Best Cinematography, a prestigious honor that solidified his position as a master of his craft.
Erik embarked on a new entrepreneurial venture in the year 2012, by founding EC Films, a pioneering endeavour that enabled him to redirect his creative energies towards the realm of documentary and commercial filmmaking within the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
Throughout his illustrious career, Erik has been involved in a multitude of projects, each one showcasing his exceptional skill and artistry. Among his most notable and critically acclaimed endeavours is the documentary "The Perilous Texas Adventures of Mark Dion", a masterpiece that premiered on the esteemed Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) as well as Amazon Prime in the year 2020, garnering widespread recognition and acclaim from audiences and critics alike.
Erik's endeavors extend far beyond the realm of filmmaking, as he is passionately committed to the preservation of cinematic history. His tireless efforts are currently focused on The Bobbie Wygant Archives, a groundbreaking project that has garnered significant attention and recognition, having been showcased in esteemed documentaries broadcast on prestigious networks such as HBO and CNN.
