Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Dyson.
Eric, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The first home my family owned was on 76th Street and Vermont. In 1976, we moved to the Mid-Wilshire area. I’m the son of a business-savvy mother and a jazz musician father—a blend that gave me a natural balance between creativity and entrepreneurship.
My journey as a filmmaker began around age 15, when my parents gave me a Betamax camcorder. I immediately started making short films with my friends and was captivated by the power of storytelling. With that camera, I discovered I could create any world and tell any story I imagined.
After graduating from Fairfax High School, I attended L.A. City College, then earned my B.A. from Brooks Institute of Photography. College gave me two invaluable gifts: a stronger foundation in storytelling—and meeting the woman who’s now been my wife for over 30 years.
Following graduation, I worked at Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment before joining the International Cinematographers Guild. As a camera technician and operator, I’ve worked on shows like Judging Amy, 24, and Community. My more recent credits include A Man on the Inside and Mr. Throwback.
Beyond camera work, I’ve also written and directed a number of projects. I’m proud to say many have received awards on the festival circuit, and I’m excited to continue expanding my work as a writer and director.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Working in television often means grueling hours away from family—sometimes 15 or 16 hours a day on set. That kind of schedule can take a real toll. Transitioning from camera work to directing has its own set of hurdles. There’s no clear or guaranteed path; everyone’s route is different. More often than not, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know that helps open the door.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a writer and director, and the strength of my work lies in a deep commitment to visual storytelling. From a young age, I was influenced by my father, who was an exceptional black-and-white photographer. He didn’t choose black-and-white film for artistic reasons at the time—it was simply the most affordable way to shoot, develop, and print at home. But decades later, I began to understand the lasting power of those images. Black and white strips away distraction and captures the essence of a subject in a way color sometimes cannot. It reduces visual noise and deepens emotional impact.
When I work as a camera operator, my role is to translate words on a page into a visual language that aligns with the director’s vision. Even a single shot in a film or TV series can take hours of setup and coordination. It’s incredible how much thought, labor, and collaboration go into crafting just one moment on screen.
In my experience, the most successful shoot days are driven by a director with a clear, compelling vision and supported by a crew that brings excellence and unity to the work. Together, that combination transforms ideas into something cinematic and meaningful.
How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t about accolades or income—it’s about loving your work so much you’d do it for free. It’s about approaching a familiar task in a way no one else would, and creating something that makes people stop and take notice. That’s the kind of impact I strive for with every project I take on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericdyson.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealericdyson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dysonite/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_oowKfAU3hh47m2rL4fCWA
