Eric Saarinen(1942-2024)
- Cinematographer
- Camera and Electrical Department
- Producer
Eric Graduated Goddard College with a BA, then, went on to UCLA Graduate School to study Filmmaking.
He was the Director of Photography on 15 theatrical features, including Albert Brook's "Lost in America", a short film called 'Exploratorium' (Oscar nominee for Best Short Film) and "Symbiosis", a 16 minute, 70 Millimeter film shot for the Land Pavilion at the Walt Disney World Epcot Center.
In 1982, after finishing 'Symbiosis', he and Chuck Sloan founded the thriving television commercial production company: Plum Productions. He became a Director/Cameraman for hundreds of television commercials, winning every major commercial award including the Grand Prix at Cannes Lion Festival given for achievement in commercial direction.
Eric Saarinen was the first Cinematographer ever to be inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers because of his "Extraordinary Achievement in the Field of Television Commercials".
Eric Saarinen is the son of Architect and Designer, Eero Saarinen. His mother, Lily Saarinen, was a Sculptress. Grandfather, Eliel, was a famous Finnish-American Architect and Designer. Godparents were Charles and Ray Eames. Consequently, he says he grew up in a family that taught him "Art is God".
He was the Director of Photography on 15 theatrical features, including Albert Brook's "Lost in America", a short film called 'Exploratorium' (Oscar nominee for Best Short Film) and "Symbiosis", a 16 minute, 70 Millimeter film shot for the Land Pavilion at the Walt Disney World Epcot Center.
In 1982, after finishing 'Symbiosis', he and Chuck Sloan founded the thriving television commercial production company: Plum Productions. He became a Director/Cameraman for hundreds of television commercials, winning every major commercial award including the Grand Prix at Cannes Lion Festival given for achievement in commercial direction.
Eric Saarinen was the first Cinematographer ever to be inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers because of his "Extraordinary Achievement in the Field of Television Commercials".
Eric Saarinen is the son of Architect and Designer, Eero Saarinen. His mother, Lily Saarinen, was a Sculptress. Grandfather, Eliel, was a famous Finnish-American Architect and Designer. Godparents were Charles and Ray Eames. Consequently, he says he grew up in a family that taught him "Art is God".
