Erik van Schaaik studied graphic design at the Academy of Art in Arnhem (
ArtEZ). He created children's television programs for broadcasting companies
VPRO and
KRO and animated short films, including VENT which won the
FIPRESCI award at the International Animated Film Festival in Annecy, and Under The Apple Tree which won a
Golden Calf for Best Short Film at the
Netherlands Film Festival. Erik worked with i.a. Il Luster Productions, The Drawing Room, Pedri Animation,
Martin Fondse,
Eric Vloeimans en
Ernst Reijseger.
Vent: Special mention at the 55th International
Filmfestspiele in Berlin, first prize at International Festival of animationfilms BIMINI in Latvia,
FIPRESCI award at the
International Animated Film Festival in Annecy, Grand Prix best short film at Kyoto Kinder Film Fest, best soundtrack at Espinho Filmfestival Portugal, best music at Neum, Bosnia Hercegovina, best animation in Taiwan.