Eric Keith Farmer, born on October 4, 1973, is a diverse American producer, entrepreneur, entertainment executive, and former actor. Currently occupying the esteemed position of Chief Content Officer at SPACEMOB, a company he co-founded in 2016, Eric has solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in the ever-evolving landscape of media and streaming. With membership in industry associations, including the Producers Guild of America and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and serving as a Primetime Emmy Awards Voter, Eric stands as a paragon of excellence in television and film production. His remarkable journey from the limelight of acting to orchestrating award-winning shows and producing notable films epitomizes his commitment to the artistry and business that continue to propel the entertainment industry forward.
Early Life and Education
Eric Keith’s formative years were shaped in the suburban surroundings of Olathe, KS, where he was raised alongside his family, consisting of his mother, father, and brother. After graduating from Olathe South High School in 1992, Eric embarked on an intellectually enriching educational journey that would lay the foundation for his career. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Lincoln Christian University, immersing himself in a diverse array of academic pursuits. Further advancing his knowledge and skills, Eric pursued higher education at The University of Kansas, where he delved into Theatre and film.
Demonstrating an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, he honed his expertise in independent producing, film marketing, and distribution through distinguished program at UCLA. Notably, his pursuit of excellence led him to earn executive certificates from Harvard Business School, specializing in the business of entertainment, sports, and media, as well as in disruptive strategy under the guidance of the eminent scholar Clayton Christensen. Eric’s commitment to education has been an indispensable pillar of his journey, endowing him with the prowess to navigate the dynamic landscapes of the entertainment industry with precision and finesse.
Acting Career
Keith’s foray into the enchanting world of acting commenced with a triumphant debut on the hallowed stages of the Actors Theatre of Louisville, home of the world-renowned Humana Festival of New American Plays. His magnetic presence and undeniable talent soon propelled him to Hollywood, where he graced several acclaimed TV series. Noteworthy among his early triumphs was his role in the iconic All My Children, where he portrayed the character of Chip consisting of nine episodes, sharing the screen with luminaries like Kelly Ripa and Marc Consuelos. Eric’s desire to produce and be behind the camera peaked through during this time when he was Chris Noth’s stand-in in the acclaimed and beloved series Sex and the City for its second season.
He reprised his role of Romeo in Romeo in Juliet from the New Orleans Shakespeare production for his appearance on NBC’s Providence starring alongside Melina Kanakaredes. His talent and dedication also earned him roles in other award-winning TV series, including Six Feet Under, where he collaborated with Francis Conroy, and “ER,” where he graced the screen alongside notable stars like Noah Wyle and Anthony Edwards. Eric’s early acting career was off to a great start when he started choosing to attend production meetings over auditions. He was headed for a new path.
Transition to Production and Entertainment
Eric’s career underwent an evolution as he made a conscientious decision to pivot from acting to producing, writing, and directing. Driven by an unyielding passion for the intricacies of filmmaking and the desire to craft compelling narratives, Eric sought to forge a new path that would enable him to leave an enduring impact on the entertainment landscape. Embracing the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead, he immersed himself in the world of film and TV production, where he would soon emerge as a creative force to be reckoned with.
Beyond his artistic expression, Eric displayed an insight into the industry’s business side, adeptly navigating the complexities of film marketing, distribution, and strategic decision-making. Armed with a deep understanding of the entertainment domain, he deftly combined his artistic sensibilities with shrewd business expertise, orchestrating a series of successful ventures that earned him a well-deserved reputation as a visionary leader and an influential entertainment executive.
Producing Career and Notable Works
Eric’s producing career stands as a testimony to his excellence as he carved a distinct niche in the entertainment industry with blockbuster projects. Overseeing the production of nearly a hundred episodes of television originals, Eric’s creative prowess and business have left a deep mark on the industry. Among his crowning achievements is the psychological thriller Leave Yourself Alone, which saw domestic release under the aegis of Virgil Films, and Jedi Junior High, a captivating offering about junior high students performing The Empire Strikes Back the musical, distributed by MarVista Entertainment and subsequently signing a worldwide deal with Netflix.
Yet, it is Parallel Love that truly exemplifies his attitude as an Executive Producer in his support of this poignant narrative from acclaimed filmmaker Matt Hinton, which not only garnered theatrical release through Abramorama but also garnered widespread acclaim from prestigious film festivals. Eric’s portfolio also boasts Forget Me Not, a supernatural thriller starring Carly Schroeder, Cody Linley, Jillian Murray, and Bella Thorne, which held the distinction of being the #1 horror film on iTunes for six consecutive weeks and secured the coveted Best Horror Film accolade at the Hollywood Reel Film Festival.