Eric Swinderman

Eric Swinderman (born July 8, 1976) is an American writer, director and producer. He is most widely known as one of the producers of the film Made in Cleveland, a film he made with Jamie Babbit and Karey Dornetto. The film is an anthology of 11 short films by 7 different Cleveland directors and stars Busy Philipps and Gillian Jacobs. He is also known for the films Clean and The Anniversary and the 1990s sketch comedy series The Assassin Squad. Swinderman was a founding member of CINEMA Cleveland, a nonprofit organization that promotes independent film in the greater Cleveland area.

Early life

Swinderman was born in Dover, Ohio and grew up in the small town of New Philadelphia. A graduate of Cleveland State University’s School of Communication, he studied film and television production and dramatic arts. It was while attending CSU that he formed the sketch comedy group The Underground, which was later renamed The Assassin Squad.

Career

Swinderman’s first big break came while working on the set of the film Dreaming on Christmas (2005) starring Danny Trejo and Nick Mancuso, as the director of the film’s behind the scenes documentary featurettes.

In 2006 Swinderman, along with producer and friend Mark Pengryn, formed the nonprofit organization CINEMA Cleveland. Working with The Greater Cleveland Film Commission and other organizations CINEMA Cleveland serves as resource for local filmmakers and actors, helping to fund and promote locally produced independent films.

In 2007 Swinderman went on to write and direct Clean, a 42-minute short film about a man of god dealing with his inner demons. The film stars Victor Kuehn, Patricia Valestin, Troy Field, Christina Capadona and Daniel Lentz. It was a hit at the Cleveland Grindhouse Film Festival.

Swinderman followed up with The Anniversary, and award winning short film produced for The Cleveland Plain Dealer’s 2009 Scary Film Competition. The film, written and directed by Swinderman, screened at the Cleveland Truly Independent Film Festival and stars Deanna Cechowski and Thom Cechowski.

In 2011, Swinderman began producing Made in Cleveland, an anthology of 11 short films by 7 different Cleveland directors and stars Busy Philipps and Gillian Jacobs.

Personal life

Swinderman lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife, journalist Amy Swinderman.

References

1. Scene Magazine, November, 2009
2. IMDb
3. Midwest Movie Maker Magazine, February, 2012
4. Midwest Movie Maker Magazine, January, 2012
5. Midwest Movie Maker Magazine, January, 2012
6. Cleveland Scene Magazine, August, 2012
7. Cleveland Magazine, September, 2012

External links

1. CINEMA Cleveland Website
2. Eric Swinderman Official Site