Joey

With the help of a few friends and her parents' Beta camcorder, Erin began experimenting with filmmaking around the age of nine. Although she always kept the dream of making movies close to her heart, she underestimated her talent for over a decade. At twenty-four, her close friend and mentor commissioned her to write and direct a short film that would supplement his upcoming speaking engagement. Despite her warnings and disclaimers surrounding the fact she had never written an actual script, nor taken any classes, he replied with a shrug, a smile and a simple, "I trust you." She tried several more times to convince him she was not qualified, but each protest was met with another, "I trust you."

More than another decade later, Erin is exceedingly grateful for that trust. It was empowering and enlightening—and it changed her life.

As a direct result of creating that short, Erin was invited by new friends to write another film—specifically, for an international competition. They were elated to win second place! The following year, Erin went after the same competition with another friend /co-worker. They won first place, which included a trip to Sundance Film Festival and a screening of their film, "Perfecto!" It was a surreal and humbling experience to be there.

Shortly after her return home, an entrepreneur and film enthusiast offered Erin a dream job—paying her to write and produce an original feature film. Again, she found herself drowning in both gratitude and inexperience. She was in way over her head, especially considering the seemingly-impossible time frame she was given. However, the opportunity was incredible and she could never thank him enough for the experience—nor for everything she learned through the process.

Erin is very passionate about loving and serving others, and considers any talent she may have as an opportunity through which she can do that. In 2006, a friend convinced her to start an Improv troupe. She accepted the challenge, and with his help, founded Improv Charlotte. From the beginning, she made it their mission to "Serve [their] Community through Comedy," by giving away 100% of their regular show proceeds to local charities. It is her hope she can somehow use her films as another opportunity to spread love and peace, and connect with people.

Erin and her husband of fifteen years finally became parents in 2015, after many years of infertility. Their son has brought immeasurable joy and laughter into their lives, and they hope their family will continue to grow.

Erin has she has created several more shorts, and is in the beginning process of another feature screenplay. While she has been trying to figure out how to balance her time between family and becoming a better filmmaker, she has relied on the overwhelmingly sweet and generous support of her family and community of friends. Without them, she couldn't do it.