Behind the Lens: How Eric of Shot By Uzi Is Shaping Seattle’s Visual Culture
In a city full of creatives, the people behind the camera don’t always get the spotlight — even though their work helps define how the culture is seen and remembered. On this week’s episode of Almost The Weekend, Cuddy sat down with Eric, one of the lead cinematographers behind Shot By Uzi, to talk about his journey, his creative process, and how the collective is building a distinct visual identity rooted in Seattle.
Eric’s path into filmmaking wasn’t polished or planned. He started with a borrowed camera, shooting local shows and learning on the fly. His first major break came while capturing a concert — images he posted ended up getting reshared across social media, opening the door to new opportunities and a growing network of artists and creatives who trusted his eye.
From there, Shot By Uzi began to take shape — not as a single person, but as a collective. Each member brought their own strengths, whether it was photography, videography, editing, or visual storytelling. Rather than copying trends, the group focused on developing individual styles that could coexist under one name. That approach quickly set them apart.
Eric described his shooting style as run-and-gun — fast, adaptive, and rooted in capturing real energy as it happens. Without access to large sets or budgets early on, he learned to treat every location as a canvas, blending movement, composition, and cinematic color grading to elevate each project. That flexibility has become one of his greatest strengths.
Throughout the conversation, Eric emphasized the importance of treating every artist like they’ve already made it. That mindset, he explained, creates confidence on set and leads to better performances on camera. It’s a philosophy that’s earned him trust and long-term collaborations with artists across the Pacific Northwest.
One standout project discussed was the “Imagine” music video — a shoot that pushed Eric creatively and helped introduce his work to a wider audience. Moments like that reinforced his belief that growth comes from stepping into discomfort and learning in real time.
Looking ahead, Eric shared that while music videos will always be part of his foundation, he’s expanding into new spaces like weddings, quinces, and larger-scale projects — all while continuing to push Shot By Uzi forward as a collective.
For Eric, filmmaking isn’t about chasing trends or clout. It’s about consistency, creative integrity, and honoring the culture he comes from. And as Shot By Uzi continues to grow, their impact on Seattle’s visual landscape is becoming impossible to ignore.
