Meet Michael & Jaric Erike (The Erike Brothers) | Filmmakers

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael & Jaric Erike (The Erike Brothers) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael & Jaric, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Jaric:

The reason why I chose to become a filmmaker is because of the freedom it gives me to tell any story of my liking. It gives myself the space to create interesting characters and flesh out interesting worlds. In filmmaking, there is no such thing as “that just won’t work” or “you cannot do that”. You can take any idea and build it out into a concrete visual project for the world to see, comment, and digest. This is the creative sandbox that I have always wanted to play in.

Michael:

In my opinion there’s no greater calling, no nobler pursuit, and no bolder path I could take aside from trying to be one of the greatest filmmakers alongside Jaric. At the end of the day, becoming a lawyer was an honorable safety net and a means to an end to enter this filmmaking field. I go to bed sleeping soundly and wake up with joy in my heart knowing that I’m pushing towards my life’s dream and aspiration. It’s a short life so might as well do what you love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Jaric:

I am very excited about our upcoming film, CUT, as it marks a major step up on every level of filmmaking for Michael and myself. As a creator and director, I gravitate towards stories that are unique and dark. My goal is to take these stories and weave in magnificent visuals, music, and sound to leave those who watch our films with a lasting impression. As we work our way through post production, I am very excited to show the world who the Erike Brothers are through our second story, CUT.

Michael: So our upcoming showcase film is “CUT”, which we have been working on since October 2022. We’re currently in Post-Production after shooting during mostly the weekends, from March-June 2023. It’s been a whirlwind of a production overall, especially considering we had to juggle full time jobs as attorneys throughout this whole process. The best part about working on “CUT” for me was navigating the chaos of each set with Jaric. Our very first shoot of production had around 40-50 people in a…”large government building” (without giving too much away). Jaric and I hadn’t had to deal with much chaos in our first short ALONE, but we dove headfirst in and with each shoot we rose to the occasion. It was the most rewarding experience I’ve ever gone through in my life.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Jaric:

I would definitely want to take my best friend to the scenic, iconic parts of Los Angeles. This means we are stopping at Venice Beach, Hollywood Boulevard, and Rodeo Drive. I would want to hit spots that really allow one to experience that true “LA from the movies” vibe. One of the things I love and respect about LA is the love for art. Whether it be clothing designers, musicians, painters, or filmmakers like myself, there is a undeniable energy to create and build. This makes LA unlike any other city.

Michael:

I would take them to the Cheesecake Factory at Marina Del Rey, where dreams are made with the richest, creamiest cheesecake of anyone’s life. Also, they have the most incredible menu in the world which is also the greatest book in the world, so they’ll enjoy that 2 for 1 surprise (we’re eating at Cheesecake all week so that takes care of the week’s meals). Then I would take them for a daily stroll on the most beautiful campus of the world (and the best college), Loyola Marymount University. Odds are we will run into one of my old professors/peers, and President Timothy Snyder will be available for at least one friendly chat (best college President of the best college in the world). I’d make sure my friend visited Santa Monica, Century City Mall, and Playa Vista (where Jaric & I grew up since high school).

Website: Www.erikebrothers.com

Instagram: @erikebrothers

Twitter: @erikebrothers

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@erikebrothers

Image Credits
The Erike Brothers, 2023