FILMMAKER

Eric Olsson is a New York–based film director with a B.A. in Film & Media Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara, known for delivering elevated, story-driven work with speed and precision. A professionally trained actor in the Meisner technique from the William Esper Studio, he brings a performance-driven approach to directing and works fluently with actors and collaborators.

He has directed narrative, commercial, and international documentary projects, including global productions featuring Nick Santonastasso on tour in China and at large-scale events with Tony Robbins. His commercial work includes campaigns and broadcast content for Volkswagen, FOX, and Forbes. He gained national recognition writing, directing, and editing an award-winning Pringles commercial for the “Unleash Your Inner Xtreme” contest, featured globally across Procter & Gamble platforms and network outlets.

He produced Terezin and edited Masquerade with Nicholas Tolkien, which The Hollywood Reporter praised as: “An outrageous comedy...the last thing you’d expect from the Tolkien gene pool!” His projects span major festivals including the Los Angeles Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Garden State Film Festival, and the Tribeca Film Festival where he just had a short film premiere in 2025.

With Lionsgate, he has edited trailers and directed special features, including trailers tied to legendary producer Howard Kazanjian and a 9x Emmy-nominated film.

He served as showrunner, director, and editor for the World Center Of Broadcast Media, producing segments for Pat O’Brien that reached over 5 million weekly viewers.

With the Van Patten brothers, he edited the trailer and filmed the BTS documentary for their comedic hit 7 Days to Vegas.

Eric has developed his voice through mentorship with Kim Waltrip and story work with Simon Tolkien. Following a path similar to Tim Van Patten, he has spent years refining his craft on set and in post.

He is attached to co-direct two feature films and is ready to step into episodic directing within the Sony Pictures Elevate Directors Program’s ecosystem bringing a director’s vision, a producer’s execution, and an actor’s understanding of performance.