Eric Mittleman
//FEATURE
Q&A With Eric Mittleman
July 1, 2009
TMO: Hey E, thanks for doing this! I appreciate it and you know I am a big fan of yours. I have been bothering you with questions on myspace for some time now but I finally got TMO up and running so I thank you for the opportunity. So I always ask, first and foremost how are you doing today?
Eric Mittleman: I’m doing great. Lots of good stuff planned for this week.
TMO: So I wanted to learn a little bit about your upbringing before the entertainment business if you don’t mind. I will start by asking, where were you born?
Eric Mittleman: I was born in NY, grew up on Long Island.
TMO: As a child growing up did you always know you wanted to get involved in creating motion pictures?
Eric Mittleman: I always knew I wanted to be involved in entertainment. Over the years it took different forms. TV. Movies. Internet. I started as a writer and as an editor (video). Those two skills converged into producing for me.
TMO: So you went to SUNY Albany, is that right? Tell me a little about that experience.
Eric Mittleman: Yes, I went to SUNY Albany. It was fun because it was college as far as education there was not a lot to learn about the entertainment business there.
TMO: When did you get your first paid job working on any sort of motion picture? And was this your first paid job in entertainment, period?
Eric Mittleman: My first paid job on a motion picture was as a writer. I wrote and/or developed a lot of stuff that didn’t get produced before my career finally “took off”. My first paid job in entertainment was as a PA on the Billy Joel music video “While The Night is Still Young?” On my first day they sent me out in NYC with a van to pick stuff up. I was very very green. Many near misses (traffic accident) and I almost lost Billy Joel’s tux to a homeless guy who tried to rip off the van, which I forgot to lock. All in all everything worked out just fine.
TMO: I know you have worked on quite a few projects for Playboy and Playboy TV. The list can go on and on, but what are a few memorable or notable ones that you have worked on? Do you still do anything with Playboy?
Eric Mittleman: Most memorable from Playboy was finding Jenny McCarthy. I trained her for 2 years on a show called “Hot Rocks” before she got the MTV “Singled Out” gig. It was a show where she introduced music videos, interviewed artists, etc. She did an awesome job. Currently I am not doing anything with Playboy (aside from enjoying their hospitality at the occasional party). I’m open to it, just nothing happening currently.
TMO: Ok, so I am going to guess that there are some things you have worked on that are not as publicly available. You were recently in Jenna Jameson’s top friend list? You lucky guy, that was before she was with Tito Ortiz and people were not afraid to admire publicly. How did you end up in the top myspace friends list of the most well known porn-star of all time?
Eric Mittleman: I’ve known Jenna for a long time. Back in “the day” I tried to get her to host “Hot Rocks”, but the scheduling never worked. About 2 years ago I went back to Playboy to produce a reality show Jenna was doing with them called “Jenna’s American Sex Star”, kind of an “American Idol” for aspiring porn stars. While we were working together Jenna was nice enough to put me in her top friends list. That and going to Vegas as part of Pauly Shore’s “Entourage” are two simple things that remind me how fortunate I am.
TMO: It’s kind of crazy to me. I mean I so often hear about people that gave up on pursuing their dreams of working on film, yet every time I look you seem to add another project to your resume. You have quite the list of projects, with not just Playboy, but many other TV and Film networks as well. In fact one might argue this is what you are most noted for. Is that a fair assessment?
Eric Mittleman: I’m not sure what I am most noted for. My “Playboy” work certainly has the volume (over 2,000 hours). Also “porn” soft-core or otherwise seems to be everyone’s guilty pleasure creating more “interest”. Especially a talk show I developed and produced for Playboy called “Night Calls”. However, after Playboy I did a lot of work with Sci-fi icons Mark Hamill and William Shatner (not together). The projects I did with these guys were a lot more fun and interesting for me especially since they were my heroes growing up and after all heroes are what storytelling is about for me regardless of if it is TV, film, reality or webisode. Beautiful women and sex are just icing on the cake… a reward for a life well lived. My FAVORITE project was a movie I produced called “Comic Book: The Movie” which was directed by Mark Hamill and released by Miramax (one of the last Bob & Harvey releases). We also won a “Best Live Action DVD Premier” award from Variety’s DVD Academy for it in 2005. My co-producers and actors were some of the most talented voice over artists in the business (appearing in a live action movie). That movie had so much talent in it, just incredible. It’s kind of like “Best in Show” goes to Comic-con San Diego. Fun stuff… oh and Kevin Smith, Bruce Campbell and Hef have amazing (and big) cameos.
TMO: Your experience includes working on both movies and TV shows. To make it easy, can you start by summarizing some of the programs that you have worked on and their respective networks or organizations?
Eric Mittleman: It’s a big list. It’d be quicker for you to google me and/or check my IMDB listing.
TMO: On the movie side, I noticed a trend of horror films in the industry and on your resume. I understand your most recent film is “Red Velvet”. The trailer seems to be a very interesting horror with a comedic twist. Is horror your category of choice and can you tell me a bit more about your most recent film?
Eric Mittleman: Horror films recently have been the “go to” movies for indie producers but the genre is well over saturated and lacks originality for the most part. I do have a pretty cool movie coming out in August through Amazon.com called “Red Velvet”. It’s a horror film starring Henry Thomas (yes, Elliot from ET… another sci-fi icon!). My real passion is comedy and action. Those are the genres I would love to focus on.
======================================================
//TRAILER - Red Velvet Myspace I Official Site
======================================================
TMO: So even beyond this release, I am certain you have some things up your sleeve. Come on share! What can we expect from Eric Mittleman in the short-term future?
Eric Mittleman: Right now I am producing a talk show called “Sam Phillips’ The Single Life” for a cable network called MavTV. It’s a FUN show with a lot of laughs and many many cool guests, Lorenzo Lamas, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, C. Thomas Howell, Esai Morales… again, guys I grew up on. Also Sam Phillips, the host, is a former Penthouse Pet and seasoned radio personality who does an amazing job hosting. It’s a half hour, one guest format so there is plenty of time to really get to know the guest. We’re not even half way through our season and there are rumors of a second season. You can find more info about the show at TheSingleLifeRadioShow.com and more info about MavTV and where you can see the show at MavTV.com.
I’m also doing a lot of work with an amazing motivational speaker named Milton Creagh. We just produced a half hour show called “UR Choice UR Voice” which was financed by the Elks. It’s going to be distributed directly to schools, on the internet and on television through the FCC mandated Education and Information program. Milton is kind of like my “Oprah” and is definitely going to blow up this year. You can learn more about Milton at his web site www.BiggMilt.com
Eric Mittleman: I also have a few movies and other stuff in the works but I usually don’t talk details on these until they start shooting because until then they are not real – GOOD lesson for aspiring filmmakers.
Q&A With Eric Mittleman
July 1, 2009
TMO: Hey E, thanks for doing this! I appreciate it and you know I am a big fan of yours. I have been bothering you with questions on myspace for some time now but I finally got TMO up and running so I thank you for the opportunity. So I always ask, first and foremost how are you doing today?
Eric Mittleman: I’m doing great. Lots of good stuff planned for this week.
TMO: So I wanted to learn a little bit about your upbringing before the entertainment business if you don’t mind. I will start by asking, where were you born?
Eric Mittleman: I was born in NY, grew up on Long Island.
TMO: As a child growing up did you always know you wanted to get involved in creating motion pictures?
Eric Mittleman: I always knew I wanted to be involved in entertainment. Over the years it took different forms. TV. Movies. Internet. I started as a writer and as an editor (video). Those two skills converged into producing for me.
TMO: So you went to SUNY Albany, is that right? Tell me a little about that experience.
Eric Mittleman: Yes, I went to SUNY Albany. It was fun because it was college as far as education there was not a lot to learn about the entertainment business there.
TMO: When did you get your first paid job working on any sort of motion picture? And was this your first paid job in entertainment, period?
Eric Mittleman: My first paid job on a motion picture was as a writer. I wrote and/or developed a lot of stuff that didn’t get produced before my career finally “took off”. My first paid job in entertainment was as a PA on the Billy Joel music video “While The Night is Still Young?” On my first day they sent me out in NYC with a van to pick stuff up. I was very very green. Many near misses (traffic accident) and I almost lost Billy Joel’s tux to a homeless guy who tried to rip off the van, which I forgot to lock. All in all everything worked out just fine.
TMO: I know you have worked on quite a few projects for Playboy and Playboy TV. The list can go on and on, but what are a few memorable or notable ones that you have worked on? Do you still do anything with Playboy?
Eric Mittleman: Most memorable from Playboy was finding Jenny McCarthy. I trained her for 2 years on a show called “Hot Rocks” before she got the MTV “Singled Out” gig. It was a show where she introduced music videos, interviewed artists, etc. She did an awesome job. Currently I am not doing anything with Playboy (aside from enjoying their hospitality at the occasional party). I’m open to it, just nothing happening currently.
TMO: Ok, so I am going to guess that there are some things you have worked on that are not as publicly available. You were recently in Jenna Jameson’s top friend list? You lucky guy, that was before she was with Tito Ortiz and people were not afraid to admire publicly. How did you end up in the top myspace friends list of the most well known porn-star of all time?
Eric Mittleman: I’ve known Jenna for a long time. Back in “the day” I tried to get her to host “Hot Rocks”, but the scheduling never worked. About 2 years ago I went back to Playboy to produce a reality show Jenna was doing with them called “Jenna’s American Sex Star”, kind of an “American Idol” for aspiring porn stars. While we were working together Jenna was nice enough to put me in her top friends list. That and going to Vegas as part of Pauly Shore’s “Entourage” are two simple things that remind me how fortunate I am.
TMO: It’s kind of crazy to me. I mean I so often hear about people that gave up on pursuing their dreams of working on film, yet every time I look you seem to add another project to your resume. You have quite the list of projects, with not just Playboy, but many other TV and Film networks as well. In fact one might argue this is what you are most noted for. Is that a fair assessment?
Eric Mittleman: I’m not sure what I am most noted for. My “Playboy” work certainly has the volume (over 2,000 hours). Also “porn” soft-core or otherwise seems to be everyone’s guilty pleasure creating more “interest”. Especially a talk show I developed and produced for Playboy called “Night Calls”. However, after Playboy I did a lot of work with Sci-fi icons Mark Hamill and William Shatner (not together). The projects I did with these guys were a lot more fun and interesting for me especially since they were my heroes growing up and after all heroes are what storytelling is about for me regardless of if it is TV, film, reality or webisode. Beautiful women and sex are just icing on the cake… a reward for a life well lived. My FAVORITE project was a movie I produced called “Comic Book: The Movie” which was directed by Mark Hamill and released by Miramax (one of the last Bob & Harvey releases). We also won a “Best Live Action DVD Premier” award from Variety’s DVD Academy for it in 2005. My co-producers and actors were some of the most talented voice over artists in the business (appearing in a live action movie). That movie had so much talent in it, just incredible. It’s kind of like “Best in Show” goes to Comic-con San Diego. Fun stuff… oh and Kevin Smith, Bruce Campbell and Hef have amazing (and big) cameos.
TMO: Your experience includes working on both movies and TV shows. To make it easy, can you start by summarizing some of the programs that you have worked on and their respective networks or organizations?
Eric Mittleman: It’s a big list. It’d be quicker for you to google me and/or check my IMDB listing.
TMO: On the movie side, I noticed a trend of horror films in the industry and on your resume. I understand your most recent film is “Red Velvet”. The trailer seems to be a very interesting horror with a comedic twist. Is horror your category of choice and can you tell me a bit more about your most recent film?
Eric Mittleman: Horror films recently have been the “go to” movies for indie producers but the genre is well over saturated and lacks originality for the most part. I do have a pretty cool movie coming out in August through Amazon.com called “Red Velvet”. It’s a horror film starring Henry Thomas (yes, Elliot from ET… another sci-fi icon!). My real passion is comedy and action. Those are the genres I would love to focus on.
======================================================
//TRAILER - Red Velvet Myspace I Official Site
TMO: So even beyond this release, I am certain you have some things up your sleeve. Come on share! What can we expect from Eric Mittleman in the short-term future?
Eric Mittleman: Right now I am producing a talk show called “Sam Phillips’ The Single Life” for a cable network called MavTV. It’s a FUN show with a lot of laughs and many many cool guests, Lorenzo Lamas, “Rowdy” Roddy Piper, C. Thomas Howell, Esai Morales… again, guys I grew up on. Also Sam Phillips, the host, is a former Penthouse Pet and seasoned radio personality who does an amazing job hosting. It’s a half hour, one guest format so there is plenty of time to really get to know the guest. We’re not even half way through our season and there are rumors of a second season. You can find more info about the show at TheSingleLifeRadioShow.com and more info about MavTV and where you can see the show at MavTV.com.
I’m also doing a lot of work with an amazing motivational speaker named Milton Creagh. We just produced a half hour show called “UR Choice UR Voice” which was financed by the Elks. It’s going to be distributed directly to schools, on the internet and on television through the FCC mandated Education and Information program. Milton is kind of like my “Oprah” and is definitely going to blow up this year. You can learn more about Milton at his web site www.BiggMilt.com
Eric Mittleman: I also have a few movies and other stuff in the works but I usually don’t talk details on these until they start shooting because until then they are not real – GOOD lesson for aspiring filmmakers.
TMO: I really look forward to checking this new show out. I am going to
check out www.BiggMilt.com I really started buying into this motivational
stuff lately. So Eric, Changing the subject a bit, I was hoping to
touch a little on the music industry. So you started out as a PA on the
Billy Joel music video set as you mentioned. One thing I am not certain
on, did you ever produce or direct any music videos later into your
career?
Eric Mittleman: Yes, I started off as an Associate Producer and sometimes editor on music videos. Although my creative contributions on most of these were not much they were fun and good training. Some of the videos I worked on were early Mariah Carey, Ice Cube, Harry Connick Jr. and lots of bands that just came and went. Later on I Executive Produced a few videos for Ice-T’s metal band “Body Count”. Those were a lot of fun.
TMO: Wow. So that answers that! Is that something you would or would continue to pursue?
Eric Mittleman: Not really. I’ll produce music videos as they come along or as I need the work but there are a lot of people out there who are really passionate about music video and do it every day. They’re the ones who should be doing them. 9 times out of 10 music videos are just a pay check for me and that is a little disrespectful to the artist. However, my “Body Count” videos were definitely a labor of love.
TMO: I understand you still personally know Ice – T, Sir Mix A lot and many other music artists, is that right? Can you tell me a little about your relationship with them?
Eric Mittleman: I met Ice and Mix through “Playboy’s Hot Rocks” (the
show Jenny McCarthy hosted). Over the years I have gotten to know both
those guys as friends. Both are solid as people not just
“celebrities”. I would do anything for or with those guys INCLUDING
helping them move or picking them up at the airport.
Eric Mittleman: Yes, I started off as an Associate Producer and sometimes editor on music videos. Although my creative contributions on most of these were not much they were fun and good training. Some of the videos I worked on were early Mariah Carey, Ice Cube, Harry Connick Jr. and lots of bands that just came and went. Later on I Executive Produced a few videos for Ice-T’s metal band “Body Count”. Those were a lot of fun.
TMO: Wow. So that answers that! Is that something you would or would continue to pursue?
Eric Mittleman: Not really. I’ll produce music videos as they come along or as I need the work but there are a lot of people out there who are really passionate about music video and do it every day. They’re the ones who should be doing them. 9 times out of 10 music videos are just a pay check for me and that is a little disrespectful to the artist. However, my “Body Count” videos were definitely a labor of love.
TMO: I understand you still personally know Ice – T, Sir Mix A lot and many other music artists, is that right? Can you tell me a little about your relationship with them?
Eric Mittleman: I met Ice and Mix through “Playboy’s Hot Rocks” (the
show Jenny McCarthy hosted). Over the years I have gotten to know both
those guys as friends. Both are solid as people not just
“celebrities”. I would do anything for or with those guys INCLUDING
helping them move or picking them up at the airport. TMO: Another person I have grown to admire is your friend Sonny Girard.
He is a well known author and "ex" mob-figure. Through his blogs I learned
about some of his impressive contributions to entertainment as well.
How did you meet Sonny originally?
Eric Mittleman: I met Sonny through a production designer friend when Sonny was directing a short out here in Los Angeles. Over the years we became good friends. Sonny is one of the smartest, truly insightful people I know especially for fans of “mob” entertainment. At least once on every episode of “The Sopranos” I would see something that Sonny had told me about years before (i.e. Junior being ostracized for going down on his girlfriend, Pauly Walnuts getting into a prison fight over what soap opera to watch, etc. etc.). He’s written quite a few amazing screenplays which remain unproduced. Hint… hint… Anyone from a studio reading this? You can read some of his blogs on his myspace page www.myspace.com/sonnygirard.
TMO: Ok I could really ask you questions all day. First I want to say thanks for being cool. Rarely do you find such accomplished people in film that are willing to answer messages and comments. In fact while I have you on the hot seat, why is that? Are people full of themselves or are there tangible negative side effects that might occur from being too open with fans?
Eric Mittleman: I don’t know. I can’t speak for them. I just know for me if I have the time I am always happy to exercise my narcissistic side and talk about myself.
TMO: Well another lesson learned. No more of that for me either! (assuming or speaking for others)
TMO: I have been trying to tie this up for the past two questions don’t get frustrated it’s almost over, the next part is an attempt for fans to know you on a personal level. Just fill in the blank, and please omit anything that you deem irrelevant.
My name is Eric Mittleman and I wish everyone a life of their dreams.
Eric Mittleman: I think Obama is half white. I wish everyone would stop being so pessimistic (BTW – that’s a rip off of a Sarah Silverman joke). Seriously Obama is awesome. Having a leader who comes from responsibility and accountability is beneficial to this country in ways most people will never realize. Listen to his early speeches and compare them to Bush’s exit speeches full of excuses and victim stories… don’t get me started.
My biggest fear is letting fear run my life.
My favorite car is my Black Cadillac CTS. The bat mobile.
My favorite food is lobster.
My least favorite public figure is John and/or Kate. Enough already.
My favorite porn star is Jenna Jameson (of course, but retired), Bree Olson (current).
TMO: Nice choice of cars and porn stars my friend! I drool over Bree Olson’s twitter and myspace at least once daily. It sort of became like a ritual. I start my day with an awful habit like smoking or coffee, and of course Bree Olson. So before you get me started on that angel of a woman, I want to make sure I have all of your current sites and interests covered here. Did we cover everything? You always have so much going on I want to be sure.
Eric Mittleman: Most is covered above. For additional info check my myspace page: myspace.com/ericmittleman Or follow me on Twitter: @ericmittleman. Also one of these days I’ll put an actual web site up at ericmittleman.com, right now there are a few cool videos there. Also check out paulyadopted.com I did some work on this movie but it’s really Pauly’s baby and IT’S AWESOME!
TMO: Oh man, I have seen the preview for Pauly Shore’s movie. I was rolling on the ground laughing. He is still by far one of the funniest dudes ever.
OK I don’t want to a be a burden but as you know TMO has been a work in progress to say the least and there are definitely a few other things I would like to discuss with you further. With that said I was wondering if you would allow another Q&A when we get our recording and/or filming hardware situated?
Eric Mittleman: Of course!
TMO: Sweet, so I am trying to poll as I go on this, would you prefer a blonde or brunette girl to interview you?
Eric Mittleman: Hair color is irrelevant if she is enthusiastic with a good smile.
TMO: Ok last question, I promise. What is your best piece of advice for people trying to get into the movie business or maybe for those just getting out of school looking for their first move in the industry?
Eric Mittleman: Separate the concepts of value and money. Work on projects that have value to you and are not just about the pay check or some current trend and you will be successful and more importantly, happy. Most importantly create something as often as possible. Shoot something… write something… CREATE something. Express yourself through whatever medium you choose. Creativity is a gift we all have. Surround yourself with honest supporters who will give honest feedback not jealous haters. If you are in the business for the money there are quicker paths to the pot of gold. Be in this business because you love creating and entertaining. Bringing joy to the world. I’ll leave you with a quote from the Bob Dylan song “Sweetheart Like You”, “Got to play your harp until your lips bleed.” Start bleeding.
Eric Mittleman: I met Sonny through a production designer friend when Sonny was directing a short out here in Los Angeles. Over the years we became good friends. Sonny is one of the smartest, truly insightful people I know especially for fans of “mob” entertainment. At least once on every episode of “The Sopranos” I would see something that Sonny had told me about years before (i.e. Junior being ostracized for going down on his girlfriend, Pauly Walnuts getting into a prison fight over what soap opera to watch, etc. etc.). He’s written quite a few amazing screenplays which remain unproduced. Hint… hint… Anyone from a studio reading this? You can read some of his blogs on his myspace page www.myspace.com/sonnygirard.
TMO: Ok I could really ask you questions all day. First I want to say thanks for being cool. Rarely do you find such accomplished people in film that are willing to answer messages and comments. In fact while I have you on the hot seat, why is that? Are people full of themselves or are there tangible negative side effects that might occur from being too open with fans?
Eric Mittleman: I don’t know. I can’t speak for them. I just know for me if I have the time I am always happy to exercise my narcissistic side and talk about myself.
TMO: Well another lesson learned. No more of that for me either! (assuming or speaking for others)
TMO: I have been trying to tie this up for the past two questions don’t get frustrated it’s almost over, the next part is an attempt for fans to know you on a personal level. Just fill in the blank, and please omit anything that you deem irrelevant.
My name is Eric Mittleman and I wish everyone a life of their dreams.
Eric Mittleman: I think Obama is half white. I wish everyone would stop being so pessimistic (BTW – that’s a rip off of a Sarah Silverman joke). Seriously Obama is awesome. Having a leader who comes from responsibility and accountability is beneficial to this country in ways most people will never realize. Listen to his early speeches and compare them to Bush’s exit speeches full of excuses and victim stories… don’t get me started.
My biggest fear is letting fear run my life.
My favorite car is my Black Cadillac CTS. The bat mobile.
My favorite food is lobster.
My least favorite public figure is John and/or Kate. Enough already.
My favorite porn star is Jenna Jameson (of course, but retired), Bree Olson (current).
TMO: Nice choice of cars and porn stars my friend! I drool over Bree Olson’s twitter and myspace at least once daily. It sort of became like a ritual. I start my day with an awful habit like smoking or coffee, and of course Bree Olson. So before you get me started on that angel of a woman, I want to make sure I have all of your current sites and interests covered here. Did we cover everything? You always have so much going on I want to be sure.
Eric Mittleman: Most is covered above. For additional info check my myspace page: myspace.com/ericmittleman Or follow me on Twitter: @ericmittleman. Also one of these days I’ll put an actual web site up at ericmittleman.com, right now there are a few cool videos there. Also check out paulyadopted.com I did some work on this movie but it’s really Pauly’s baby and IT’S AWESOME!
TMO: Oh man, I have seen the preview for Pauly Shore’s movie. I was rolling on the ground laughing. He is still by far one of the funniest dudes ever.
OK I don’t want to a be a burden but as you know TMO has been a work in progress to say the least and there are definitely a few other things I would like to discuss with you further. With that said I was wondering if you would allow another Q&A when we get our recording and/or filming hardware situated?
Eric Mittleman: Of course!
TMO: Sweet, so I am trying to poll as I go on this, would you prefer a blonde or brunette girl to interview you?
Eric Mittleman: Hair color is irrelevant if she is enthusiastic with a good smile.
TMO: Ok last question, I promise. What is your best piece of advice for people trying to get into the movie business or maybe for those just getting out of school looking for their first move in the industry?
Eric Mittleman: Separate the concepts of value and money. Work on projects that have value to you and are not just about the pay check or some current trend and you will be successful and more importantly, happy. Most importantly create something as often as possible. Shoot something… write something… CREATE something. Express yourself through whatever medium you choose. Creativity is a gift we all have. Surround yourself with honest supporters who will give honest feedback not jealous haters. If you are in the business for the money there are quicker paths to the pot of gold. Be in this business because you love creating and entertaining. Bringing joy to the world. I’ll leave you with a quote from the Bob Dylan song “Sweetheart Like You”, “Got to play your harp until your lips bleed.” Start bleeding.