Meet Eric Addison | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Eric Addison and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eric, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I grew up in La Mesa, a suburb of San Diego county, raised by a single mom. Like many Gen-Xers, I spent a lot of time by myself as my mom worked to support our family. From that, I think my sense of responsibility formed as I had to help take care of my younger brother. I also spent a lot of time watching movies, reading books, as well as writing. Storytelling was something I found myself drawn to, and it was something I could escape into when life at home got hard. When I started college, I wanted to be a writer, but after getting the opportunity to spend a day on a feature film set, I discovered my true passion, and that was behind a camera. I switched my major to film production, and I was on my way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love a good story. Told well, they can be a much more effective tool to learn from. Every project I take on, be it a corporate training video, customer testimonial, or mini-documentary showing how someone was impacted through my client’s products or technology, I try to find the heart of the story in it. There’s nothing better than showing a project it to a client and seeing them respond to the images and music with a laugh, smile, or tears coming from the emotion of the story. That’s what drives me – the pursuit of creating emotional moments, knowing you’ve hooked your audience. Has it been easy to get here? Honestly, no. Running a business wasn’t something I ever really thought about, and all that I’ve learned about it has come from the generosity of those in my industry who were kind enough to share their wisdom and life lessons with me. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, but by asking a lot of questions, as well as being humble about what I don’t know, I was able to avoid many more. One of the things I tell those coming up in my industry is that they need to realize that this really is a small world, and though others may technically be your competition, there is a great value in knowing them and being friends with them. There is a huge benefit to being an active part of any community. At some point you’ll need help, and having people you can turn to for advice or support is something that shouldn’t be undervalued.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
What I love about San Diego is the diversity that exists within our city. The beaches are amazing, so you can’t plan a trip here without a trip to one or two if them, notably La Jolla or Coronado. For food, trips to the Gaslamp to dine at Cafe Sevilla, Lou and Mickey’s, The Field and Cafe 222, going to Old Town for Old Town Mexican Cafe, North County for the Stone Brewery Restaurant, and Little Italy for too much good Italian food as well as Ballast Point for some good beer. And no trip here would be complete without a trip to both In-n-Out and Robertos. We’d have to visit the Zoo and Balboa Park, take in Padres game at the best ballpark in America, and drive out to see Julian and, of course, have some pie while there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
When I think about the success I’ve had in life, be it professional or personal, it all really comes to down to my mother, my wife, and God. My mother has always been my biggest fan and supporter, making me feel as if my dreams and goals were always reachable, reminding me at low points how I’d overcome so much in life and that I just needed to follow my passion. My wife, who sees ability in me that I often don’t see in myself, pushing me to be better, work harder, and always has my back, even when my plan seems crazy. And God who has given me whatever talent and abilities I have.

Website: www.100acrefilms.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100acrefilms
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericjaddison/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricAddison
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100acrefilms
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/100ACREFILMS
Other: Vimeo – https://vimeo.com/100acrefilms