Erskine Forde's childhood was a period of intense curiosity and passion, characterized by an unrelenting appetite for captivating tales, which he would devour with gusto, often by the soft glow of a flashlight, snuggled up under the warmth of his blanket. This ritualistic behavior, which he had adopted as a means of escapism, allowed him to momentarily transcend the confines of his reality and immerse himself in the vibrant worlds and characters that populated the pages of his beloved library books.
As he grew older, Forde's fascination with the art of storytelling only intensified, and he found himself increasingly enthralled by the dramatic performances that emanated from the radio, which had become a staple of his daily routine. The prime time dramas that filled the airwaves, with their intricate plots, memorable characters, and emotional resonance, served as a potent catalyst for his creative spark, igniting a fire within him that would eventually propel him towards a career in filmmaking.
In hindsight, it is clear that Forde's childhood experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic trajectory, providing the foundation upon which he would build his future endeavors as a filmmaker. The seeds of his passion for storytelling, sown during those formative years, would eventually blossom into a lifelong pursuit of creating compelling narratives that captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
A fortunate and unexpected meeting with a casting director ultimately resulted in the securing of his inaugural film role as a Stand-In, thereby marking the commencement of his illustrious career in the world of cinema.
As a young individual, Forde's fascination with the world of theatre was skillfully cultivated by a group of exceptionally gifted black artists residing in Vancouver, who not only recognized his potential but also took the time to guide him in mastering the art of playwriting and direction.
Throughout his journey, Forde's creative endeavors continued to flourish, as he went on to author three original plays and bring his unique vision to life by directing two more. His passion for the performing arts remained unwavering, and he soon found himself working behind the scenes in the world of commercial production as a Production Assistant.
In addition to his work in commercials, Forde's love for music videos also continued to play a significant role in his professional pursuits, allowing him to expand his skill set and further explore the realm of visual storytelling.
As a result of the prospect of international work, he embarked upon a journey to South East Asia, where he spent a significant period of three years holding the esteemed position of Assistant Director.
Upon his eventual return to the city of Toronto, he became a member of the prestigious Directors Guild of Canada, and his unwavering commitment and perseverance enabled him to progress steadily through the hierarchical ranks of Assistant Directors.
As a testament to his unwavering dedication and perseverance, Forde's tireless efforts ultimately led to his ascension to the esteemed position of 1st Assistant Director on numerous high-profile television shows, including the critically acclaimed NBC series Suits and the sci-fi epic Amazon original series The Expanse.
Following his impressive tenure in this role, Forde was granted the opportunity to take the reins as a director on the thought-provoking drama Beacon 23.
In addition to his work in the television industry, Forde continues to nurture his creative talents by writing and developing his own narrative projects through his independent production company, indever films & entertainment inc.
