Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Erickson.
Hi Eric, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been writing, acting and telling stories since I was a teenager. In addition to working in film, radio and television, I have been fortunate enough to be able to act in and write a number of projects, including my award-winning film “Truth,” which I also directed. My production company Viking Dog is currently developing several features as well as publishing books and offering motivational and inspiration apparel and products which coincide with our mission statement. We also believe in giving back, which includes helping young filmmakers as well as donating a portion of our proceeds to wolf rescue, a cause close to my heart.
I came up in the “moderate” budget film world, otherwise known as B-movies, where I learned how to make films on a shoestring. It gave me the drive to be creative but to also make better films while using what I had learned. It comes down to storytelling. I believe that films can challenge as well as entertain, which is what I strive for every day.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but the bumps and failures are what teach you. You name it, I’ve either ran into it or been run over by it. The entertainment industry is difficult, full of pitfalls and unsavory characters. I’ve faced personal issues as well, but you have no choice but to push forward. This is one of the reasons I believe in bringing best practices to my work and company, something our industry is not especially known to do.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a storyteller, first and foremost. It doesn’t matter if it’s film, books or even painting. It’s about connecting with your audience and starting a conversation. Nothing makes me happier than to see someone leave the theatre or a screening and be in a deep talk with other people about what they’ve just seen. It doesn’t even have to be a drama. I’ve seen heavy conversations following action films I’ve done, even comedies. It gets people thinking; what would they have done? What if they were in that situation?
I’m known for comedy and fun action films as well as the physical journey I’ve taken. A few years ago, several life-altering events made me take stock in my situation and I lost over 50 pounds in a very short time and changed the way I live and look at life. I love to share this story with people as well as use my abilities and physicality on screen whether it’s in action such as “Jurassic Galaxy” or on “The Young and the Restless” or for comic effect in films like “Snake Outta Compton” or “Dam Sharks!”
This change has given me incredible drive. I’m up at 5:30 in the morning and at the gym, even on days when I’m on set. I know that I need that time to focus and to prepare myself for what lies ahead that day. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished and know there is so much more to come. It also shows the people that I work with that I am serious and ready to go and that they can rely on me. Plus, I want to inspire wherever I go.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I am known as The Angry Viking, but many people are surprised when they get to know me that I’m not really that “angry.” I’m actually a nice guy. I paint and enjoy my quiet time. Often the public person is just an amplification of the private. However, if you mess with my tribe, The Angry Viking will come out in full effect.
Contact Info:
- Website: VikingDogEntertainment.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingdogent/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vikingdogent/
- Other: http://thevikingdogstore.com
Image Credit:
Joshua Wilder Oakley (IG- @joshuawilderoakley)
