Eric Stein, who grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, believes his interest in film and television was unintentionally spurred by his mom’s decision to make their household TV-less. While he feels that some may find that a bit strange, he doesn’t think it’s as odd as growing up lactose intolerant in the Dairy State.

Stein began his career while attending the University of Arizona, squeezing classes between jobs as a college marketing rep for Columbia Pictures, a weekend news producer/anchor for PBS affiliate KUAT-AM/FM, and as a production crew member for KUAT-TV.

Stein acknowledges some benefits of having a degree, but feels the value of his may have been diminished by the fact that Geraldo graduated from the U. of A. as well.

After graduating Phi Kappa Phi with High Distinction, Stein began working as a copywriter for an ad agency in Tucson where he created radio, television and print ads for a number of businesses.

With a host of award-winning ads under his belt, Stein moved to Los Angeles and began writing for Star Street, a European children’s television series. Shortly thereafter, Stein was a supervising producer on Defenders of Dynatron City, an animated children’s special which was the highest rated show for its time slot on the Fox Children's Network.

With co-author Michael S. Bandy, Stein wrote the children’s book, White Water (Candlewick Press) and the award-winning script of the same name which also garnered him a Cosby Screenwriting Fellowship.

Bandy and Stein also penned the scripts, Man of the Cloth, The Messiah From Madison and Lemonade, a Gordon Parks Award finalist. Stein wrote the book Everything I Know About Life I Learned From Trash Talk TV (CCC Publications). His award-wining song, Long Distance Lover (ASCAP), made the top 40 on MP3’s adult contemporary chart.

Stein has also worked as an executive with Lucasfilm and MGM where he negotiated licenses for properties including: Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Pink Panther. At The Greek Theatre, Stein created and executed promotions for over 80 shows in one of the Greek’s highest grossing seasons.

Stein’s professional affiliations include: The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, The Authors Guild, The Animation Writers Caucus of the Writers Guild of America and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.

Stein is also on the dive team at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach where he swims with sharks almost every weekend. Asked if he’s afraid he’ll get bitten, Stein said, “It’s not the sharks I swim with that worry me; it’s the ones I have to work with.”

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