Production Companies
Erbana ProductionsErbana Productions — formerly Newportant Studios — is Tom Erb’s primary production company and the creative engine behind his film, television, stage, and media producing work. “Every face has a story.” From producing original television series to live concert events at Historic Fort Adams, Erbana Productions reflects Tom’s lifelong commitment to creating work that entertains, educates, and connects communities. | Newportant StudiosThe production studio behind some of Newport, Rhode Island’s most distinctive original content — including Newport RI: The Series, Newport City Limits, Rhode Island Comic Throwdown, and Newportant People — Historical Edition. Operating between 2007 and 2015, Newportant Studios produced original content celebrating the arts, culture, and history of Newport and Rhode Island. |
Featured Production
An Original Television Series · Newportant Studios · 2007–2015
Newport RI: The Series is one of Tom Erb’s signature creative achievements — an original television series produced for Newportant Studios that used the watercolor portraits of Newport artist William Heydt, from his book Working Newport, as storytelling springboards. The series follows two men — journalist Tim Sullivan and artist Richard Davenport — as they team up to uncover the true, unheard stories behind the faces of everyday Newport residents.
The production was a true community effort — featuring a cast of over 70 local actors and a dedicated crew of 17, with aerial shots filmed from donated helicopters and scenes shot at iconic Newport locations including Fluke and The Black Pearl.
The series also features the popular segment “Cooking with Newport RI” — hosted by Tom Erb alongside Executive Chef D. Kenneth Janier of The Black Pearl, including the world premiere of their signature “Newport Wellington” dish.
| Format | Television Series |
| Studio | Newportant Studios |
| Years Active | 2007–2015 |
| Cast & Crew | 70+ Actors · 17 Crew |
Television & Digital Series Newport City LimitsNewportant Studios · 2007–2015 A platform celebrating Newport’s vibrant arts and entertainment scene — musicians, comedians, and creatives documented in their element, on their terms, in their city. | Comedy Series · 2011 Rhode Island Comic ThrowdownFounder, Producer & Host A weekly Thursday night stand-up competition across Newport venues, judged by Frank O’Donnell, Dave DiLorenzio, and Suzanne Delle, and hosted by 2010 champion Brian Beaudoin. “The funniest five dollars you will ever spend.” |
Documentary Series Newportant People — Historical EditionNewportant Studios · Newport, Rhode Island A documentary series devoted to the fascinating figures who shaped Newport’s extraordinarily rich history — connecting Newport’s present to its remarkable past. | Radio · 2007–2015 Newport Arts SceneWADK-AM · Newport, Rhode Island Tom’s long-running radio program championing the artists, musicians, performers, and creative organizations that made Newport’s arts community thrive. |
Film & Video
Imagine 1973 — TeaserAn original film project from Tom Erb. | Tom’s Demo ReelA showcase of Tom’s on-screen and on-stage work. | Opera Providence ProductionsVideo documentation of multiple Opera Providence live performances. |
Watch
Tom Erb — Main ChannelTom’s primary YouTube channel featuring his full body of video work. | Newport RI: The SeriesFull episodes and clips from the original Newportant Studios series. | Newport City LimitsMusic, comedy, and arts coverage from Newport, Rhode Island. |