We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erik M. Harris. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erik M. below.
Erik M., appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Honestly, it’s tough to pick just one project since every project I’ve worked on so far feels meaningful in its own way. But one that really stands out is our dark fantasy adventure called ‘Synergy’, which I wrote back in 2023. I was visiting my family when two of my younger cousins, who are huge fans of our variety show pilot Stay Cozy Saturdays, started talking about wanting to make a movie. Their excitement was contagious, so that very night I wrote Synergy specifically for them. They loved it, and they both were excited to make it happen. But with their school schedules and me juggling a few other projects, the development of Synergy slowed down and eventually stopped — but I was still as excited as ever to one day bring that story to life! Fast forward a year, and I was on the hunt for two new, fresh young actors to bring my characters to life — but honestly, I had no clue where to start. That’s when my mom came through big time. She knew a young lady with a 12-year-old son, Lajuan Fulmore Jr., who was super excited about the role. I still needed one more kid, and luck struck again when one of my oldest friends, Martinique Ilona, who used to dance backup for my music group. She introduced me to her nephew, Robert Carson IV. Once I met these two, I just knew they were my stars. From there, I teamed up with Trae Gibson of Crown 1080 films and gathered my 1000 Doors team together: Elshannon Simmons, Whitt Phillips, Angela Honey Brown Hood, LaShonda LaLa Courtney, Latoya Johnson, and some amazingly talented actors: Cory Chapman, Stephen Young, Geneva Heyward, Kyra Stephens, Simeon Gibbs, and Amber Lee. We wrapped up filming in just four months. We shot on a stunning mountain in Georgia, capturing the vibe perfectly. ‘Synergy’ is my tribute to the dark adventure flicks I grew up loving — think The NeverEnding Story, The Golden Child, Willow, BeastMaster. Right now, I’m pitching it to streaming giants like Netflix and Disney+, aiming to turn it into an epic 8-10 episode series. I’ve got the story planned all the way through five seasons! We’re sharing the visual concept with the public in 2026 at our first annual House of 1000 Doors and Crown 1080 Films film festival.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
After some mild success in the music industry, I decided to call it quits—running from all the noise, stress, and negativity that came with the industry. Honestly, that whole experience was one of the biggest blessings I’ve had so far. It taught me a ton, made me stronger and wiser, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Back in 2014, I was in a really dark place—depression, loneliness, hopelessness—it all hit hard. But 2015 brought a shift, like I shed an old skin. What stands out most is this surreal moment when I met God—not just spiritually but face to face. I’ve told only a few people this. He walked into my room, barely glanced my way. He walked toward the window and opened the curtains. I remember the sunlight being so bright that I had to turn away. Then, as he walked toward the door, he turned to me and said, “Smile, you’re gonna live a long time. I got plans for you.” I remember he had a smile on his face when he said it, almost like a friendly smirk.
That moment changed everything. It’s hard to explain, but I instantly felt alive like never before. That hit me hard, like a weight lifted. It’s kind of hard to explain, but from there, everything clicked. A year later, I was hitting the gym six days a week, hiking six miles a day, and cleaning up my diet. I spent three years repairing the damage done to my mind, body, and spirit. In 2019, I picked up a camera and started filming short clips while hiking of whatever I found interesting. As time went on, I found myself surrounded by people who were all creating with me: people who believed in me and my creativity; people I could trust; people with no egos, bad habits, or ill motives. One of the biggest blessings was being able to collaborate with cinematographer Zachary Toth and two of my favorite actors, Topher Lee Edwards and Cory Chapman. God also sent me an amazing screenwriter, Bruce Eric Williams, who help me polish my storytelling. It’s surreal—everything I ask for seems to show up. I can’t tell you how I know, but I know that I’m going to be just fine in this second half of my life. I truly feel like everything I’ve been through in life, every heartbreak, every disappointment, and every bit of disrespect I’ve encountered, brought me here to this point in time where I truly feel like I am walking in my purpose. Life’s good, really good, and I’ve got a thousand stories ready to be told.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The best part about being a filmmaker? Definitely discovering and helping new talent. There are so many passionate actors, writers, and crew members who just want to be part of something meaningful and creative. As I grow in the industry, I keep meeting amazing people who keep pushing through auditions, even if they haven’t landed their dream roles yet. I want to create a space where fresh faces and new storytellers can run wild with their creativity. It’s the coolest feeling when an actor watches a rough cut and says, “Wow, that’s really me!” One day, I’d love to watch someone I discovered take home an Oscar or Emmy. For me, it’s all about helping people chase their dreams and succeed in this industry.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I’ve stopped obsessing over specific goals and started focusing on the work itself—putting in hard work, discipline, and dedication every day. My real goals are personal—like staying true to myself by being kind, respectful, and considerate no matter what. I refuse to box myself in or let anyone limit my creativity. I’m all about carving my own path, encouraging others to be authentic and respectful, and steering clear of drama or negativity. Ultimately, my goal is to protect what I’m building by surrounding myself only with trusted people who uplift, not drain, my energy.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseof1000doorsllc?igsh=MWFsamNxcm5yM2RpbQ==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19pSqSNbPy/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@houseof1000doorsllc?si=YePid_Gr0RjUHiEl
