An Inspired Chat with Erik Harris

Erik Harris shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Erik, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Who are you learning from right now?
Everyone I meet has something to teach me, and I’m all ears! I love collaborating with folks who know more about the film industry than I do. Every now and then, I run into people who aren’t the easiest to work with—those more interested in what I can do for them than in caring about my team. I’ve noticed every director has their own unique style, and I often find myself adapting to their way of doing things. To be honest, I hate it. I prefer to focus more on the team I’m currently surrounded by. We all have chemistry, a connection, and a serious passion for moviemaking. Then there are actors who don’t quite take direction well and bring their egos to set. But honestly, those are the people I learn the most from.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well, I’m a music industry survivor, performer turned film producer. It still blows my mind that I’m actually making movies. The kid who spent forever dreaming of being a performer and songwriter is now strolling these “Hollywood” streets—wild, right? Starting my film company, House of 1000 Doors, was hands down the best move I’ve made. My entire life I was a movie nerd obsessed with ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s classics, so this feels like a full-circle moment. After teaming up with my assistant creative director, Elshannon Simmons, to write, direct, and produce the pilot for Stay Cozy Saturdays, things really took off. We just wrapped an epic collaboration with Crown 1080 Films featuring six films: the fantasy adventure Synergy, the sci-fi thriller Back For the Most Time, plus a double feature with a bonus short, PINNACLE, starring Trae Gibson, Elshannon Simmons, and Lashonda LaLa Courtney. We also have Four Minutes of Darkness, starring Cory Chapman and Topher Lee Edwards, and POPCORN, starring Joxsia Janelle and Kenneth Smith, plus a few more surprises. All set for a 2026 release.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The parts of me that gotta go? Waiting on people, chasing after them, and always giving the benefit of the doubt. I’ve wasted way too much time being patient while folks drain my time and creativity. From now on, I’m done asking for help—I’m letting God guide me to the people who actually want to help and who I can trust. Lesson learned: trust what people show you, not what they say.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me how to stay strong even when the world feels like it’s crushing me. I’ve learned to weather storms and bounce back when I take a fall. Even when life feels like a solo adventure, I’ve got the willpower, focus, and grit to survive whatever comes my way.

So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One project I’m all in on is Stay Cozy Saturdays. My goal? To pitch it to streaming—ideally HBO Max or Netflix, but Peacock, Prime, and Apple are definitely on the radar too. Stay Cozy Saturdays kick-started my film career. It’s a show I wrote packed with nostalgia—a variety entertainment show that channels those golden retro Saturday mornings. You know, the days before cellphones and computers, when you’d wake up early, pour a giant bowl of cereal, binge Saturday morning cartoons, Kung Fu theater, and Soul Train. Then hop on your bike with your crew for some teenage mischief. A time when we were fearless, free, forced to be social, and powered by imagination on wild adventures. I’m ready to develop five seasons, featuring surprise celebrity guests, killer musical acts, and short films paying tribute to the golden era of movies. Stay tuned—coziness incoming!

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing? 
The one thing I’d regret is not following my heart and giving this filmmaking journey my all. I don’t want to be that old guy at 80 or 90, full of regrets, wishing I’d just taken a shot. Besides, I’ll never be this young again—might as well go for it!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://filmfreeway.com/Houseof1000doorsllc
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseof1000doorsllc?igsh=MWFsamNxcm5yM2RpbQ==
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1MNYejyCKi/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@houseof1000doorsllc?si=pW23zaIHqZ-cOi_9

Image Credits
House of 1000 Doors and Zachary Toth