Eric Raddatz

Eric Raddatz is an accomplished American journalist, filmmaker, and media personality known for his notable contributions in the fields of journalism and entertainment. Raddatz has held various positions in media and publishing, overseeing the art direction and design of numerous print and online publications in several regions.
Raddatz is currently the editor of Florida Weekly's flagship newspaper, Fort Myers, and the host of the indie film live theater series TGIM: Intellectualization Mondays at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers. He is the founder of the Naples International and Fort Myers Film Festivals.
In addition to his work in journalism, Raddatz is also an accomplished filmmaker, director and producer. He is the president and CEO of Erad Productions. Some of his notable films include "A Day to Love and Die," "Barely a Chance," and "Purple Martin." He founded two film festivals: the Naples International Film Festival and the Fort Myers Film Festival.
==Early life and education==
Raddatz was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. 
Raddatz has had a strong interest in journalism since his youth. He began his career as a paperboy for the Chicago Tribune and contributed to his high school paper as a photographer and artist. He pursued further education in photography and darkroom printing while working as a journeyman's apprentice, where he learned plate making, manual paste-up, and photo tech work soon after finishing high school.
==Career==
From September 1991 to November 1999, Raddatz worked as a designer at Copley Chicago Newspapers. During this time, he was responsible for designing various sections for numerous daily and weekly newspapers. He also assisted in creating and establishing two websites.
From 1999-2006 He worked for Gannett Newspaper at The News-Press, then Gulfshore Life Magazine.
In 2007, Raddatz joined as the presentation editor of print and new media at Florida Weekly. He oversaw the art direction, design, and presentation of various print and online publications in several regions. He managed various print periodicals, including the Babcock Ranch Telegraph, Tropicalia, Ave Maria Sun, Wellen Park Journal, Lee Health Magazine for Golisano Children's Hospital, monthly brochures for the Community Foundation of Southwest Florida, physician and attorney guides, the Arts Guide, and the Destination Guide. As of September 2021, Raddatz was appointed the editor of Florida Weekly's flagship newspaper, Fort Myers. In his new role, Raddatz is responsible for overseeing content development and working closely with editors from all other Florida Weekly papers, staff writers, freelance writers, and photographers.
Raddatz's other media and publishing engagements include Gulfshore Life Magazine, where he has art directed Southwest Florida's lifestyle magazines such as Gulfshore Life, Naples Health, The Gift, Gulfshore Business Relocation Guide, and Homebuyer. He has also served as the creative director for the Southwestern State College's FSW Spyglass Magazine and the editorial advisor and art director of the West Villages Journal since 2019. In June 2022, Raddatz joined Hoffman Media Group as the editor and artistic director.
Raddatz is also a regular contributor to NBC News, iHeartRadio, and ABC7 and serves on the board of FGCU's student advisory.
Aside from his work in journalism, Raddatz is also involved in the entertainment industry. He started as an extra on the set of "Stir of Echoes" alongside the well-known actor Kevin Bacon. After working on several films and television shows, Raddatz decided to start writing, producing, and directing films under his own production company, Erad Production. He serves as the president and CEO of the company. His notable films include "A Day to Love and Die," "Barely a Chance," "Marcus Jansen: A Painter's Allegory," "Purple Martin," and "An Asheville Thrift Store Comedy Tour."
Raddatz has also founded two film festivals: the Naples International Film Festival in 2009 and the Fort Myers Film Festival in 2010. He served as the executive director of both festivals during their inaugural years. Currently, Raddatz serves as the host of the indie film live theater series T.G.I.M.: Intellectualization Mondays at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center in Fort Myers.
==Personal life==
Raddatz resides in Lee County, Florida, with his three children.
==Filmography==
Year 	Title 	Role 	Credits
1993 	Rookie of the Year 	Baseball Fan 	
1999 	Stir of Echoes 	Subway Rider 	
2001 	Just Visiting 	DJ/Dancer 	
2005 	A Day to Love and Die 	James 	Executive Producer & Director
2006 	Pledge This! 	Clubber 	
2008 	Barely a Chance 	Jacob 	Executive Producer & Director
2009 	Purple Martin 	 	
Director 	 	 	
2011 	Son of Morning 	Baseball Player 	
2011 	Marcus Jansen: A Painter's Allegory	 	
Director 	 	 	
2013 	Falseland 	Police Officer 	
2013 	Love Life 	 	
Executive Producer	 	 	
2016 	Seven Ten Split 	 	
Executive Producer	 	 	
2023 	The Bermuda Triangle Project 	Senator Larry Niles	Executive Producer
==In the media==
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==References==
==External links==
* Personal website
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Category:American journalists
Category:American filmmakers
Category:American media personalities
Category:American actors
Category:American television hosts
Category:American people