Today we’d like to introduce you to Zanah Thirus.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was homeschooled until I went to college at age fifteen. I graduated with my BA in marketing communication with a minor in theater acting from Columbia College Chicago at 19 years old. During my senior year in undergrad, I interned for a talent agency. During my internship, I realized that there was a whole world of production that I was interested in. So, the following year at 20 years old, I decided to pursue my master’s degree in cinema producing. In graduate school, I was able to collaborate with a ton of indie filmmakers at DePaul University to create a body of work that I was really proud of. Once I graduated with my master’s degree at age 22, FCB Chicago saw my producer reel online and asked me to come in. A month later, I was brought on as a full-time associate broadcast producer.
At FCB, I produce live-action commercials, radio spots, and animated spots. As an independent filmmaker, I run Zanah Thirus Films LLC- my indie film company. I have produced 10 indie films to date, five are streaming on Amazon Prime Video. The others are streaming on four different digital platforms. I have festival credits in Germany, London, and India.
Right now, I have a feature documentary film in post-production and an animated short film in pre-production.
I have two career goals as a producer – to be an executive producer in the ad world, and produce a feature film that winds up on a major platform or major festival.
Has it been a smooth road?
Going to college at age fifteen was not easy. Navigating the corporate world at a young age was not easy. Graduate school at twenty years old was not easy. Hell, being a black woman in a white male dominated space isn’t easy at all. My drive and my passion for producing is what keeps me going. I have a really supportive family as well.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Zanah Thirus Films LLC became a thing this past year, and it still feels weird to say I have a film company. I think what sets me apart is the fact that I utilize my background in marketing and production to produce and distribute my films. I also primarily focus on short-form content. Festivals are cool, but I usually aim for releasing my films on digital platforms. As a creative producer, I have a hand in my projects from development to distribution. I also wear many hats in each of my indie productions. The last film I released on Amazon Prime Video was a short film that I wrote, produced, edited, and acted in.
Take advantage of your tax write-offs! – equipment rentals, location rentals, editing equipment, props, costumes, transportation, literally everything.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I’ve never been to LA. I love Chicago. It’s like a big city and a small town. Not only are there production opportunities in the advertising industry in Chicago, but it’s filled with talented indie filmmakers. Chicago also has so many great film equipment rental houses, locations for shooting, talent agencies, and resources for your indie film. Chicagoans need to network with each other more, especially in the film space.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.zanahthirus.com
- Instagram: @__zanah
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ZanahEThirus
- Twitter: @Zanah__
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