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Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism University of Southern California
Southern California

Young Hollywood Producer Missing In Action

Eric Kohler's family is searching desperately for the 27-year-old visual effects producer, who was last seen leaving work in South L.A. over a week ago. 

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a picture of Eric Kohler that doesn’t involve a costume, a goofy pose or a group of beaming friends.

Signs like this one have been posted around L.A. Kohler was last seen leaving his job at Hydraulx's South L.A. studio on Nov. 24 (LAPD)
Signs like this one have been posted around L.A. Kohler was last seen leaving his job at Hydraulx's South L.A. studio on Nov. 24 (LAPD)

The 27-year-old up-and-coming Hollywood producer may not have many images to click through on his Facebook profile, but those that are there convey the story of a man who loves to make people laugh. He describes himself on Instagram as a “socially awkward trailblazer;” his most recent image features him and his sister dressed up for Halloween, with Kohler posing as “brother bacon.”

That fun-loving attitude is but one reason Kohler’s parents, Sheryi and Tony Kohler, can’t accept that their son--who’s been missing since Tuesday, Nov. 24--would simply disappear on his own accord.

“I know my son would never do this,” his mother insisted in an interview with KNBC. “He was a normal guy who had ambition to work hard and make something of himself.” 

Kohler’s friends and colleagues agree. Speaking with KTLA on Monday, Kohler’s close friend David Baca reiterated Ms. Kohler’s statement.

“This is very out of character,” Baca said. “We don’t think this is like him.” 

Kohler and his sister Kristina pose in their Halloween costumes. (Eric Kohler/Instagram)
Kohler and his sister Kristina pose in their Halloween costumes. (Eric Kohler/Instagram)

Kohler has produced special effects for a number of major Hollywood films, including blockbusters like Marvel’s “The Avengers” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past.” 

According to LinkedIn, Kohler studied cinema at San Francisco State University. He grew up in Oakley, California, and relocated to Los Angeles to join the film industry. Missing a meeting or deadline is highly unusual for goal-oriented Kohler, Baca said. Kohler’s disappearance was just ahead of the due date for a major project. 

“That was the first sign something was wrong,” Baca recalled. 

The Los Angeles Police Department, which is handling the investigation, doesn’t suspect foul play. Anyone with information about Kohler is asked to contact law enforcement at 925-780-7512. 

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