Eric Raddatz
Eric Raddatz | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Joliet, Illinois |
| Nationality | American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Occupation |
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| Organization |
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| Children | 3 |
| Website | ericraddatz |
Eric Raddatz is an accomplished American journalist, filmmaker, and media personality known for his notable contributions in the fields of journalism and entertainment.[1][2] Raddatz has held various positions in media and publishing, overseeing the art direction and design of numerous print and online publications in several regions.[3]
Raddatz is currently the editor of Florida Weekly's flagship newspaper, Fort Myers, and the host of the indie film live theater series TGIM: Intellectualization Mondays at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. He is the founder of the Naples International and Fort Myers Film Festivals.[4]
In addition to his work in journalism, Raddatz is also an accomplished filmmaker, director and producer. He is the president and CEO of Erad Productions. Some of his notable films include "A Day to Love and Die," "Barely a Chance," and "Purple Martin." He founded two film festivals: the Naples International Film Festival and the Fort Myers Film Festival.[5][6][7]
Early life and education
Raddatz was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois.
Raddatz has had a strong interest in journalism since his youth. He began his career as a paperboy for the Chicago Tribune and contributed to his high school paper as a photographer and artist. He pursued further education in photography and darkroom printing while working as a journeyman's apprentice, where he learned plate making, manual paste-up, and photo tech work soon after finishing high school.
Career
From September 1991 to November 1999, Raddatz worked as a designer at Copley Chicago Newspapers.[8] During this time, he was responsible for designing various sections for numerous daily and weekly newspapers. He also assisted in creating and establishing two websites.[9]
From 1999-2006 He worked for Gannett Newspaper at The News-Press, then Gulfshore Life Magazine.
In 2007, Raddatz joined as the presentation editor of print and new media at Florida Weekly. He oversaw the art direction, design, and presentation of various print and online publications in several regions.[10] He managed various print periodicals, including the Babcock Ranch Telegraph, Tropicalia, Ave Maria Sun, Wellen Park Journal, Lee Health Magazine for Golisano Children's Hospital, monthly brochures for the Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, physician and attorney guides, the Arts Guide, and the Destination Guide. As of September 2021, Raddatz was appointed the editor of Florida Weekly's flagship newspaper, Fort Myers.[11] In his new role, Raddatz is responsible for overseeing content development and working closely with editors from all other Florida Weekly papers, staff writers, freelance writers, and photographers.[12]
Raddatz's other media and publishing engagements include Gulfshore Life Magazine, where he has art directed Southwest Florida's lifestyle magazines such as Gulfshore Life, Naples Health, The Gift, Gulfshore Business Relocation Guide, and Homebuyer.[13] He has also served as the creative director for the Southwestern State College's FSW Spyglass Magazine and the editorial advisor and art director of the West Villages Journal since 2019. In June 2022, Raddatz joined Hoffman Media Group as the editor and artistic director.[14][15]
Raddatz is also a regular contributor to NBC News, iHeartRadio, and ABC7 and serves on the board of FGCU's student advisory.[16][17]
Aside from his work in journalism, Raddatz is also involved in the entertainment industry. He started as an extra on the set of "Stir of Echoes" alongside the well-known actor Kevin Bacon. After working on several films and television shows, Raddatz decided to start writing, producing, and directing films under his own production company, Erad Production.[18] He serves as the president and CEO of the company. His notable films include "A Day to Love and Die," "Barely a Chance," "Marcus Jansen: A Painter's Allegory," "Purple Martin," and "An Asheville Thrift Store Comedy Tour."[19][20]
Raddatz has also founded two film festivals: the Naples International Film Festival in 2009 and the Fort Myers Film Festival in 2010.[21] He served as the executive director of both festivals during their inaugural years. Currently, Raddatz serves as the host of the indie film live theater series T.G.I.M.: Intellectualization Mondays at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.[22]
Personal life
Raddatz resides in Lee County, Florida, with his three children.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Rookie of the Year | Baseball Fan | - |
| 1999 | Stir of Echoes | Subway Rider | - |
| 2001 | Just Visiting | DJ/Dancer | - |
| 2005 | A Day to Love and Die | James | Executive Producer & Director |
| 2006 | Pledge This! | Clubber | - |
| 2008 | Barely a Chance | Jacob | Executive Producer & Director |
| 2009 | Purple Martin | - | Director |
| 2011 | Son of Morning | Baseball Player | - |
| 2011 | Marcus Jansen: A Painter's Allegory | - | Director |
| 2013 | Falseland | Police Officer | - |
| 2013 | Love Life | - | Executive Producer |
| 2016 | Seven Ten Split | - | Executive Producer |
| 2023 | The Bermuda Triangle Project | Senator Larry Niles | Executive Producer |
In the media
References
- ↑ "Eric Raddatz". IMDb. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "005 - Eric Raddatz". WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ Sendler, David (11 April 2019). "Eric Raddatz: The Film Man Carries On". Gulfshore Life. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Florida Weekly names new Fort Myers editor - Fort Myers Florida Weekly". Fort Myers Florida Weekly -. 1 September 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "12th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival Weekend Preview". WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. 19 May 2022. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "FMFF director Eric Raddatz continues Film Man tradition begun by Hendry and Bryant | ArtSWFL.com". www.artswfl.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Manmade - The Boxer Brief That Delivers More Crotch Area Comfort". manmadebrand.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "About". Eric Raddatz's Blog. 11 August 2009. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Fort Myers: City of Palms—A Contemporary Portrait". yumpu.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Film Festival drawing crowds in SWFL". FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX. 10 March 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center: Art Exhibit..." FOX 4 News Fort Myers WFTX. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "2012 Fort Myers Film Festival interview on ABC with Eric Raddatz & Chad Oliver". vimeo.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "SWFL Art & Culture with Eric Raddatz". www.timhartjr.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "May 2022 Florida weekly's ROger Williams.pdf" (PDF). Dropbox. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Fortmyersfilmfestival". Fortmyersfilmfestival. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "12th annual Fort Myers Film Festival preview". WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ Sawyckyj, A. H. ""Women of Maidan" sweeps through Florida's Gulf Coast". The Ukrainian Weekly. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ Runnells, Charles Runnells and Charles. "Fort Myers Film Fest rocks out with documentary on British music magazine 'Melody Maker'". The News-Press. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "11th Annual Fort Myers Film Festival Preview". WGCU PBS & NPR for Southwest Florida. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ March 12, Florida Weekly Staff on (12 March 2014). "The Republic of Lee East (ROLE) - Fort Myers Florida Weekly". Fort Myers Florida Weekly -. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "Naples 2009 film festival director steps down, dislikes board's vision for event". www.naplesnews.com. Retrieved 18 April 2023.
- ↑ "S7 Ep 21- AT THE MOVIES-SCIENCE - Totally Useless Information with Nick & Roy". iHeart. Retrieved 18 April 2023.