Eric Goode

Eric Goode is an Emmy-nominated entrepreneur, conservationist, and documentary filmmaker whose career spans New York's nightlife scene, the hospitality industry, and global wildlife protection. Goode gained prominence in the 1980s New York nightlife scene as co-founder of Area, a nightclub known for its regularly changing thematic installations and collaborations with artists such as Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, David Hockney, Keith Haring, and Kenny Scharf. He later expanded into hospitality, co-owning establishments including the Waverly Inn restaurant and the Bowery Hotel.

Goode shifted his focus to wildlife conservation after a career in hospitality, initially creating a rescue and breeding center for endangered turtles and tortoises before founding the Turtle Conservancy. The Turtle Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to preserving natural ecosystems, with a focus on turtles, tortoises, and their habitats. Goode established a conservation center and retreat in Ojai, California, serving as an assurance colony for endangered turtles and tortoises. This facility is the only AZA-accredited captive-breeding center dedicated solely to turtles and tortoises. Through the Turtle Conservancy, Goode has contributed to the protection of 65 turtle species and the preservation of more than 70,000 acres of wildlife habitat worldwide. His conservation work has been recognized with awards such as the Behler Turtle Conservation Award.

Goode's work in documentary filmmaking has brought wildlife conservation issues to a global audience. He founded Goode Films, an independent production company focused on wildlife and culture through documentaries and television. His Netflix docuseries "Tiger King" explored the world of exotic animal ownership and became a cultural phenomenon. Goode has also directed guerrilla documentaries and public service announcements with the Turtle Conservancy, raising awareness of wildlife trafficking, habitat destruction, and the pet trade. His conservation efforts have been featured on 60 Minutes, The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and Charlie Rose, as well as in the documentary film "Racing Extinction."

Goode and producing partner Jeremy McBride have produced documentaries examining the relationships between humans and animals, including "Tiger King" and HBO's "Chimp Crazy." In both cases, the documentaries explored the personalities behind animal obsessions. Goode's documentary series "Monsters of God" investigates the underworld of exotic reptile smuggling and premiered at the South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, where it won the Audience Award in the TV Premiere section, before airing on HBO. Goode's expertise in reptiles has informed his approach to documentary filmmaking, particularly when working with subjects wary of appearing on camera. Across his work, Goode addresses urgent environmental issues and brings wildlife conservation to mainstream audiences through documentary storytelling.