Our dear friend EriC van der Ven

° Utrecht, 6 April 1961 – † Zoetermeer, 24 October 2021

Suddenly we find ourselves without your guidance…

After the release of our test-episode “These Are The Voyages…”, about 15 years ago, EriC joined our team. Originally to help us keep order and focus during our shooting days, but soon after as the director and executive producer of all future Dark Armada episodes. He joined us through the Star Trek fan club that has always supported our production: The Flying Dutch.

In both his job as a high school science teacher and his hobby as our film director, EriC knew how to help people excel at their jobs. He was never afraid to share his opinion, usually accompanied by a good dose of cynical humour. He was always available to help and support the team and his friends, during the production as well as on a personal level.

Even though he fell ill, EriC liked to stay up to date on our progress from his hospital bed. He received our cards, pictures of Batavia shoots and LEGO care packages, knowing we were all rooting for him. Sadly to no avail…

EriC, thank you for everything! Your wise lessons, the humour, your honest views and helping us all to reach our full potential. Without your direction, we would never have made it this far or pineapple slices on our tosti’s!

We were proud to call you our director, but most of all, inspired by Spock we say:

“You have been, and always shall be, our friend.”