Passion to Power for Creatives Hollywood iNSIDER Michelle Zeitlin, MORE ZAP Productions & Management

Michelle Zeitlin
  • 4.8 (17)
  • CAREERS
Passion to Power for Creatives Hollywood iNSIDER Michelle Zeitlin, MORE ZAP Productions & Management

Michelle Zeitlin is a creative catalyst for conversation, a Talent and Literary manager, producer "who wears many hats," and director/choreographer. She's an expert in the ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, BOOK PUBLISHING and ORIGINAL CONTENT spaces, currently developing multiple original shows and attractions. She "works and plays" in dance, drama, music, yoga and wellness. She is known as a career strategist. These conversations are with #bigshots in television, film, stage. Follow your Yellow Brick Road to Success and share these episodes! #passiontopower

  1. KAMALA AVILA-SALMON; Black is Not a Genre

    FEB 28

    KAMALA AVILA-SALMON; Black is Not a Genre

    Kamala Avila-Salmon Founder of KAS KAS Productions “Black is Not a Genre” Our first meeting on Zoom took place the day the fires broke in PP; in fact, I received an alert on my phone about the Pacific Palisades Fire and asked Kamala, who was on the Westside, if she heard anything, smelled anything …and as I wrapped our first conversation, the fire had spread and the winds in my neighborhood were increasing.  I remember recording an Instagram about how elated I was about this talk, and noticing the crazy winds off my deck, at that time 40 mph. History was made that day, with the start of one of the worst California fires ever, and they were spreading… A month later, on MLK Day, we recorded this conversation. Significant in so many ways. Highlights: The Concept of 'White as Neutral' in Storytelling The Importance of Diverse Narratives Intersectionality and Identity The Misrepresentation of DEI The Role of Youth in Storytelling The Future of Storytelling and Inclusivity Navigating Race and Identity in Conversations Advice for Aspiring Creatives Two Important humorous notes: Koalas are not from Jamaica, they are from Australia, but  KAMALA is from Jamaica. Also, she lived in Queens (a borough in New York ) but she is also a “QUEEN” who is from the country of Jamaica, not Jamaica, Queens. “But it also really jives with the way that I think about problems and think about situations…  from a very sort of 360 lens.” “Colorblind Ideology….what’s wrong with saying black?” “You know… for me, storytelling is the most effective canvas that we have for social change. That is the thing that brought me to the industry.  “And those of us that work in entertainment and in content have the privilege and the responsibility of shaping culture.” “Black is not a genre. I still don't know anything about the movie. If you tell me it's a black movie.” Black: Represents the Resilient people whose existence as a nation is honored and affirmed by the existence of a flag. Red: Symbolizes the blood of innocent Black lives that have been shed throughout history. Yellow: Stands for optimism, justice and equality for everyone. Green: Symbolizes Africa's rich greenery and other natural resources. https://parade.com/living/black-history-month-colorsThis year's Black History Month theme is "African Americans and Labor." According to the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), this theme "focuses on the various and profound ways that work and working of all kinds–free and unfree, skilled and unskilled, vocational and voluntary–intersect with the collective experiences of Black people." Use the hashtag #passiontopower Thanks to the More Zap team-Jason Usry, final mastering sound editing; Alec Zizi Papadol, promo; Mark David, VOG www.passion-power.com www.morezap.com@therealKAS1 Kamala's IG @morezap1 Michelle's IG

    42 min
  2. MUSIC ADVOCATE Jason Jordan

    JAN 3

    MUSIC ADVOCATE Jason Jordan

    YELLOW BRICK ROAD TO SUCCESS Passion to Power  Jason Jordan  Navigating the Competitive Music Landscape Data analytics play a significant role in artist development. Sound Bites "You have to be incredibly organized." "Every artist is a business." "The days of tour support are over." Takeaways The music industry has evolved significantly, especially for DIY artists. A&R roles extend beyond signing artists; they involve nurturing and guiding them. Artists today must view themselves as businesses to succeed. Meaningful music is essential in a market flooded with content. Internships provide invaluable experience and can lead to job opportunities. Building a fan base and owning your audience is crucial for artists. The days of major label support are dwindling; artists must be self-reliant. Navigating the complexities of music distribution is a challenge for many artists. Passion and authenticity resonate more than manufactured success. The healing power of music is a driving force in the industry.

    41 min
  3. CREATIVE LEAD- Liza with a Z! Liza Wyles

    10/03/2024

    CREATIVE LEAD- Liza with a Z! Liza Wyles

    Liza Wyles "LIZA with a Z" interviewed by Michelle Zeitlin A "Creative Lead" and a Writer and actually, a Multi-hyphenate. Liza Wyles, “toggled staff and freelance” roles and has been an executive at major companies and worked with some of the Biggest brands, including DISNEY’s MARVEL. In fact, she's "Marvelized." As producer of original Marvel series for Disney + and a "bespoke comic book." With accents of grey in her hair, and glasses, she is a self affirmed NERD and that has served her just fine, thank you. Liza has a speaking voice that is easy to hear. She speaks with authority and warmth at the same time. She is direct. Honest, and even potent. Listen and learn and enjoy this interview with a woman who knows how to pivot. We’re in a “Hollywood Contraction” according to the trades and industry pundits. What does that mean for the creative industry? While hundreds of industry employees are experiencing drastic lay-offs, we had this conversation and tried to be optimistic while also being real. Liza has a point of view as one who has diplomatically straddled the roles of studio executive and for-hire consultant. A native New Yorker from Jackson Heights, Liza went to Ithaca to study film. She learned how to CHAMELEONIZE herself. Her advice to the next CREATIVES listening to PASSION TO POWER: Don’t wait for permission. Be FEARLESS.  You can learn more on Liza's LinkedIn profile or her website. Check out her blogs and she's about to write a book.... MoreZap.com Passion-Power.com Host, Michelle Zeitlin

    30 min
  4. Half a Century in the Biz- Literary AGENT

    08/27/2024

    Half a Century in the Biz- Literary AGENT

    RICHARD CURTIS has had half a century in the world of Literary Representation and digital Publishing. Listen to this self described “old timer” share his journey and how he worked with authors of all genres, with special success in science fiction. “A million dollar company,” his agency, in NYC, was recently sold.   “I was a literary guy” and “not a tech guy” but he was pivotal in the beginning of the e-book industry. Richard shares the many skills and required communication styles that he has employed to work with authors and manage long careers. Authors love writing so much “they would do it for nothing” so as an agent he learned how to “add value” and “fool publishers” into paying top dollar for these books and build the careers of his clients. He also underscores how as a literary rep, you always reflect and wonder “what could you have done better?” Though this host is not a fan, Richard shares the massive success of the GOR (Gorean Saga) books he represented and sold. Now considered dated by “feminists” in the “80’s” Richard says there are still people who role play out the characters in this series of books by John Norman. Beyond the world of books, Richard and his wife enjoy watching and supporting the world of ballet. He has befriended a few top New York City Ballet dancers.  Michelle Zeitlin is host of Passion to Power and you can learn more about her world of talent and literary work at www.morezap.com

    38 min
  5. Out on a Limb - Inclusive Casting

    06/18/2024

    Out on a Limb - Inclusive Casting

    Danielle is all about inclusivity in casting. She has worked on projects big and small- most of them focusing recently on stories that cast people with physical challenges, disabilities and encompass open thought. She will go "out on a limb" to get the best actors for the jobs- defending her ideas for talent and putting herself on the line when it matters. https://www.dpdcasting.com/

    44 min
  6. ROCK the F--king BOAT Eitan Chitayat

    04/20/2024

    ROCK the F--king BOAT Eitan Chitayat

    🇮🇱 You may not agree with everything that Eitan Chitayat says- but you have to respect him for speaking out against anti-semitism worldwide, and speaking out against all kinds of hate. He has done campaigns to support women, LGBTQ issues and you may know him for his recent advocacy work and the hashtag, I'm that Jew. He speaks his truth through his art, his creative work as a brander, and as a writer. This is his link tree so you can dive into his work, his words: https://linktr.ee/eitanchitayat Natie, his Tel-Aviv based creative agency, has been remote even before many pivoted their "brick and mortar" businesses to remote shops. He has only senior staffers, around the globe, who share his values and vision. His clients have included some of the big corporate companies as well as little start ups with good intentions. His work as advocate has been seen by millions and inspired some other celebrities- who have reached out to him- Tiffany Haddish for one, who famously said "I can't believe everything I read... I need to (go) find out for myself." She met with Eitan in Israel to ask questions. As a woman who identifies as black and Jewish, she wanted to find out what "the people who are actually experiencing...I wanted to see with my own eyes, hear with my own ears..." she wanted to find the truth for herself. His posts have gone viral, way before October 7th (2023) he spoke out about the stabbings in Israel by Hamas,  January 7, 2015, a deadly assault on the offices of satiric magazine Charlie Hebdo in France. He did a Tedx Talk:"I'm not a stereotype. I'm that Jew." Now he says "I'm exhausted...I'm angry..." and you can follow him on social media which he says he dislikes, but is necessary for now, to get the word out. To get the words out. Michelle Zeitlin, founder and President of More Zap Productions & Management LLC, like Eitan Chitayat, grew up and lived around the globe. In (Madison- the snow- and sunny California) US, Israel, Chile and she worked in many countries through her creative opportunities including in Russia, Austria, Australia, Japan. Eitan lived and worked in Hong Kong, London and New York. He grew up in and currently calls Tel Aviv his home. Michelle and Eitan talked about the Academy Awards and Jonathan Glazer's speech- which has caused an uproar in the Jewish "Hollywood" population- both pro and con- towards his comments- and his movie, "Zone of Interest." In a time of very layered and complicated issues in the Middle East, Eitan believes you must dig for the truth, and that's why he teaches his two young sons. See MoreZap.com for more on Michelle Zeitlin. Passion to Power is both a podcast series and a platform for workshops, coaching seminars and speaking engagements. Michelle Zeitlin mentors and teaches artists/authors/actors and activists. Enjoy all the episodes. Share them. Post them. Speak the truth. Thanks to Jason Usry, editor. Thanks to Mark David, announcer and "VOC." Thanks to Gabe Baker, musican/songwriter/artist/actor for the inspired rendition of the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikvah," that opens this podcast episode.

    45 min
  7. "To Be Continued" Mike Tankel

    03/31/2024

    "To Be Continued" Mike Tankel

    "Simplify and amplify" "Entertainment- Not as Propaganda"- so many good quotes in this interview with marketing expert, creative, brander. Mike Tankel talks about his work in the MENA region and China. He talks math and entertainment. And somehow he makes it all equal out. Robust, firm and sometimes jovial, Mike offers creatives kernels of gold. Listen and learn. Maybe laugh a little. Mike is an experienced entertainment marketing executive known for strategies and campaigns across everything from major studio franchises to independents to Chinese film. Through his company, To Be Continued, LLC, he is focused on helping content creators apply marketing thinking pre-production in order to better dress, finance and market their properties via strategic integration, content incubation, creative acceleration and audience management. Michelle Zeitlin asks questions that bring out his range of experience and point of view. Michelle is the President of More Zap Productions & Management LLC and the host of Passion to Power. She interviews people who can engage, enlighten and entertain. All things Creative are shared in this series Morezap.com

    31 min
  8. 𝙰𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚢 𝙻𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜 "i rep story tellers"

    01/23/2024

    𝙰𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚢 𝙻𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜 "i rep story tellers"

    Talent Manager, "jack of all trades", and a Triple Threat - Anthony checks many boxes. 📦 As a talent manager myself- It had not occurred to me until recently - to invite another talent manager on the show. But YES this was such a good idea. Anthony is a warm, exuberant and kind "human" who looks to find like-minded creatives who enjoy long, loyal relationships where truth and honesty and critical development are key. 🔑 His clients are made up of stage and screen actors and writers and producers who want feedback and job leads that lead to a career. Anthony has really been there, done that- on Broadway in Miss Saigon-and many plays, musicals and dance productions as a performer. In his time as an entertainer, he had three different names. He has been Glenn, Evan and now Anthony. He is a Filipino-American and Hispanic and LGBTQ 🏳️‍🌈 -identifiers all- and this might be why he is empathetic and sensitive and an advocate for his clients of all colors and ethnicities. Enjoy this conversation and for more on his roster of clients see IMDB. You can reach out via Instagram or email. He welcomes questions and comments and often mentors and educates for arts conservatories and schools. He has experience in print, commercials, theatrical and literary rep. anthony@shushuent.com www.shushuent.com IG: @anthonyleonestalentmanager

    38 min
See All (74)

4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Michelle Zeitlin is a creative catalyst for conversation, a Talent and Literary manager, producer "who wears many hats," and director/choreographer. She's an expert in the ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, BOOK PUBLISHING and ORIGINAL CONTENT spaces, currently developing multiple original shows and attractions. She "works and plays" in dance, drama, music, yoga and wellness. She is known as a career strategist. These conversations are with #bigshots in television, film, stage. Follow your Yellow Brick Road to Success and share these episodes! #passiontopower

Information

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada