Eric Lee Lehning was born on February 1st, 1981, in Hendersonville, Tennessee, a city that would later influence his artistic pursuits. His father, a record producer, and mother, a therapist, fostered a creative environment in their home, encouraging Eric and his three brothers to explore their artistic talents from a young age. Eric's innate ability to illustrate was evident from his early years, and he even penned his first pop song at the tender age of seven.
As he grew older, Eric attended Sumner Academy in Gallatin, Tennessee, before transferring to Hendersonville High School, where he graduated in 1999. Following his high school diploma, Eric made the bold decision to relocate to San Francisco to major in computer graphics at the prestigious Academy of Art University. However, after just one semester, Eric's interests shifted, and he changed his major to film, a move that would ultimately shape his future as a filmmaker.
During his time at the Academy of Art University, Eric produced a range of student projects, including a short film adaptation of Nathaniel Hawthorne's Egotism or the Bosom Serpent, a melodramatic biopic about the life and work of Nikola Tesla, and a feature script about the fictional assassination of Napoleon. These projects not only honed his filmmaking skills but also showcased his versatility as a writer and director.
Following his graduation, Eric's focus turned more towards his personal life. He relocated to Oakland, California, where he began working at a bookstore and continued to write in his free time. However, it wasn't until the Deagol Brothers approached him with the challenge of directing an independent feature film that Eric recommitted himself to the arts and returned to his hometown of Nashville.
Despite his initial enthusiasm, Eric's directorial responsibilities began to wane, and he found himself shirking his duties, secretly dating his leading lady/co-star, and creating more drama than art. In an attempt to salvage his reputation with the Deagol Brothers, Eric took on the sound design for the movie during post-production.
Today, Eric is working on a graphic novel and continues to pursue his passion for music, performing with the rock bands Cobra Cheetah Tiger Viper and The Non-Commissioned Officers.
