Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Cota.
Hi Eric , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always loved music and film, so I started pursuing both at a young age. I began playing guitar when I was 10 and initially went to college to study music, eventually attending SCAD Savannah. After my first semester, I realized my true passion was filmmaking.
After college, I freelanced up and down the East Coast before landing a job in television news. That opportunity brought me to Charleston, where I’ve lived since 2014.
In 2015, I left the news industry to focus full-time on VideoFilm, and it remains the best career decision I’ve ever made. More than a decade of owning and operating my own business in the Lowcountry has been an incredible adventure—one that’s exceeded anything I could have imagined.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road to where I am today hasn’t been easy. Fifteen years ago, I was engaged and my fiancé had a son who was born with Leukemia. His name was Rivers. He fought for 31 days before passing away. Losing him changed the course of everything for me.
The years that followed were some of the hardest of my life. I struggled with depression and more loss before finally finding my footing again a few years later, ending up back in Charleston.
I eventually built a career in broadcast news, but quickly realized it wasn’t where I belonged. Every day felt like I was pouring myself into a dying industry that doesn’t value creativity, as well as a product that profited from tragedy and misfortune. The relentless hours, constant pressure, lack of appreciation of any employees and job security under inconsistent management only reinforced that feeling.
Leaving a steady paycheck to start my own business was one of the most frightening decisions I’ve ever made. There were plenty of challenges and uncertain moments, but with the unwavering love and support of my incredible wife and family, we made it through. Looking back, it was absolutely the right choice, and it has turned into something so special.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
VideoFilm Productions specializes in creating an undeniable vision for any brand, business or artists. We’ve had the opportunity to work with local businesses as well as major brands including WWE, C4, Slim Jim, Tajín, PRIME Energy, MLW, and Don Gato Tequila.
We’re always looking for local brands to help take to the next level.
We’re also known for our award-winning short films, *The List* and *Flash Life*. *The List* played at film festivals around the world and earned multiple awards. *Flash Life* was a collaboration with my son and his company, EPiC Motion Media (named after his initials, EPC). It also had a successful festival run, including our first local festival.
My son, Evan, is a content creator, animator, actor, and, as of last year, director. He released his first short film, *The Boy From Thailand*, which he created with his friends. We also collaborate on brand content, and it’s been incredible to watch what we’ve accomplished together.
One of our biggest moments came when we won a Slim Jim contest that sent us to Chicago for a major event and another few shoots over the coming years with WWE & Slim Jim. Last year, a John Cena video we created went viral, with wrestlers, podcasters, actors, and fans sharing it until it eventually reached one of his managers. John Cena himself was so moved that he sent us a personal thank-you video. Then, this past April, we finally had the chance to meet him in person.
As proud as I am of everything we’ve created individually and together, I’m most excited about our newest film, *Alone Home*. My sons (Evan & Miles) and I wrote the story, and a cast of 10 incredibly talented actors fully committed to bringing our vision to life. We also partnered with Danny McBride’s Don Gato Tequila, incorporating their bottles into the film in some very unconventional ways and celebrating with them at the after-party. It’s going to be a fiesta to remember.
Getting *Alone Home* made was anything but easy. There were times I almost gave up as crew members committed, dropped out, or simply disappeared. This has truly been a passion project, and it wouldn’t have happened without the dedication and belief of the incredible people who stayed the course.
Here’s the trailer for “Alone Home” – youtu.be/1h4-oysr6gA?si=basYsBvQjIIPH7iK
Whether we’re creating films or marketing content, our goal is always the same: make something people can’t ignore. Our creative eye, high-energy style, and technical expertise have helped our work reach millions of views every month across social media, and we bring that same passion to every brand and every story we tell.
Any big plans?
We have several exciting collaborations on the horizon and are continuing to push our content creation, brand marketing, and film productions to the next level.
Our first feature film is already written, currently in pre-production, and we believe it’s going to be a major win for the local film community and jobs.
We also have a fundraiser and several other exciting projects in the works. While we can’t reveal everything just yet, there’s a lot to look forward to. Be sure to follow us on social media to see what’s coming next!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/videofilmproductions
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/videofilmproductions
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/eric-cota-a6253319/
- Twitter: https://x.com/VFPETC
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@EPiCMotionmedia8
- Other: https://instagram.com/epicmotionmedia/
