Erik Thureson
With over three decades of learned experience from Disney, Oscars, Fox Sports, GSN, and the NFL in the areas of programming and production, Erik’s skillset is rich and vast. The depth of his industry experience, accompanied with an extensive education from CSU Fullerton, UC Santa Barbara, UCLA, Emory University, and Berklee College of Music, makes him a powerful force of creativity.
In honoring his son’s legacy, Erik courageously confronts the stigmatized issues of mental health and substance abuse, encouraging audiences to join in the collective effort to remove the barriers that prevent open dialogue about mental health and substance abuse. He is passionate about serving others and creating films that make the world a better place.
IDA: Please tell us a little about yourself and your passions.
Erik: When I am not filmmaking and changing the world, you might find me on a paddleboard, snowboard, BMX bike, or traveling with my wife and daughters, Emma and Sydney.
IDA: When did you start making documentary films?
Erik: In 2011, we made a short documentary about a group of people who went to a small village in El Salvador to drill a clean water well. Though I have been in the film and entertainment industry since 2004, this was my first foray into the documentary world. On that trip, I realized this is what I wanted to do with my life: make films that inspire people to make the world a better place.
IDA: Two Weeks Notice: The Departure of Hella Sketchy is an incredibly personal story to you and your family. Can you tell us a little about the project?
Erik: Two Week’s Notice: The Departure of Hella Sketchy” is a powerful and emotionally charged documentary film that delves into the life, struggles, and untimely passing of Jacob “Hella Sketchy” Thureson. The film takes an empathetic and non-judgmental approach, seeking to replace moral judgment, stigma, shame and guilt with love, kindness, patience, gentleness, and support. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own attitudes and perceptions surrounding mental health and substance abuse, motivating them to replace judgment with compassion.
IDA: What is your hope for the film? What impact would you hope to have by telling Jacob’s story?
Erik: My hope for the film is to encourage the audience to lean into the uncomfortable and difficult conversations, disrupt the narrative around mental health, and help those who need it most to feel seen and heard. The impact I hope to have is by telling Jacob’s story that it will inspire sobriety in some, the will to live in some, and the courage to face the issues for others.
IDA: What has the process of making this film been for you and your family?
Erik: On one hand, it has been in some strange way like spending time with Jacob. I have heard many stories of who he was with his friends and how he was showing up for others with love and kindness. On the other hand, it has been emotionally challenging to relive the suffering over and over. As difficult as this has been, I choose to lean into the suffering again and again, and in doing so, perhaps it will save some. Stewarding my suffering to serve others. My wife Judy has been very supportive throughout the process as she sees the potential for impact and change.
IDA: What is next for you and the film?
Erik: We recently just landed our final investment and are now fully funded. Production will wrap by the end of the month, and move full swing into post-production. Our team, crew, producers, and partners are the best of the best. I couldn’t have drafted a better fantasy team.
IDA: Is there anything you would like to share with our members? How can folks stay up to date with the project?
Erik: The IDA is an absolute amazing organization, from the extensive resources to the training webinars, networking and support, and advocacy for documentary filmmakers around the world, you will not find a more encouraging, honest, and supportive group. I am eternally grateful that I will get to tell Jacob’s story at the highest level largely due to the partnership with IDA.
You can stay up to date on the project through the website at 2weeksnoticedoc.com, or IG @2weeksnoticedoc, @erikthureson or at https://www.facebook.com/2weeksnoticedoc