Eric Meza '71
SMART GUY: Diary of a Mad Schoolgirl
(Season 3, Episode 12), 30 minutes,
1998
Directed by Eric Meza ’71
(including commercials and PSA's also directed by Mr. Meza)
Screening:
Sunday, 12:30 p.m.
Ten-year-old genius, T.J.
Henderson (Tahj Mowry), has skipped six grades to get into high school. When
his older brother, Marcus, accidentally discovers the computer journal of
T.J.’s online “study buddy,” who just happens to be a knockout in real life, he
uses her not-so-secret musings to become her dream boyfriend.
Filmmaker Bio:
After a brief stint
in print advertising, Eric Meza branched off into TV commercials in the early ‘80s,
and eventually became a producer on national campaigns for Burger King, Toyota,
IBM, General Foods and Revlon. When music videos hit the scene, Meza teamed up
with two commercial directors and started Meza Movies, solely devoted to music video
production. Together they produced award-winning videos for Pat Benatar,
Freddie Jackson, and Kool & the Gang. His next move was
into TV production. He co-produced, wrote and directed “The New Hot Tracks.” a show
syndicated in over 110 cities. Hosted by Gene Anthony Ray (Fame), guests
included David Bowie, Run DMC, and Janet Jackson. In 1989 Meza moved to
Hollywood to focus on TV and movies. In 1992, he was
approached by the “Rock The Vote” organization to help them with their campaign
to register young people. Meza co-wrote and directed 21 spots. In 1994 Meza was
approached by New Line Cinema to direct “House Party 3”. While combing the
comedy clubs around America with Kid & Play, they found Chris Tucker, Bernie
Mack, Eddie Griffin, Michael Calyour, Joe Tory and AJ Johnson and put them in
their first film. In 2000 he entered the DGA/Disney Sitcom
Director’s Program and become a director on the hit WB show entitled “The Smart
Guy”. Also in 2000, Meza directed the movie “The Breaks.” In 2006, Meza and
producer Ehrich Van Lowe started production on the PBS series “A Musical Life,”
starring Branford Marsalis.
