Passion to Power

Passion to Power

By Michelle ZeitlinBusinessCareers
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Passion to Power episodes

  • Ali Afshar, ESX: Race Cars & Feel-Good Movies
    Ali Afshar is the founder of ESX Entertainment. 
    He races hot rods, he has been an actor, and he has built a sound stage in a barn in his home town, Petaluma, near Napa Valley where his company shot "California Christmas," in production during the Covid quarantines. Ali has built a company with a select and close group of friends who have all become busy producers, composers, directors and DPs. He has cast friends too- one woman he met as a waitress and now she stars in their newest Netflix romantic comedy. Many of his crew and team have met their romantic partners too- marriages have taken place on their studio lot up North.
     "All our movies are American Dream Movies," says Ali. One of his financiers, the CEO of Lucas Oil, coined the phrase "Shed a tear, but leave with a smile." That's ESX's mantra and MO, but Ali says their movies are more PG than G, with more edge. Ali's company offices are on the Warner Bros. lot and he's produced movies that have been licensed by Netflix and HBO Max, and he's also in development of a TV series that he says is like Yellowstone with a Latin bent, "Casa Grande." 
    Ali is originally from Iran, and his mother passed when he was young. So his main advice to this podcast, Passion to Power listeners, is "don't wait," do what you love and don't do it for money...the money will come. Sounds like the mantra for Passion to Power. 
    Still racing and collecting "muscle cars," and making movies and doing the occasional acting role keeps Ali very busy. He is grateful and his team seems to work like a well-oiled machine- he ought to know. 
    For more on Ali Afshar and ESX Entertainment, visit their website: http://www.esxproductions.com
    Michelle Zeitlin is a talent & literary manager, show creator and catalyst to creative conversation. 
    If you are interested in being on the podcast, please send a request to our team to [email protected]
    If you are interested in learning more about our people and projects, or booking Michelle for a workshop or coaching session, or media session, please reach out via www.morezap.com or www.passion-power.com
    39 min
  • Maria Capp, Director "I want people to feel happy and safe!"

    “Hire me to direct!” Maria Capp knows that to get what you want you have to ask. She’s been doing the big “asks” for years/ whether to pitch a project to Tubi, Hallmark, or Netflix, or to raise funds for original movies she is producing and writing, or to ask for the best cast members to lead one of her movies for TV. With a family-centric and female-centric approach to movie making, Maria Capp has always made it her business to be inclusive and to employ people of all colors, ages, and represent people of different ethnicities, being cognizant, respectful and sensitive to stories that are culturally specific. She wears different hats including that of writer, producer and director, and she loves directing the most. She has a musical theatre background so she thinks with music and plays out scenes in her head before she blocks them with actors. She considers herself an actor's director, and immersed herself in technique classes in the Ivana Chubbuck method of acting.  Maria's movies are generally feel-good and she loves stories about families and coming of age and real relationships. She's directed with top actors that are loyal to her as they enjoy their on-set experience with Maria.  What's next? Maybe a Western, or Psychological Thriller...Maria is currently pitching several movies for TV and in post production on a film she wrote and directed on Long Island, where she grew up, with an indigenous story line based on a myth, "lady of the lake," on the Island, "Lake Ronconkoma." Maria Capp, Director "I want people to feel happy and safe!" For more on Maria Capp, visit her company website, www.cappricielli.com For more on Michelle Zeitlin, host/producer of Passion to Power, please see www.morezap.com or www.passion-power.com  Michelle is a talent & literary manager and the CEO of More Zap Productions and Management. She offers group and individual coaching sessions on creating your own "Yellow Brick Road to Success." This podcast has been recognized and recommended in the "Career" category. 

    45 min
  • Jenn Boyce Hollywood Prep
    • Michelle Zeitlin is the host of Passion to Power and considered a Hollywood Insider, so it's a perfect match to have Jenn Boyce, who is the founder of THE HOLLYWOOD PREP as her guest on this episode. 


      • As a Talent Agent in Hollywood for 30 years, Jenn Boyce has worked with thousands of amazing actors: Paul Rudd, Jessica Biel, Nick Robinson,  Shailene Woodley, Ava Michelle, Cedric Joe, Ciara Bravo and Storm Reid, to name a few.
      • What Jenn is focusing on now is helping actors, kids and their parents to navigate the complex "Hollywood" industry in film and TV, and with her expertise in "on camera" commercials especially, to offer tools and resources and TIME that others may not be able to sacrifice- i.e. "agents and managers" in this show business.  What does it mean to have an agent? How do agents work? What do they expect?  How do submissions work? Technology has certainly made everything more rapid- sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Learning about preparation is imporant- and as Michelle Zeitlin offers- "preparation vs. expectation" is the way to move forward. Do what you need to do to be READY for those occasional wins! But don't have false expectations or think everything runs in a paradigm that makes sense to people outside of the "business." 

        •  https://www.thehollywoodprep.com/ 

        If you are interested in More Zap's talent and literary people and projects, or if you'd like to pitch a guest to Michelle Zeitlin and her team, please send an email to [email protected] or access the online form at http://www.passion-power.com



        35 min
      • Fosse, Fosse, Fosse- Valarie Pettiford, Diva Triple Threat
        Valarie Pettiford is a "well rounded performer," who has longevity in the entertainment and performing arts.   She has worked in show business for 45 years- which is impossible to believe when you see her on her three (!!) current roles on three different television shows (BLACKLIST, FAMILY BUSINESS, TRUTH BE TOLD) as she is flawless- long limbs, blonde stylish hair cut and posture like the dancer extraordinaire that she is!  She's worked with Bob Fosse and many others show creators on stage and screen and she underscores that she is a "dancer through and through," and that DANCE came first in her trajectory. RESPECT is something paramount for Valarie - who also respects those on all sides of the camera and on stage and the crew. In fact, she considers her TEAM all those people who are HONEST with her, and there for her when she may feel insecure. That includes her agents, manager and her hair stylist on set! Does she consider being a black woman to be a challenge in her work? Yes. "We have to navigate through everything, everywhere, always..." This is a fascinating interview with one classy lady. Learn more about her Yellow Brick Road to Success- her early training and inspirations. Learn about her PASSION. Valarie has energy galore and it's understandable why she was a SOPHISTICATED LADY on Broadway- she is quite the sophisticate.  For more on Valarie, you can follow her social media; You can see her IMDB profile for her credits which are extensive. Big Take Away- we are all "human" and to be an artist you have to be a fully feeling and being human. Michelle Zeitlin is the producer and host of PASSION TO POWER. She, like Valarie, started in DANCE and these women have loads in common. To learn more about Michelle's work as talent manager, literary rep, choreographer/director and show creator, visit www.passion-power.com For more on Michelle as CEO of More Zap, please see www.morezap.com.
        36 min
      • Herizon Music: Thea Wood 🎤
        This episode marks 50 produced episodes of Passion to Power! We are so excited- Michelle Zeitlin, Host/Producer. 
        Herizon Music Foundation, founded by Thea Wood in 2019, aims to level the playing field for women in music- on the mic, in the studio, on the mixing board, in publishing, and in every pursuit of the wide open music industry - creators, producers, engineers, distributors, the whole gamut. This is quite a lofty goal, and Thea is committed, motivated, ready and passionate! 
        From participating in TEDx in Texas (say that three times fast!) to running music events in Detroit, Thea Wood has played many roles. She does not consider herself a musician or vocalist, but she dabbles in writing song lyrics. She also has a sharp recollection for musical hits and artists. She loves music and she wants to empower women to expand their "Herizons." 
        Thea shares her trajectory- not a straight line to running a non-profit- in journalism for newspapers and magazines, designing collateral materials for corporate branding and negotiating real estate. She says all these career stints prepared her for this full time endeavor that wraps around her heart. She's part marketing director, part nurturer, part coach, part bulldog, and leans into the challenge of sales- "you have to be able to ASK for money." 
        HOW DOES MUSIC GET UNDER HER SKIN? Did you know music actually trains the brain to work better? Sharper! 
        WHAT are the (disappointing) FACTS about women in music and the inequities in job hiring opportunities, music air play, label opportunities, distribution and support?
        GENDER vs. GENRE- a big take away!
        "MUSIC HEALS," says Thea, and answers these questions. 
        She wants to build a foundation where women of all ages can engage with mentors, get resources, and feel they have a safe haven. 
        Thea is also pretty hip! A mother of two, she has shiny eyes and an easy laugh- Michelle and Thea laughed...a lot. 
        For more on Passion to Power, the podcast and associated workshops, coaching and classes, please visit Passion-Power.com. 
        For more on More Zap Productions & Management-and all the current people & projects in development- please see MoreZap.com 
        As we start a new "season" (batch) of episodes, we are open to your suggestions and pitches for content ideas and guests. 
        You may send an email to [email protected] or visit either of the above websites and fill out a request form.
        41 min
      • Book Publicist, Beth Parker “don’t be replaceable”
        Beth Parker always wanted to be in book publicity: “Always Always Always” 
        She started her own company after working with some of the biggest publishers in-house. She loves what she does. She works with top authors and new authors- helping them build their platforms, gain traction with press and online publicity. Beth utilizes her people-person, writing, "a fair amount of editing," and pitching skills to get books out there and heightened for market.
        She lives in Queens, New York, and works primarily online now- as she says the world of publishing has become a mostly "e-mail" work scenario. There is "Zoom fatigue" in the industry, so getting people on the phone is not as easy as it once once, but she's utilized Slack and other online tech platforms to reach editors, journalists, artists for cover art and others in the publishing community. Networking is essential. 
        Positioning is crucial: Finding "interesting nuggets" and talking to your authors about their interests, their big marketing goals, and creating good talking points for interviews is all part of Beth's job. 
        Beth has hobbies she loves- her passions include quilting and eating pizza. You can follow Beth on social media and you can reach out to her via her website:
        BethParkerPR.com
        For more on MORE ZAP, a talent and literary representation and content creation company, see MoreZap.com and learn more about Michelle Zeitlin, the "Hollywood iNsider" who hosts this podcast. Michelle Zeitlin is also an educator in entertainment, the performing arts, a coach and public speaker. 
        You can book Michelle for workshops in the US and abroad, online and in-person- contact [email protected] or visit Passion-Power.com and learn more about the services and events. If you would like to be  interviewed on this podcast, reach out by email and send materials for consideration.
        37 min
      • BOLD Casting- Rachel Rose Oginsky
        Rachel Rose Oginsky is known for The Bold and the Beautiful; Men at Work; and Covert Affairs.
        She has worked on primetime and daytime TV shows in the first chair as Casting Director, as a Casting Associate and a Casting Assistant. Every project has shaped how she works in the entertainment industry. She has had mentors who have empowered her, and she's had examples of what NOT to do that have also informed her stye and approach in casting actors for TV. Right now, she is working remotely on the CBS soap, THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL, her gig for the last 5 years as Casting Associate with Christy Dooley. 
        The schedule is intense and Rachel Rose offers her thoughts on how actors can prepare for this type of show, doing self tapes, sometimes with callbacks by internet, and how the process works when casting and producing 250 episodes per season. 
        Rachel Rose has worked in daytime and primetime television, and she's got a rolodex of actors at the ready, in her head. 
        Excited, warm, upbeat, Rachel Rose loves actors and it shows in the way she offers advise, adjustments and offers!
        What's next for Rachel Rose? She says she is open. And she shares a few kernels of gold with our listeners on how to make goals and pivot. 
        If you would like to know more about the casting process, we encourage you to learn about the Casting Society of America, CSA. There are many regional casting directors as well as hundreds in the major casting markets. 
        If you'd like to learn more about More Zap Productions or Passion to Power, please send us an email to [email protected] 
        or via the form on the website at http://www.passion-power.com
        Michelle Zeitlin, Host of Passion to Power is a Talent & Literary Manager with More Zap Productions & Management.
        We'd be delighted if you'd comment, rate and share this episode and many others!
        37 min
      • Show Runner - Peter Mohan
        Have you ever wondered what a SHOW RUNNER is and does? Peter Mohan, a man who has worked in television for 4 decades will share his duties, his creative life and his joy being in this (show) business. His current television series, The Hardy Boys (TV Series) - Executive Producer, is doing well and got picked up again. https://www.thehardyboystv.com/ He likes genre programming and especially the darker fantasy and science fiction type shows. Orphan Black was another popular show he was on. 
        Canada vs the US - how are we alike in our development to programming cycle and how we are different? Peter explains.
        Peter is generous with his info and glad to offer inspiration and information to help the next generation of content creators. "You're film studio is in your phone... go out and make something." Don't wait for your agents or managers to call you, he says. Do it now and get busy being creative.
        This podcast speaks to a few growing demographic pods- the 18-32 group that is stepping into their career path, and those who are reinvesting into their dreams and making some forks in the road; all the way up to the 42-59 analytic pod that is shifting and regrouping and "upskilling."
        Where ever and How ever you are doing (it)- you'll appreciate the kernels of gold- expert advise and personal sharing of our guests, like Peter Mohan.
        http://Morezap.com is a talent and literary company.
        http://Passion-Power offers workshops, master classes and one on one coaching.
        35 min
      • Dance Dance Dance - Grand Jete Forward!
        Michelle Loucadoux & Matthew Shaffer share their stories and career highlights with Michelle Zeitlin, in anticipation of the April 8-10, 2022 dance convention called PDN, Professional Dance Network.
        Michelle Zeitlin will be leading master classes in jazz and contemporary, and judging dance showcases. 
        Michelle Zeitlin, host of Passion to Power, and talent and literary manager, CEO of More Zap Productions & Management and dance pro, also represented both authors for their respective book publishing deals, and hosts the Q&A with these authors and educators. 
        Topics include: Developing and discovering your identity- how one navigates the arts and entertainment world as a pre-professional and how to prepare for one's career and positioning. How to 'stand out' and 'fit in' and taking personal and professional leaps "grand jetes" into the future.  Mental wellness for dancers, and how to deal with anxiety, nerves and develop confidence. Where to get resources, education and mentors. Ballet, Broadway, TV and Film - the many platforms and opportunities available. 
        Matthew says "build a version of you that you want" and "lists are important...taking all the tools you learned in the studio and transitioning them into a working profession."
        Michelle says "Standing out to fit in comes from me!" In explaining about her ballet life "I was always in trouble, cuz I was so extra."
        For more info on DPN, visit this website: http://professionaldancenetwork.org/
        Follow author/choreographer/educators, Matthew and Michelle on social media and on their websites. 
        Buy their books on Amazon or your better book store. *Support your indie book store! Also, both books are published by Rowman & Littlefield, Taylor Trade.
        Check out: http://morezap.com
        35 min
      • Biz Dev- Black Unicorn, Ty Humes
        Ty Humes, 6’6,” African American, is imposing, impressive and especially well spoken. He is also humble in recognizing his own professional contributions, while cognizant of challenges of race, class and “lessons learned” that have shaped him and his career.
        Ty is a proud father of two (tall) kids and coaches ball for their sports teams. Ty, though super tall To these tweens says in athletic circles he is “average” height.
        Ty Humes has run companies as CIO, Global Business Development . He has worked in tech, energy, mergers and acquisitions in finance, and entertainment, including the music biz. From the Bronx to La Jolla- he has moved in competitive circles. His “next paradigm shift” and most recent position was for a leading creative company working to expand the culture, diversity and creative storytelling at Wondros.
        He is now considering advocacy and non profit positions - attracted to helping to improve healthcare.
        Wherever he is, he brings his New York smarts, awareness, confidence and straight shooting.
        Michelle and Ty crossed paths at NBC and reunited through mutual do-si-dos in the creative and wellness industries during the pandemic Covid-19 world shifts.
        Michelle is grateful for Ty’s honest share- his wisdom, knowledge and real conversation.
        Ty says “I think very deeply” like KRS-ONE (The rapper, born Lawrence “Kris” Parker) and says that artist represents his thoughts on interpersonal relations in the streets and in business.
        45 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…