Hello! I'm Erik Schmudde, a producer and writer relied upon for my leadership, business intelligence, and expertise in storytelling. During my tenure, I've authored Disney children's books, served as a Creative Development Executive in film and television, reporting directly to Johnny Depp, principal of Infinitum Nihil, as well as Project Manager, Global Franchise Development, for The Walt Disney Company, where I managed cross-company franchise strategies for billion-dollar blockbusters. I'm known for my collaboration, capacity for long hours of intensive work, attention to detail, and ability to remain calm and think clearly under high-pressure situations.
Here's a little more about how I can help! I combine the talents of the creative producer and writer with the elements of observation and analysis in an artistic portrayal of the human condition. Mastering visual storytelling, I can establish settings, messages, themes, and styles because of my strong understanding of creative writing, screenwriting, cinematic storytelling, character, plot, dialogue, and the production process. I can work with story and design groups while maintaining a positive attitude. These skills have led to my successful collaboration with corporations and high-profile talent in building extensive projects from original conception through product release.
Major credits have included Haunted Soiree, an immersive theatre show by Meyer2Meyer Entertainment; Executive Producer of feature film The Scarecrow of Canton, written by Jonathan Hensleigh (Kill the Irishman, Jumanji); Creative Development Executive for Infinitum Nihil on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell no Tales, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer; and Creative Consultant on Shanghai Disneyland's Treasure Cove. I'm proud of my bachelor’s degree in film and screen studies from Columbia College of Chicago, emphasizing film history, filmmaking, and writing. I'm also committed to community engagement and volunteer for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
To know more about myself or how I can help you or your business, contact me at erik.schmudde@gmail.com.
latest work
Amazon RushSlowly Figure Skating Spinner Video
PORTFOLIO
My Featured Work.
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WRITING SAMPLES
Manuscripts. Screenplays. Treatments.
NO BARRIERS
Screenplay
The story centers around Erik Weihenmayer, a young teenager struggling to live a normal life after losing his vision to retinoschisis. But when the high school's basketball coach gives him a hard, life-altering lesson to help shift his perception, Erik begins to resist the idea of being swept to the sidelines of life, eventually leading to him becoming the first blind person to climb the Seven Summits, in this inspiring tale.
THE TALE OF MAD MEL
Screenplay
An homage to the Spielberg/Amblin genre, The Reliables tells the story of twelve-year-old Jonathan "Stretch" Stretcher, the son of a cryptozoologist who mysteriously vanishes on Halloween. One year later, he is determined to find out why his father left that fateful night. Together with his three oddball friends (Boxer, Slick, and Fuse), Stretch follows his father's only clue into a dangerous journey, while inadvertently unleashing an army of mischievous little monsters who wreak havoc on their small town in this family adventure.
10 WAYS TO KILL FREDDY
Web Article
Freddy Krueger—the disfigured serial killer with a razor glove—terrorized audiences during and long after they left the theater, making anyone who heard that monstrous voice afraid of their bed and sleep, like Jaws for people and the ocean. The storyline was simple: fall asleep and risk never waking because if Freddy kills you in a dream, you die in real life. But fear not. Even though slasher-film antagonists have three hundred lives, there are ways to survive an unfortunate run-in with Freddy Krueger. Surviving an unconscious death starts with this primary rule: you must bring Freddy into the real world, where he’s mortal because it’s impossible to kill him in a dream. Then use these Top Ten Best Ways to Kill Freddy Krueger and say, “Freddy’s Dead!”
THE RELIABLES
Novel
An homage to the Spielberg/Amblin genre, The Reliables tells the story of twelve-year-old Jonathan "Stretch" Stretcher, the son of a cryptozoologist who mysteriously vanishes on Halloween. One year later, he is determined to find out why his father left that fateful night. Together with his three oddball friends (Boxer, Slick, and Fuse), Stretch follows his father's only clue into a dangerous journey, while inadvertently unleashing an army of mischievous little monsters who wreak havoc on their small town in this family adventure.
INSECURITY GUARDS
Screenplay
A throwback to Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, INSECURITY GUARDS centers on John Bailey, a low-level insurance adjuster who finds himself on the unemployment line after a round of layoffs. As he struggles to find work and redefine his career, John is forced to take the job of an alarm detection officer alongside a babbling, but lovable, woman as his partner. What should be a brainless night, turns into a series of hair-raising adventures after stumbling upon a Mad Doctor and his house of horrors.
ALIEN NEIGHBORS
Treatment
A sci-fi/comedy in the vein of Ed Wood, ALIEN NEIGHBORS FROM OUTER SPACE tells the story of two scientists who suspect alien influence when an unidentified object crashes in the desert near their small town. This treatment was written in 1953 (or how I approached the story). The film stock, camera movements, set design, and special effects were envisioned with what was available aesthetically for B-movies during that era of filmmaking. The dialogue will be quick, poetic, and a tad cheesy, but to be performed with full believability.
PROFESSIONAL
Experience
2023
HAUNTED SOIREE
Live Event / Immersive Theatre
Head Producer
Supervised 40+ performers and special effect, costuming, bar, event, and tech teams for a 6-week, 40-show live event averaging 250+ guests/show. Managed all aspects, including site inspection, truck delivery timelines, load-in transformation, vendor relationships, scheduling, budgeting, inventory, payroll, and bar/alcohol batching and supply, while maintaining the logistical integrity of the show by showcasing creativity, leadership, teamwork, and effective communication.
2023
INVISIBLE NARRATIVES
Digital Content
Creative Consultant / Writer
Conceptualized and developed a three-season story arc based on content created by a known Social Media Influencer with 20+ million TikTok followers. The overall creative vision would dig into character origins and lay the groundwork for story that would expand the universe while simultaneously providing franchise opportunities, such as product placement. The entire structure was carefully crafted, so it can be broken down into year, month, week, and eventually daily videos.
2022-2023
THE RELIABLES
Original Middle Grade Novel
Author
An homage to the Spielberg/Amblin genre, The Reliables tells the story of twelve-year-old Jonathan "Stretch" Stretcher, the son of a cryptozoologist who mysteriously vanishes on Halloween. One year later, he is determined to find out why his father left that fateful night. Together with his three oddball friends (Boxer, Slick, and Fuse), Stretch follows his father's only clue into a dangerous journey, while inadvertently unleashing an army of mischievous little monsters who wreak havoc on their small town in this family adventure.
2022
NO BARRIERS
Digital Content
Screenwriter
The story centers around Erik Weihenmayer, a young teenager struggling to live a normal life after losing his vision to retinoschisis. But when the high school's basketball coach gives him a hard, life-altering lesson to help shift his perception, Erik begins to resist the idea of being swept to the sidelines of life, eventually leading to him becoming the first blind person to climb the Seven Summits, in this inspiring tale.
2022
INSECURITY GUARDS
Original Screenplay
Screenwriter
A throwback to Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein, INSECURITY GUARDS centers on John Bailey, a low-level insurance adjuster who finds himself on the unemployment line after a round of layoffs. As he struggles to find work and redefine his career, John is forced to take the job of an alarm detection officer alongside a babbling, but lovable, woman as his partner. What should be a brainless night, turns into a series of hair-raising adventures after stumbling upon a Mad Doctor and his house of horrors.
2021
THE SWORD IN THE STONE
DISNEY DIE-CUT CLASSICS
Children's Book
Author
A stunning and special storybook of the classic Disney animated film The Sword in the Stone.When a young squire-in-training called Wart meets a hermit wizard named Merlin and his owl Archimedes, he has no idea of his amazing destiny. To educate the boy, Merlin takes Wart on a few adventures. Then there’s a tournament to find the knight who can pull the sword from the stone and save Camelot! Can Wart use all that he’s learned to remove the sword and become king?
2019
TOY STORY MOVIE THEATER
Children's Book
Author
Relive all the memorable Toy Story moments with this 32-page movie retelling and the accompanying image projector. All your favorite Toy Story characters—and some new friends—are back for a new adventure. This 32-page book contains movie retellings from all four Toy Story movies, and the action comes to life with every reading with the included image projector and disks. Icons in the book tell kids when to project the 20 movie images on the wall as they read.
2018
GAMERS DECIDE ARTICLES
Digital Content
Writer
Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or a curious newcomer, my goal is to provide you with interesting and informative movie content. Researched and written numerous listicle articles based on horror films, including Top Slasher Movies, Best Movie Posters, How to Kill Friday, and more!
2011-2018
INFINITUM NIHIL
Film/TV Development
Creative Executive
Spearheaded all creative aspects of film and television development for Johnny Depp’s production company, collaborating with studio executives, writers, directors, and third-party producers to shape stories through script development emphasizing character and structure. Essential responsibilities included script development on all Johnny Depp acting roles, reading/assessing submissions, market analysis, scouting talent, generating new concepts, and pitching to studios.
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Pirates 5: Dead Men Tell No Tales
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Alice Through the Looking Glass
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Black Mass
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The Scarecrow of Canton
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The Lone Ranger
2006-2010
THE WALT DISNEY STUDIOS
Franchise Development
Project Manager
Led cross-company franchise strategies for live-action films from Jerry Bruckheimer, Tim Burton, C.S. Lewis Estate, and Disney Channel, evaluating properties for revenue opportunities, overseeing brand management, and generating internal support. Featured franchises include:
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Pirates of the Caribbean
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Chronicles of Narnia
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High School Musical
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Muppets
CONTACT
I am always open to new collaborations. Whether you have a proposal or just want to chat about creative possibilities, don't hesitate to contact me.