Passion to Power

Tara Nicole Hughes has worked for 26 years with "Uber brilliant" director/choreographer, Rob Marshall on some of the biggest contemporary movie musicals including, Mary Poppins Returns, Chicago, Nine, and for two years she was a part of the entire pre-production, production and post-production process of Disney's live action, The Little Mermaid. With long sinewy legs and pure line, Tara was always a standout both on Broadway stages and film/TV sound stages. She has a reputation for a strong work ethic and elegance as a performer. The day of this interview, the movie, The Little Mermaid, based on the animated musical Disney film, opened to $10.3 million in ticket sales. Tara worked in London at Pinewood Studios and other UK sound stage interiors, and on location in Sardinia, Italy for all the actual real water coverage. She was instrumental in creating the movements for the actors on rigs, working also with Stunt Coordinator, Adam Curley to create the underwater illusions and she co- choreographed with Joey Pizzi -all the dance segments - some with the Alvin Ailey company dancers who were flown into England.

"I hope Disney shares," says Tara about the creative pre-production and process- "it's amazing." The biggest production number is "Under the Sea" and like the earlier, "Fantasia" film -they were inspired to create movement for the fish 🐠 and dolphin-like🐬 dance moves. "I am a bridge between departments...dance and stunts and actors and costume..." Tara also shares about the research and development and then the work "shutdown" for seven months for Covid. Principal photography finished two years ago, so it was exciting for Tara to see the movie come together and she smiled internally. "It's a really epic film. Rob Marshall has made a masterpiece.

The work of a choreographer can ebb and flow like the sea- there are tumultuous waves and flatter low tides and therefore Tara balances her career life with her meditational practice. In addition to her work with dance and choreography, Tara is involved with wellness and hosts retreats. She practices regularly to get to a "quiet, safe place" on the (yoga) mat. "I get so busy with my projects... so I want to get back to it. They are great tools 🧰.. to find a deeper peace and happiness."

Mom of two daughters, she enjoyed splashing in the sea with her very own two mermaids, aged ten and sixteen.

HarperCollins.com

A guru of nonfiction book publishing, Lisa Sharkey, who agrees that she is indeed "a shark," has worked for over sixteen years at one of the largest publishing houses in North America, chasing stories that have to be told. In her earlier life she was a talented and successful producer of TV news shows with a journalist's veracity. Since taking the plunge into book publishing-- she considers herself a hybrid editor/publisher-- she has helped to create multiple best selling books, and many have also received critical acclaim. Her list is gold.

Michelle Zeitlin, HOST of Passion to Power, also a talent and literary manager and the CEO of MORE ZAP Productions & Management, asked Lisa several questions about her journey and her role.

Listen to this interview if you've ever wanted to write a book, if you have ever considered writing nonfiction, and if you've ever wondered about the acquisitional process.

Also, if you're going to spend months typing and maybe years writing that book, says Sharkey, make sure you're also building your platform.

People have to know you to find out about your book. Make yourself known on social media, and build your audience.

Sharkey is also writing a children's book about an owl and there will be more on that soon..

She also recommended a few children's books to the kid division of her publishing company.

Lisa finds stories and develops books on all contemporary subjects, from spiritual and political books, to lifestyle trends in diet, sex and finance.

"I see this position as a tremendous opportunity to blend my two passions- books and entertainment." (HarperCollins press release)

In addition to her very busy life in New York, Lisa teaches college classes and is a guest speaker. She practices yoga and loves to spend time with her kids.

P.S. When Lisa Sharkey says "it's coming out today!" She is referring to a book by Amanda Kloots, and that was actually in early April, 2023.

Thanks to our More Zap team for producing another wonderfully informative and entertaining episode.

Credits: Mark David, Announcer, Gabe Baker, Cellist (his interpretation of "Jaws" theme) Julia Stier, Social Media Marketing

If you would like more info on our talent and literary projects, or to pitch a guest for Passion to Power, or to design a customized workshop for your creative group or institution, please email [email protected]

http://www.morezap.com

John Frank Levey -casting director of iconic TV shows - especially ensemble shows- shares his ideas 💡 on the casting process. He talks about his book 📕- which you can purchase now- and why he wrote it. RIGHT FOR THE ROLE; John loves actors - he respects them and their process. He says "we want you to succeed" and we are not "obstacles" we are opening doors. "Finding the community..." is essential to "doing your job with the fullness of yourself." He says he found the ROLE for himself/ being a collaborator in the process of developing good programming. For more on John Frank Levey you can follow on Instagram: @john_frank_levey_ Michelle Zeitlin includes three actors who join this session and ask questions that will benefit you all. MoreZap.com Passion-Power.com

Programming for kid & family- keep it light even when it's important; but don't be self important. Enjoy your journey- it's yours alone. Every little thing you do can fold into another useful skill. Stay open - you never know which meeting will turn into a job. Temporary work can end up being full time even when you don't expect it! Kristofer Updike ⬆️ shares his optimism and enthusiasm and offers advise for those aspiring for creative careers who may not know what they want to be when they grow up. Originals, co- productions and licensed projects and properties - New York to LA to Pennsylvania. He has been on both sides - pitching and green-lighting. Collaborating is one of his favorite things - while he is creating animation - the producer's job "is to nudge" in direction. Enjoy! For more on Michelle Zeitlin and More Zap- reach out or visit MoreZap.com and Passion-Power.com

Jocelyn Hamilton was about to receive a Crystal Award from the Women in Film & Television, Toronto, Canada. As the President of eOne Canada, she oversees a 'dream team' that develops, produces and distributes original content around the globe. She worked her way up over the years- with early interest in journalism and debate. A trajectory that has moved through several spheres of the entertainment industry landscape, she has treated others with kindness and respect. This is a value that she imparts and maintains - with offices in Canada, the US and the UK. A word that comes up a lot with Jocelyn is "integrity." There's simply a right way to do business.

He loves to draw. He likes collaborating. He likes to share stories that have meaning and a take away message along with good entertainment value. 

Phillip Stamp, Executive Creative Director of IOM: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. 

Phillip shares his experience working on all sides of the creative table, management of crews, and how to keep innovating when the industry keeps changing. The world will also enjoy their new Peacock series, L'il Stompers - adorable animated dinosaurs that Phillip created along with his partners. 

"Know the TOOLS you're using."

What's the BOX?

Paradigm/Metaphor/Analogy

Just a Box.

That's the main takeaway by host Michelle Zeitlin-

"...How do you use the things in the box..."

You will hear about "Jocelyn" referring to Jocelyn Hamilton, President of TV, eOne- featured in a recent episode- Phillip and Jocelyn know one another as the world of creatives is really pretty tight- in fact, the next episode features the executive who acquired their 🦕 dino show- Kristofer Updike- as Passion to Power is on the pulse of who is popping in the "creatives" universe. 

For more on IOM, see their website. If you're interested in animation as a career, you'll gain wonderful knowledge, informative tips for success and inspiration by listening to this conversation. For more on host, Michelle Zeitlin, see Morezap.com and feel free to reach out online. More Zap has produced content for all media - stage and screen- and represents artists, authors, actors. Enjoy! Post comments and share!

❤️❤️❤️

Just in time -Valentine's Day is 2 days before PROUD will be released and available on the Amazon Prime platform in the US. Celebrate with some chocolate, roses, and scripted and unscripted LGBTQ content.

https://www.outtv.com/

Brad Danks is honest, direct, reflective. With a good dose of laughter, Brad and host, Michelle Zeitlin talk about the network, distribution, original content and his experiences running a gay network. 

says:  "I come from a legal background where I practiced as an entertainment lawyer for more than 10 years. For a number of years after practicing law I consulted for a number of entertainment and new media companies regarding matters from financing, business planning and development of new strategies to adapt to the emerging digital distribution universe. I was COO of OUTtv for 10 years and now CEO since 2016. I oversee all aspects of the operational side of the business including all corporate and legal affairs, strategy, acquisitions and programming, production, marketing, new media initiatives and joint ventures. OUTtv has more than tripled its subscriber base and quadrupled advertising dollars since 2006. In August 2016 we launched our direct to consumer OTT OUTtvGo in Canada. In addition, I have developed and Executive Produced a significant number of feature films and television properties over the past 12 years."

Specialties: Broadcast Media, Film Financing, Television, Television Series Financing, Television Property Development, Acquisition and Sales, Television Programming, Developing New Media Content, New Media Strategies

Michelle Zeitlin enjoys this conversation with Brad Danks after CES and before the new launch. 

For more on Michelle and her business services with Passion to Power, visit http://www.passion-power.com

or for info on her people and projects see www.morezap.com for talent and literary development and representation.

Christmas Day :What does a Choreographer do? Why isn’t there a union to protect (them) us? How does a choreographer work with a director ? Actors? Icons? From MJ to Madonna Vincent Paterson has experienced a myriad of emotions on set - taking care of delicate egos. He has set iconic movement on dancers and singers and celebrities. He has won accolades and toured the globe. But for me, it was the meeting of the minds of artists and their “process” that struck a chord. #work #Passiontopower #podcast #dance #camera #film #television #choreography #moveit #star

Vince’s journey and how his real life informed his creative life. Opera, theatre, features and many many commercials- and some we did together! #creative #host Bio: Vincent Paterson is a world-renowned director and choreographer whose career includes film, theatre, Broadway, concert tours, opera, music videos, television and commercials. He has worked with a star-studded list of musicians: Madonna, Michael Jackson, Van Halen, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, Lee Ann Rimes, Diana Ross, Lionel Ritchie, David Lee Roth, Slash, Whitney Houston, to name a few.

Vincent directed and choreographed Berlin's first original production of the musical CABARET at Bar Jeder-Vernunft. As choreographer, Vincent has created many works for Madonna and Michael Jackson, including Madonna's BLOND AMBITION TOUR, and her legendary VOGUE performance for MTV. For Michael Jackson. Vincent created the BAD TOUR, as well multiple other Jackson tours, music videos and live performances, from Michael’s Grammy Award appearance to the SUPERBOWL halftime show. For more on Michelle Zeitlin see Passion-Power and MoreZap.com

“Be the guy who people want to work with!” Says Chris Campbell, Director🍿 He is tatted, edgy, a little cynical and a pragmatist. He is also passionate about making quality work and being the guy people like on the set. Chris has been immersed in the YA space, namely directing young influencers for content that appeals to the tween and teen girl set. His commercial reel is impressive and he was awarded a student Emmy out the gate from film school that he thought would launch his career in commercials. “But no one cared.. the phone didn’t ring..” and that proverbial big movie offer didn’t come easy. He says there is no class that teaches artists how to make it outside of film school, so perhaps his story and guidance can help others on their young quest as aspiring directors. He does get super excited talking about cooking - and has experimented in the kitchen making all kinds of “fancy” dishes. He showed me his collection of taxidermy- and believe it or not- he has gotten pieces off Craig’s List! He has hunted but none of his mounts were his trophies. He used to ride his skateboard and for a hot minute pursued acting. His mother was always a big supporter of his goals. Now he is where he wants to be- “practicing” on the job and glad to work long hours on set with his hand picked crew. What’s next? Maybe a Hallmark Rom Com, maybe a Mystery or Thriller. Chris Campbell is open to opportunity and grateful when he is working. For more - see his website with samples of his narrative film work and his commercial reel. For more on host and producer, Michelle Zeitlin - please visit passion-power.com or morezap.com MZ enjoys speaking to all kinds of creatives about their “yellow brick road to success.” https://lnkd.in/g8znF9U9

LISTEN UP! New Episode!

All you young aspiring DIRECTORS of narrative or commercials and those making shifts or pivots (mine are triple pirouettes) 🩰-- here is a philosophical take by Chris Campbell. Tatoos, Taxidermy and Taking Initiative. “I aspire to be a journeyman director.”

P.S. Always recognize the "crew" as it takes a village to make excellent content- collaboration is key. I'm in the Bahamas sending editing notes to my team and VOILA! Jason Usry Julia Stier Thanks!

From child actor to reality TV star as "the youngest agent" to top theatrical agent in Los Angeles - Nick Roses has had an interesting trajectory. 

Nick Roses is currently a partner at Pantheon, representing actors in scripted TV, feature films, in unscripted programming and redefining their agency opportunities and platform. Nick Roses over came scathing Hollywood press and a dented professional reputation in the industry in his early years in Los Angeles - where he says he had to do "a lot of self reflection" and rebuild. He did just that, and now at age thirty three he has established himself and his agency department as being diverse, busy, financially successful and creative in the way they do their business for their clients. "We're really really really really involved." 

"What I do is not just a job, it's a lifestyle and it's all day every day..." 

Nick thrives at what he does and he is proud of the careers he's helped to shape and build. His boyfriend, also an actor, is supportive and understands that Nick is working when he's at a club or an event, or a premiere..."it's always work," says Nick. He says he hopes his youthful energy is a positive for the clients he serves and wants to be there for them. Though he underscores that show business is a business first, he does relish time with his clients and celebrating with them in a personal way. 

Take a listen and enjoy. 

For more on Nick Roses, see IMDB or reach out to Pantheon https://www.pantheontalent.com

Michelle Zeitlin is the producer and host of Passion to Power and the CEO of More Zap Productions & Management. http://www.morezap.com