Eric Zala

Director, Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation

In 1982, Eric Zala, along with childhood friends, began a shared obsession—filming a shot-for-shot remake of Steven Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark. They were only twelve years old and it would take seven years—the entirety of their teenage lives—to finish it. It has become one of the most talked-about and sought-after cult films in cinematic history.

Eric’s work was praised by the director of the original RAIDERS, Steven Spielberg, became the subject of a book, and now – a critically-acclaimed documentary currently viewable on Netflix. RAIDERS!: THE STORY OF THE GREATEST FAN FILM EVER MADE covers the original ingenious DIY production and the reunion 25 years later to finish the final airplane scene. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK: THE ADAPTATION — the ultimate Do-It-Yourself success story—has deeply moved just about everyone who has seen it.

Eric and wife Cassie formed ZALA DETOURS to bring its story and lessons to schools and businesses.  As the educational world discovers Project-Based Learning… REMAKING RAIDERS gives PBL context, showcasing the kinds of skills many of today’s more innovative schools want students to learn:  Resourcefulness, perseverance, collaboration, solution seeking, creative thinking, goal setting, storyboarding, and the ability to prototype and iterate  (minus the need for open flames in a basement, of course).     www.zaladetours.com