Erik Felderhof is an award-winning TV and Film producer, director and founder of Original Bear Entertainment. In addition, Erik serves as the co-founder, alongside Alexander Woronovich, at Original Bear Studios – a film studio that is dedicated to the development of intellectual property in the entertainment industry.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
Location producer; it taught me to really do the work. From washing cars to cleaning tables. Whatever the production needed and nobody else wanted to do, I did. I didn’t care because it was my chance to be part of the team. A small team. But that small team made the biggest TV show in the country.
What project are you most proud to have worked on?
The Journey – executive produced by the incredible SIA – is something truly special. Hosted by the amazing Brothers Koren, this show helps people confront their mental health struggles and process their trauma by turning their life stories into original songs. At the end of the show they have to perform their own songs on stage in front of their closest family and friends. Absolutely amazing.
What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?
The industry is very scared of new ideas. Buyers rather reboot an old format that was successful ten years ago versus developing something new. That is not the right mindset if you ask me. Viewers want to be surprised and reboot’s often destroy the legacy of the initial success of the series/format.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video and television?
Originality. Every time we develop something we want it to feel fresh and new. That even when it is not for you, we want people to think/say; “not for me, but what an original format/angle.” Of course, we want people to say: “this is awesome!” but you get what I mean ;-)
How do you unwind from work mode?
Spending time with my beautiful family.
Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?
I need music to envision scenes. Especially when developing new projects I need to envision a scene, often an opening scene, and I write a VO for it in combination with a specific piece of music. If that works, I can envision it and we can move forward with development. If that doesn’t happen, I will think twice to move forward with it. I need to be able to see/feel it to be able to sell it.
When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?
From a very young age I was behind the camera so I think it is in my DNA. But around 15/16 years old, I realized this could be my career.
What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?
I love film and tv. Scripted, unscripted. Everything about it. I even nerd out on all the production company intros at the beginning of movies and I used to guess them when I saw the first 2 seconds.
In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
Brands. They are waking up to a huge opportunity. They’re realizing that they’re in a unique position – and if they haven’t already, they should be building a media arm that creates engaging, entertaining content. They have to start thinking like a movie studio: develop bold ideas that strengthen your brand and capture your audience (customer’s/clients) attention. In the next few years, every company will be competing for the same audience, and branded content – if you ask me – is set to explode. Especially long form.
What’s a work tool you use every day and what’s one that is obsolete that you wish still existed?
My phone and pigeon post ;-)
