Erik Bolin – Actor, Therapist, and Project Leader with Purpose
- Tulpa Creatives
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
A New Chapter for Tulpa Creatives
Tulpa Creatives is growing stronger with four new part owners joining the team: Filip Hammarström, Zishan Ahmad, Erik Bolin, and Tobias Moe. Together they bring a wide range of experience — from story editing and strategic leadership to acting, producing, and post-production expertise. This expansion reflects Tulpa’s vision of combining creativity, business strategy, and innovation to shape the future of film and TV. Read about Tulpa 3.0 here.
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Below you’ll find our in-depth conversation with Erik Bolin, actor, therapist, and project leader.
About Erik Bolin
Erik Bolin is a classically trained actor from Malmö Theatre Academy, with more than 20 TV series credits and international recognition for his role in the Russian hit TV-series Eternal Summer. He has performed on stage, film, TV, and radio, and also works as a screenwriter and audiobook narrator.
As project leader, Erik created Sweden’s largest anti–street-violence campaign, centered on the film Res dig inte! (Stay Down!) co-written and directed by Richard Jarnhed (co-founder of Tulpa Creatives) which was broadcasted on SVT and seen by over a million people, the project toured schools and youth centers across Sweden. It brought together talents who would go on to become household names: Evin Ahmad, David Nzinga, Simon Kölle, Hanna Lundmark, Andreas Wessberg, and Lars Gustafson to mention some. Erik has also worked on projects tackling human trafficking and social issues, combining his experience as an ACT therapist with his passion for storytelling.
Interview with Erik Bolin
Welcome Erik! How would you describe your journey so far in the film and TV industry?
Thank you, it feels truly exciting to join the team. After many years on the theater stage, I found myself almost inevitably drawn in front of the camera – as if film and television had always been a magnetic force in my life. Early in my career, my focus was more on my own path, but over time, the story itself has become my greatest calling. More than 50 productions later, there’s one thing I know for sure: I’m nowhere near finished.
At its core, what links your diverse career?
At its core, my career has always been an exploration – with the human encounter as its starting point. That includes the connection between myself, the text, and my fellow actors, as well as the dynamic with the director. Over time, I’ve found that the questions only multiply – and that’s where the depth and purpose live for me. It’s in those questions that I find the drive to keep going.
What excites you about joining Tulpa Creatives?
It’s a mix of many things, but above all, the breadth of talent among my colleagues. There’s a deep conviction here that with a great story, anything is possible – and that resonates deeply with me. I’m also genuinely thrilled for the chance to work alongside some of the best and most driven people in the industry, all united by a passion for stories with real depth and purpose. I see this as an opportunity not only to contribute creatively but to learn and grow within a collaborative and inspiring environment.
How will your experience outside traditional film roles influence your contributions?
I’ve led major film projects focused on violence prevention and hold formal training in screenwriting. But I believe my background as an ACT therapist will be particularly valuable in the projects that will grow within Tulpa. It gives me a unique perspective on human behavior and emotional depth, which I see as essential when crafting stories that truly resonate and make an impact. I’m also confident this experience will enrich our collaborative process, helping the team tap into deeper emotional layers and create work with real meaning.
What kind of stories are you drawn to?
As an actor, I’m naturally drawn to relationship-driven storytelling. That said, I’m not tied to any specific genre — in my view, a strong relationship can elevate any genre film. If I had to give a more straightforward answer, I’d say I’m drawn to stories that feel emotionally honest. Ultimately, it’s that emotional truth and depth that captivate me and inspire my creative work.
Who are you in 2–3 sentences?
I’m a curious soul who’s devoted my life to following the path wherever it leads. I’m drawn to the beautifully flawed and the quietly broken — those stories and people that reveal the deepest truths through their imperfections. I see myself as someone who embraces complexity and is constantly seeking to understand and explore.
What motivates you and why do you work creatively?
To be honest, I don’t really feel like I have a choice. I keep coming back to the creative process again and again. For me, creating is not just a profession but a way to process and understand the world around me — an essential part of my inner exploration. I simply can’t imagine a life without creating.
Which filmmakers have influenced you the most?
Alejandro G. Iñárritu has been a huge inspiration for me, with his deep, immersive storytelling. Christopher Nolan, too, impresses me with his uncompromising vision. Among Nordic directors, Johan Renck stands out as very exciting, and of course, Richard Jarnhed, whom I’ve had the pleasure to work with on several productions, has been a significant influence as well. Their work challenges me to push boundaries and dig deeper into emotional and narrative complexity.
If you could remake a movie or TV series, which would it be?
I’d love to remake Aguirre, the Wrath of God — there’s so much about it that I believe could be reimagined for today. If I could really dream, I’d want to create a Nordic TV series inspired by Michael Mann’s Heat — capturing that intense, intricate storytelling but with a Scandinavian edge. These projects excite me because they offer rich opportunities to explore human nature and tension in new ways.
What would make the industry better?
I believe the industry could improve by involving the knowledge and insights from the entire team earlier in the process. Also, future-proofing companies through reinvestment rather than focusing solely on profit maximization would make a big difference. Embracing collaboration and long-term vision is key to creating meaningful and sustainable work.
🎧 Listen to Erik’s Filmbranschpodden interview in Swedish here
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