ELENA ZAZANIS
GEM Productions, LLC
Resume
Now a proud SAG-AFTRA, AEA member with credits in film, stage, new media and commercials, as well as an ever evolving vocal artist in multiple musical genres, from a cappella jazz to classic rock jams!
Started as a singer/songwriter gigging in requisite Lower East Side dives, then gravitated to acting when an agent friend of a friend saw potential. Because it's much harder than it looks, some training was required, but eventually credits (and even an award!!) began to accumulate along with another new objective: To created direct original stories - here's a clip:
"The Red Gucci Bag," premiered in The Golden Door International Film Festival. Directing experience extends to "Desperate Hostess," a short film for Wine Spectator Magazine, and stage productions including The Joshua Tree (Samuel French Festival), Smiles to Saturn (Planet Connections) and The Other Day (Blueberry Pond).
Day job, you ask? Improv skills are gainfully employed in mock trials, videos and classes at Fordham Law School, to play a wide range of roles from expert witnesses to dirty cops.
And still singing! After a cappella group Cabaret Sauvignon reached concluded a 9-year run, The Mrs. Russell Project debuted in the Ghost of Uncle Joe's Halloween Ball in Jersey City! Comprising an upright bass, a mandolin, a percussionist and vocals, this jazz-pop-rock ensemble introduces originals and re-imagines new and old tunes.
