Passion to Power

Passion to Power

By Michelle ZeitlinBusinessCareers
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Passion to Power episodes

  • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • "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
      32 min
    • 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. [email protected]
      www.shushuent.com
      IG: @anthonyleonestalentmanager
      38 min
    • Cultural Fluency- Global Creative Johan Vakidis
      JOHAN VAKIDIS
      has worked with computers since his teens and took his skills in programming and early software and web development into the worlds of advertising and experiential event entertainment.
      Johan's work as a
      digital creative has allowed him to create projects all over the globe- from Montreal to Shanghai.
      His work in China and Korea and Singapore taught him the specific ways and protocols of working in East Asia. The "rituals" that are a part of business in these markets formed his "cultural fluency."
      Johan shared that "being able to trust the people you work with-- in China there is a hierarchy in business."
      Moving back to Montreal after 20 years, gave Johan a chance to try new ways of working - experiential design and working with huge brands where he integrated multiple adapted skills.
      A CCO by his late 30's, Johan has built not only major brand projects, but culture and collaboration.
      He is raising his teen son who got to interview skateboard celeb, Tony Hawk, on a Nike job- and is now enjoying his "intentional pivot" with his current position at C2, a company with the Kyu Collective.
      The "languages" he speaks include
      Mandarin, French, Spanish, Italian, Greek and some Italian-
      besides the ad speak, and the fluency in navigating the spheres of digital entertainment - while "scaling up!" 🆙 For More (ZAP) on host Michelle Zeitlin please see MoreZap.com or Passion-Power.com - If you are interested in being interviewed and featured on this podcast, please send an email. Thanks to Mark David- voice of God; Thanks to Jason Usry- Audio Editor; Julia Stier- Video & Social Media Promos
      59 min
    • Jenny Reader - Music Industry Pro

      Chief Ideation Officer- is her preferred title!

      PASSION TO POWER New Episode dropping Monday October 9, 2023

      • Jenny Reader Music Industry Pro
        • MORE ZAP Productions & Management contact [email protected] for more info. or to schedule a guest!
        36:25 Chief Ideation Officer- is her preferred title!
        Jenny Reader has worked in many facets of the Music Industry- she's been at boutiques, and big labels. She knew how to write a press release by age fourteen and now she loves to manage artists, create new opportunities and drive careers. Her background includes publicity, project and brand development and now she's got a handful of passion projects she's exploring in Nashville, Tenn. Born in the country in England, she attended college in London and then worked in Chicago and New York before deciding to follow the music to Nashville.
        She loves musical theatre, rock and roll and has worked with top alternative rock bands.
        Whether you're looking to be an indie musician, join a band, write songs for others, or pursue the life of a touring and performing artist, you can take heed in what Jenny shares. Good advice is gold. Listen up!
        Michelle Zeitlin, host/producer: A little personal history... my daughter is touring with her band, Honey Revenge, now represented by Thriller Records. Jenny used to work with Fearless Records, the first label owned by Bob Becker, who now owns Thriller. (https://lnkd.in/dxKNJTAA)
        Jenny is from Britain, and Devin Papadol and her band Honey Revenge will be headlining in venues across England in December, 2023.
        I'll be the "rocker mom" following her about while offering workshops, master classes and speaking engagements in the UK. See www.passion-power.com for schedule of events you can attend.
        For more on Michelle Zeitlin, the Hollywood iNsider, check out the above website link, or www.morezap.com; a talent and literary company in Los Angeles.
        For more on Jenny Reader, Chief Ideation Officer, see her LinkedIn profile https://lnkd.in/dV453ryd or Website www.jennyreader.com (Portfolio)
        Please post your comments and ratings on Apple Podcasts and social media and share #passiontopower!


        37 min
      • Very Jerry Mitchell- Broadway Director-Choreographer

        Very Jerry Mitchell...

        Jerry Mitchell and Michelle Zeitlin shared their memories of working with the legendary Michael Bennett and Bob Avian, on SCANDAL, a Broadway workshop with an outstanding group of stars and triple threats. Jerry was assisting the show creator, Michael Bennett at the original auditions, where Michelle was amongst over two thousand dancer-singers auditioning for a few coveted ensemble roles for this ground-breaking musical, at 890 Studios.

        Jerry was an assistant and skeleton crew dancer on that production, which led to so many other amazing productions including FOLLIES and CHESS. He also worked with Jerome Robbins on JEROME ROBBINS BROADWAY. And then...he became a choreographer in his own right.

        Now wearing the title of Director-Choreographer, he is most proud of BROADWAY BARES, and he was honored this year with the 2023 Isabelle Stevenson Tony Award for his work on a modern day burlesque show that has raised millions of dollars for Equity Fights Aids.

        • @jammyprod on Instagram
        • For more on Michelle Zeitlin, CEO of More Zap Productions & Management, please see ⁠http://www.passion-power.com ⁠

          • ⁠http://www.morezap.com⁠

          52 min

        About Passion to Power

        From the publisher's feed

        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…