Interview with Producer Milan Zoe
As the founder of Laniland Productions, Milan Zoe has directed content for major brands such as Nike, BET, and Hennessy to name a few. Being dubbed “The Olivia Pope of Entertainment”, Zoe is actively working to raise the status of the culture whether it’s in front of the camera or behind the lens. She is also the founder of #ChangingTheNarrative which is a non-profit organization that encourages the need for minority individuals to create their own narratives.
Check out the interview with Milan Zoe.
Jae Monique: You started off in the entertainment industry working in journalism and public relations. What made you want to transition into producing?
Milan Zoe: I wanted to have more control over the narrative I was disseminating. It was too important to leave it up to my clients to do so. I just didn’t feel like I could affect change the way I wanted to in the PR field.
JM: What was your experience like with interviewing public figures and celebrities?
Zoe: I enjoy interviewing America’s favorite celebrities. I enjoyed it because I would ask unconventional questions. I was able to get answers to the questions that people wanted to know.
JM: What’s it like working behind the scenes?
Zoe: Working behind the scenes is empowering. I love being the boss. I love being able to direct the narrative the way I see fit. To make sure the people I represent are represented correctly and in a positive light.
JM: What’s it like working with heavyweights like Nike, BET, and Hennessy?
Zoe: It’s really great. A lot of these brands are companies that I’ve wanted to work with for as long as I can remember. It’s empowering that they are giving me the opportunity to do so when there are so many people dying to be a part of their brand. It’s a step in the right direction for individuals like myself. If I can do it, the next young black girl can do it.
JM: Tell me about #ChangingTheNarrative.
Zoe: Changing the narrative began as a campaign and is now a non-profit that encourages the need for us as minority individuals to create our own narratives. Often those in power fail to recognize the value of diverse contributors in every aspect of the process. This leads to limited perspectives which are not reflective of the world in which we live. #ChangingTheNarrative is a movement that encourages and empowers people to disrupt the status quo while promoting inclusion and social responsibility in all areas of life.
JM: How do you feel about social issues in today’s society?
Zoe: There are a lot of systematic issues that start from the top. Most issues have a lot to do with racism. Through my art and my nonprofit, I’m working diligently to eradicate a lot of the systematic issues hindering us from being as great as we can possibly be as a unified collective.
JM: What advice would you give to aspiring producers and filmmakers?
Zoe: Don’t wait for opportunities, create your own. Build your own platforms to push your own art. Shine your light in your right.
Links:
Instagram @MissMilanZoe
Twitter @MissMilanZoe
Website: Milanzoe.com
About the Author
Jae Monique Contributing Editor Co-host and contributor to multiple media outlets. Interviewed celebs including Columbus Short, Darrin Henson, Claudia Jordan, Cocoa Brown and more.
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