Eric “Ptah” Herbert is an acclaimed director, writer, and producer. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972, he grew up with a passion for film and an ability to tell stories. He attended the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Production in 1995.
Herbert was the recipient of a student Emmy Award in 1996 and a student Academy Award in 1997. After graduating, he went on to direct television commercials and music videos for artists such as Macy Gray and Korn. In 2002 he made his feature film debut with the drama/thriller “T-Bone”, which won the Audience Award at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
In 2004, Herbert directed the comedy “Let’s Ride”, which starred Ice Cube and Cedric the Entertainer. It was his first studio film and it grossed over $30 million at the box office. In 2006, he directed the romantic comedy “Just My Luck”, starring Lindsay Lohan and Chris Pine, which grossed over $50 million at the box office.
His next film was the horror movie “The Unborn” in 2009, which starred Gary Oldman and Odette Yustman. It grossed over $30 million at the box office. In 2011 he directed the romantic drama “Waiting for Forever” starring Rachel Bilson and Tom Sturridge. It was a hit on the film festival circuit and opened in limited release in the US.
In 2013 Herbert wrote and directed the musical drama “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete”, which starred Jennifer Hudson and Jordin Sparks. It was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival and was released in limited theaters.
In 2015 Herbert directed the comedy/drama “The Visit”, which starred Olivia DeJonge and Ed Oxenbould. It grossed over $98 million at the box office and was nominated for a Critics Choice Award. His latest film is the drama “The Florida Project”, which stars Willem Dafoe and Brooklynn Prince. It was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Herbert has also directed the television series “Tales from the Darkside”, “The New Odd Couple”, and “The Path”. He
