Meet Eric Swinderman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Swinderman. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Founded in 2017 by award-winning film and TV producer Eric Swinderman, Young Filmmakers Academy is like no other program in northeast Ohio. Now in its sixth year, the program has grown from a one-week summer camp to a year-round film program for kids and teens with a curriculum that allows for students to continue year after year. 

Created on the principles of creativity, inclusion, diversity, and teamwork, YFA is dedicated to offering a safe, structured environment where aspiring young artists can learn to express themselves, meet like-minded friends, have fun, and feel comfortable. 

Through avenues like The renowned Summer Filmmaking Program, The 8 Week Film School and various workshops, our students learn the ins and outs of screenwriting, cinematography, post-production, set design, and more under the guidance of experienced industry professionals. 

Young Filmmakers Academy offers a varied curriculum with programs for all levels of interest that are sure to awaken your child’s inner Spielberg. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
From its inception, the program has been extremely popular. Aside from money spent on initial marketing in year one, YFA spends very little to market the organization because of returning customer loyalty and word of mouth. That being said, as we look to grow and expand our operations and develop new programs, we face the challenges that many small nonprofit organizations must overcome, funding beyond sales. We are actively looking to obtain grants and large donations from organizations and foundations. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an Emmy nominated film and TV writer, producer, and director. I am most known for my two feature films, The 2013 film “Made in Cleveland,” starring Busy Philipps (Dawsons Creek, Freaks & Geeks) and Gillian Jacobs (Community) as well as my most recent film “The Enormity of Life.” Released in 2021 the film stars Breckin Meyer (Road Trip, Clueless) Emily Kinney (The Walking Dead, The Flash), and Giselle Eisenberg (Life in Pieces, The Wolf of Wall Street.) 

How do you define success?
There are two kinds of success, personal and professional. Obviously, personal success is derived from being a good person, a good father, and husband, and contributing positivity to the world. As Clarence told George Bailey “No man is a failure who has friends.” 

Then there is professional success. As a filmmaker and writer success is a little more black and white. Did my project get made, did it get made the way I envisioned, did it resonate with the intended audience, and did it make enough money so that I can make another one. 

Contact Info:

• Email: info@youngfilmmakersacademy.org
• Website: www.youngfilmmakersacademy.org
• Instagram: @lakewoodyfa
• Facebook: facebook.com/lakewoodyfa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LakewoodYoungFilmmakersAcademy/featured