Eric Saarinen's educational background began with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Goddard College, which served as a solid foundation for his future pursuits in the realm of filmmaking. He then went on to further his studies at UCLA Graduate School, where he honed his skills in the art of filmmaking.
As a highly accomplished Director of Photography, Eric's impressive resume boasts an impressive 15 theatrical feature credits, including the notable "Lost in America" directed by Albert Brooks. His work on the short film "Exploratorium" earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Short Film, while his collaboration on the 16-minute, 70-millimeter film "Symbiosis" showcased his exceptional skills in capturing stunning visuals for the Land Pavilion at the Walt Disney World Epcot Center.
In 1982, Eric and Chuck Sloan co-founded Plum Productions, a thriving television commercial production company that catapulted Eric to the forefront of the industry. As a Director/Cameraman, he worked on hundreds of television commercials, garnering numerous awards, including the prestigious Grand Prix at the Cannes Lion Festival.
Eric Saarinen's remarkable achievements in the field of television commercials earned him a historic distinction: he became the first Cinematographer to be inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers, a testament to his "Extraordinary Achievement in the Field of Television Commercials."
Born into a family of creatives, Eric Saarinen was the son of renowned Architect and Designer, Eero Saarinen. His mother, Lily Saarinen, was a talented Sculptress, while his grandfather, Eliel, was a famous Finnish-American Architect and Designer. Eric's godparents, Charles and Ray Eames, were a couple of renowned designers, which instilled in him a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age. He often credited his family's influence, saying he grew up in an environment where "Art is God."
