Eric Almond

Unaffiliated

What was your first professionally directed work and when was it?
The first project that I professionally directed was a commercial for a streaming platform. It was one of my favorite projects and it occurred in June of 2018. The camaraderie on set was spectacular and that was reflected in the final product.

How did you get into directing?
I’ve always been interested in directing. When I was growing up I would read the booklets that came in the CD packages. While reading, I would visualize scenarios to go along with the music. Then I started to write these scenarios out. I initially wanted to direct music videos but though my journey I eventually realized that I had a stronger passion for narrative directing.

What is your most recent project?
My most recent project, Requiem for Black Love, is a soul-stirring story about the plight of Blacks in America. The short film follows the journey of two fugitive slaves in search of freedom. Although the two must come to terms with their own mortality, they are convinced that true love can never die. Desperately, they cling to the hope of being able to love again in another lifetime only to find that the future is parallel to the past.

What is the best part of being a director?
The best part of directing is collaborating with other crew members and creating a story that can be viewed from multiple perspectives.

What is the worst part of being a director?
I appreciate and learn from every opportunity. I truly have never been in a directing situation that I disliked.

What is your current career focus: commercials and branded content, television, movies? Do you plan to specialize in a particular genre–comedy, drama, visual effects, etc.?​
Currently, I am focused on becoming a television director, specializing in drama. However, I can never forget about the love that I have for creating independent films.

Have you a mentor and if so, who is that person (or persons) and what has been the lesson learned from that mentoring which resonates with you?
I have encountered many people that I admire and that have given me great advice and guidance in this industry.

Who is your favorite director and why?
Malik Sayeed is my favorite director. I started my career wanting to be a music video director because of his work. He was the first director that I learned of that created images that represented my reality. His strong visuals showed both the beauty and the struggle of growing up in the projects.

What is your favorite movie?
Your favorite television/online program? Your favorite commercial or branded content? I like a little bit of everything. I can binge watch Game of Thrones, The Wire, Mad Men, etc. I occasionally watch reruns of The Golden Girls and Sanford and Son.

Tell us about your background (i.e., where did you grow up? Past jobs?)
I grew up on the south side of Chicago in the Bronzeville neighborhood. I am the middle of five kids. I was never into sports, but you could always catch me in some type of arts program. I took pottery, painting, creative writing and any other programs offered in my community. I loved to travel to downtown Chicago and look at the architecture. My very first job was delivering newspapers.

How has the pandemic impacted your career, art, craft, shaped your attitudes and reflections on life which in turn may influence your work, approach, spirit, mindset?
The pandemic challenged me to take risks. COVID left no room for fear or the feeling that I couldn’t do something. I was determined to never give up on my dreams or the pursuit of happiness.

Contact

Unaffiliated: Contact Eric Almond via email
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