Michael VanZetta
Manassas,Virginia
Summary
Forward-thinking Streaming Television Innovator and CEO of PiZetta Media, Michael VanZetta brings over two decades of experience in the media industry, marked by dynamic leadership and a commitment to authentic storytelling. Renowned for creating the Frontliners TV channel and pioneering TV shows, Michael is a trailblazer at the intersection of innovation and impactful content. With expertise in managing diverse teams and driving record-breaking engagement metrics, he is a visionary leader dedicated to pushing the boundaries of streaming television while advocating for mental health awareness.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
CEO
PiZetta Media
Manassas, Virginia
11.2021 - Current
- Established streaming television channel, Frontliners TV
- Orchestrated the creation and ownership of 15 TV shows
- Pioneered initiatives focused on authentic storytelling and mental health advocacy
Consultant
BURST.IT, LLC
04.2021 - Current
Executive Producer of Live Video the National Desk and Sinclair Broadcast Group
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP
03.2019 - 04.2021
- Introduced a program to increase video volume without increasing manpower/cost Created high quality live streams with multiple effects and graphics Operates the National Desk Facebook page Gained additional website page views for all Sinclair TV stations with Facebook referrals Notified all stations when a live stream is available on the website and on Facebook Trained the team to use Crowd tangle and Google Analytics Troubleshot issues that arise for the live team and Sinclair stations digital teams
- Initiated the common use of links on Facebook to improve website traffic Enabled technology to produce lives from any location at any time Trained digital producer to execute on the technical side and editorial Received the Innovation Award at Dale Carnegie Leadership training Increased Facebook Engagement, Video Views, and Revenue for 2019 Quarter 2 by over 500% each from 2018 Quarter 2 Created 3 videos in August that received over 100 million views each on Facebook
Managing Editor of Programming
CIRCA
01.2018 - 03.2019
- Responsible for Managing team of 11 people to create lives and viral videos that increase views on Circa s Social Media platforms
- Coming up with a game plan for Circa to succeed in the Social Media environment Write articles, Edit Video, create Shows and Live Streams Work on revenue plans for Lives on Social Media Responsible for Circa s most viewed video ever with 98 Million Views Responsible for Circa s Most viewed article in 2018 with over 1 million page views Became Sinclair Broadcast Group stations provider of national lives and events In October Circa Live Team had 42 Million live views on Facebook with Circa and SBG platforms The Live team I manage is responsible for 70% of all video content on social media in Circa Created two videos over 90 million views on Facebook for Circa
Senior Live Show Producer
CIRCA
01.2017 - 01.2018
Topical Promotions Producer and Writer and Editor
WUSA-TV
11.2012 - 07.2013
- Produce/write/edit live promos for evening newscasts Produce/write/edit nightly topical promotions Produce/write/edit/shot image spots and promotable news content for evening news Produce alongside graphic designer to create dynamic, visually exciting, content driven promos Work with news department to implement new marketing strategies for WUSA9 Produce breaking news cut-ins during network programming Create multiple platform content using social media and television broadcasts Create graphics using Adobe Creative Suite and Axis Graphics Edit on Avid Media Composer, Newscutter and Grass Valley Edius Create Facebook and Twitter updates for WUSA9 Attended Promax Bootcamp in Los Angeles as a Rising Creative Star for Gannett
Captain of the Ship of Illusion or a Newscast Director
WUSA-TV
05.2007 - 11.2012
- Direct/Technical Direct and run Deko graphics and Video Server for newscasts, sports shows, interview shows and special events
- Coordinate live shot and personnel, while supervising crew
- Run robotic cameras, audio, create graphics, web streaming, non-linear editing, satellite coordination, trouble shooting computers, Adobe design products and production equipment Field Directed the 2011 and 2012 National Marathon Directed special events coverage like weather alerts and election coverage Directed sports shows Such as Game On, Sports Plus and Redskins Tailgate
Director at Abc 7 News - Wjla
WJLA-TV
02.2005 - 05.2007
- Direct Newscasts including Good Morning Washington, breaking news and special events
- Supervise production crew, technical direct, run audio board/robotic cameras, run and create Deko graphics
- Work on ENPS rundown software
- Direct programs including The Pet Show, NewsTalk with Bruce DePuyt, Defense News and Lets Talk Live Work with Producer and Executive Producer to ensure shows and newscasts are error free for both production and content
Director
WSET
12.2003 - 02.2005
- Directed 2 hour morning show and 1/2 midday show
- Duties included directing special events (i.e
- Telethons, and pre-game sports shows), chyron operator, floor director, and direct cut-ins/promos
- Used Pinnacle Lightning, Adobe Photoshop 7.0, and Sony switcher DVS-8000
- Field Directed Telethons and sporting events Shot and Edited Commercials and local programming
Director and Creative Services Producer
WTWO
01.2002 - 11.2003
- Direct, roll own tapes on a 1 1/2 hour morning news show, cut-ins, and special events
- Used Echolab 5000 Switcher/Commander, Pinnacle Lightning, and Microtime DVE
- Served as a Creative Services Producer writing, completing shoots on DVC Pro, and editing commercials on Media 100
- Responsible for non-linear editing, Adobe Photoshop 7.0, and Adobe After-Effects 6.0
- Served as Audio/deko Operator, chyronMAX! Operator, audio operator, performed direct cut-ins, tape operator, camera operator, floor director, Teleprompter Operator, audio & camera operator for Indiana State University Football & Basketball broadcasts
- Help Produce, Shot and Edit multiple commercials for air Field Directed MDA Telethons and sporting events
Education
Bachelors Design -
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
01.2013
Associates -
BROWN COLLEGE
01.2001
Associates -
BROWN COLLEGE - BROOKLYN CENTER
01.2001
WAUCONDA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
01.2000
Skills
- Consulting
- Concept Development
- Supervising Staff
- Developing Concepts
- Professional Networking
- Fundraising
- Storyboarding
- Content Production
- Webcasting and Podcasting
- Screenplay, AV, and Multimedia Writing
- Marketing and Distribution
- Production Management
Timeline
CEO
PiZetta Media
11.2021 - Current
Consultant
BURST.IT, LLC
04.2021 - Current
Executive Producer of Live Video the National Desk and Sinclair Broadcast Group
SINCLAIR BROADCAST GROUP
03.2019 - 04.2021
Managing Editor of Programming
CIRCA
01.2018 - 03.2019
Senior Live Show Producer
CIRCA
01.2017 - 01.2018
Topical Promotions Producer and Writer and Editor
WUSA-TV
11.2012 - 07.2013
Captain of the Ship of Illusion or a Newscast Director
WUSA-TV
05.2007 - 11.2012
Director at Abc 7 News - Wjla
WJLA-TV
02.2005 - 05.2007
Director
WSET
12.2003 - 02.2005
Director and Creative Services Producer
WTWO
01.2002 - 11.2003
Bachelors Design -
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Associates -
BROWN COLLEGE
Associates -
BROWN COLLEGE - BROOKLYN CENTER
WAUCONDA COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL
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