Eric Anderson joined MPC LA earlier this year as Creative Director. A two-time Emmy Award winner for his opening title sequence of "Dexter" and "Six Feet Under," Eric came to MPC after three years at LOGAN. He began his career in music and from there, found success across a range of creative industries as you’ll see in this latest installment of Meet the Artist.
What was your path to becoming a director/creative director?
It started with music, being in bands and collaborating on songs. First, I was a bassist, then an engineer, and ultimately a producer. A producer in music is akin to a creative director in our industry. In all of those roles, my job was to help improve upon what someone else created. Not change what they created, but find the inspiration in it that could make it magical. I did the same for years as an editor, now I find myself doing the same as a creative director/live action director.
What's the best ad campaign you've seen recently and why?
More than a specific campaign, I’m interested in the potential of longer format brand films like a piece called “HERE” for The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, or Wes Anderson’s “Castello Cavalcanti” for Prada. Even more overt pieces like Apple’s in-depth look at their new MacBook. There’s usually so much to tell.
When I was working on a campaign for Budweiser, I was pleasantly surprised to find out what length they go to make their beer. Like the beer or not, the dedication to their craft is a story that has never been told with any sort of authenticity, and I think would be incredibly effective for them.
Which project do you wished you worked on?
Oh…I would have liked to have been the bassist in U2. Talk about winning the lottery!
What's your best piece of advice for someone starting out in the industry?
Surround yourself with positive and talented people, then develop your own process and style. Learn to write. Writing is more important than most anything else.
What or who has influenced/inspired your career?
My biggest career turning points happened because someone decided to take an interest in what I was doing, and gave me a lot of encouragement. After that, I felt I had something to live up to.
What are your interests/hobbies outside of work?
Music, I’m involved in a couple recording projects at the moment. I’m building a home recording studio and have a number of on going instrument rebuilds. I also collect and rebuild vintage Hi-Fi. I’m letting my photography and independent filmmaking slide for now.
What's one thing about you that most people would be surprised to know?
I was a regional Junior Golf champion.
Do you have a personal motto?
I stole my personal motto from Charles Mingus: “Making the simple complicated is commonplace, making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.”
What's your poison?
Campari and soda.
