Erika Waldorf

Erika Waldorf is a producer, director, writer, and actor based in the fourth-largest city in the U.S., Houston, Texas. She's part of a growing filmmaking industry in the Lone Star State, and has sharpened her producing skills with numerous creative projects throughout Texas-from films to music videos to commercials. On her own projects she writes, directs, shoots, and edits, and she collaborates in a variety of ways with other filmmakers and content creators. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erika enjoyed an early introduction to the stories of people from different cultures when she and her family lived overseas for her father's work in the oil business. During those years, the family moved often and she spent time in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, as well as in Texas. Readjusting to life in the states was made more demanding by skills picked up overseas, including speaking with a strong British accent as a result of having a native British speaker for a teacher in Malaysia. The constant moves would later shape an interest in telling narrative stories about outsiders and unconventional thinkers. Among her notable recent accomplishments is producing a feature film inspired by the true events leading to the 1986 explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger. Extensive collaboration with writer/director Nathan VonMinden brought the two together on the The Challenger Disaster. The narrative film, shot on location in Texas, stars Dean Cain, Glenn Morshower, and Les Miles and made its way to audiences through Amazon, DVD sales, and other various outlets. Erika has made filmmaking a family venture on many occasions, involving her husband and collaborating with their children whenever possible. For her, creating content with family also serves as a means of instilling leadership skills in her children. In mentoring her own children, as well as other newcomers to filmmaking, she places high value on teaching project planning skills, honing decision-making abilities, and practicing confident communication. Community theater is another area of interest for Erika. Among her contributions to the stage was formerly serving as Executive Director of Queen Theatre in Richmond, Texas. The non-profit organization provided quality, thought-provoking performances and educational opportunities through performing arts for actors, writers, and directors of all ages and all experience levels.