The Entertainment industry – and everything it touches – is experiencing a remarkable growth trajectory. This surge is fueled by the digital revolution and the escalating demand for innovative and personalized content across various platforms. As the line between technology and creativity becomes increasingly blurred, professionals such as Creative Producers are in high demand. They’re not only responsible for conceptualizing and executing creative ideas but also managing diverse teams and leveraging cutting-edge technologies to deliver compelling content. Their collective skills are driving the evolution of the industry, paving the way for a new era of unprecedented growth and transformation.
One such visionary force is Award-winning Creative Producer, Ziporen Hazum. Her passion for pushing the boundaries of storytelling and unwavering commitment to excellence have established her as an expert in traditional production, XR (Extended Reality) and Experiential spaces. Ziporen’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a trailblazer in her field is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and insatiable drive for innovation.
A sought-after producer, Ziporen has an impressive list of accolades. She worked with Nespresso to launch their global interactive hub; she produced an AR experience in collaboration with Walmart, Netflix, and Partnership For A Healthier America; she produced a VR animation film with Oculus (Meta); and she produced an award winning e-commerce interactive experience using volumetric capture technology.
Ziporen was also the Creative Producer of a location-based immersive experience in collaboration with the UN and PwC to promote the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and educate corporations about sustainability responsibility, and helped create the SDG dome – which we’ll address in more detail.
But first, it’s important to note that combining creative development and execution skills takes years of practice and the right opportunities. So how did it all start for Ziporen?
Born and raised in Israel, Ziporen developed a fascination with the world of filmmaking during her high school years. It was in a highly selective filmmaking class that she discovered her true passion. Out of hundreds of applicants, Ziporen was among the fortunate few accepted into the program. Guided by her teacher, Tal Genosar, she explored various roles on set, ultimately finding her calling as a producer. This pivotal moment set the stage for a remarkable career that would see her rise to prominence in the world of creative production.
“In college, we learn that a good producer is an administrative beast,” Ziporen shares. “It’s non-stop – you are constantly scheduling, securing, ordering, managing, sending, delivering, confirming, reassuring … but in real life, you need to achieve as many points of view as possible on whatever you’re bringing to life. The more you have, the better you’ll be at supporting the creative vision. And that’s how you’ll reach a high-end execution that actually over-delivers.”
Incorporating her creative and organizational skills is what led to her incredible projects, of which she is extremely proud.
After completing her diploma in Filmmaking and Cinema studies, Ziporen faced another significant milestone: mandatory military service in Israel. While most people may view this as a detour from their career aspirations, Ziporen seized the opportunity to expand her skills and contribute to the world of filmmaking within the Israeli Air Force Film Unit. As an Executive Producer, she worked on classified films and honed her ability to collaborate with creative individuals while operating within a structured system.
Ziporen’s impressive stint in the military provided her with invaluable tools and skills, including the ability to thrive under high-stress situations and create efficient workflows. These qualities would become defining aspects of her career as she ventured into the civilian world.
After serving in the military, Ziporen quickly ascended in the reality TV sector, managing notable shows like “The Bachelor” and “Survivor VIP” with precision at a prominent production company. She then transitioned to one of Israel’s top production firms, where she quickly advanced from Production Coordinator to Producer, overseeing the creation of commercials for global brands and agencies like McCann, Publicis, BBDO, Nestle, Unilever, L’Oréal, VW, and more. Under Ziporen’s meticulous guidance, projects consistently met and exceeded expectations, earning the campaigns she produced several esteemed awards.
The call for new opportunities led Ziporen to embark on a bold move: immigrating to the United States. This was unfamiliar territory: in fact, she knew just one individual in the US. Navigating an entirely new environment, grappling with an unfamiliar system, and adjusting to cohabitation after enjoying the solitude of living alone in Tel Aviv proved to be a daunting task. Furthermore, being distanced from her support system, compounded by the challenge of a time difference, accentuated her fears. Despite the apprehension, emboldened by the encouragement of her parents and siblings, Ziporen chose to seize this opportunity with both hands.
At The Ark, in her role as a Creative Producer and Production Manager, Ziporen collaborated with Rooftop Immersive Studios and PwC HQ in Amsterdam to develop an interactive experience centered on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with the goal of achieving sustainability by 2030. This immersive journey, showcased in a specially crafted sustainable wooden dome, integrated virtual reality, projections, and interactive games to enlighten both individuals and corporations. After its premiere in February 2019, which included attendees like Princess Laurentien van Oranje, the SDG Dome swiftly became a sought-after attraction, being fully booked for 14 consecutive weeks. Encouraged by the resounding acclaim, she expanded the project, unveiling a NextGen version and a dedicated VR module tailored for educational institutions and businesses. This innovative SDG Experience also took center stage at the UN’s High-level Political Forum in July 2019.
“I was devastated by the setbacks caused by the pandemic,” Ziporen shares. “I moved to the US to produce live, immersive experiences, and I was so close to my dream. While the whole world sheltered in place, I had to recognize the opportunity knocking at the door. Even though LBE was ‘dead’ for the time being, the digital world experienced a boom. Every person interacted with a device in some way, and I was determined to be part of the growth.”
Ziporen has successfully produced interactive experiences, virtual reality projects, and immersive content that have captivated audiences and left a lasting impression. Her commitment to excellence and passion for creating magical moments have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
At Particle 3 Inc., an Interactive Content Production Company, Ziporen flourished in her role as a Project Manager from 2020 to 2023. She contributed significantly to the creation of digital interactive experiences for both mobile and desktop platforms, driving projects to new heights through creative conversations, market research, and an innovative ideation process. Her ability to develop a creative vision that aligns with client goals, manage workflow, and navigate emerging technologies like AR and volumetric capture underscored her versatility as a skilled Creative Producer. Working with a wide range of clients, including Walmart, CAMP, Nespresso, and Microsoft, Ziporen’s projects earned numerous awards and recognition in the XR space, illustrating the potency of her strategic and creative prowess.
Currently working with Wizard Studios, a live events production company, Ziporen continues to push the boundaries of creativity and fabrication. With her wealth of experience and unyielding dedication, she strives to deliver unforgettable live experiences that engage and inspire.
As Ziporen’s journey unfolds, she remains steadfast in her pursuit of innovation, collaboration, and personal and collective growth. With her visionary approach, unwavering commitment, and an ever-expanding skill set, she is poised to shape the future of creative production in the XR and Experiential spaces.
“In the past few years, I have discovered a deep passion for experimental entertainment and interactive content and how we can harness it to better people’s lives through emotionally-impactful experiences,” Ziporen shares. “We can unlock our true potential in the real world through immersive storytelling we identify with. and even quicker if we are fully saturated and stimulated in these stories.”
Learn more: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ziporen-hazum/
