Meet Dylan Zivitz | Director & DP

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dylan Zivitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, what matters most to you?
I think having a good attitude in any given work/ professional situation is vital. No one wants to be around a negative person. Negativity is a poison that can penetrate any barrier if you let it. It’s something you cannot touch, smell, taste; but is something you can “see” and/or “hear.” So, having a positive attitude, although hard at times, can and will affect your work; and more importantly, your colleagues around you. Attack any project with positivity and good energy/ intentions, and it will produce a better product, I guarantee it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well, I’m a Director/ DP/ Film Photographer, and I’m still working on all of these things on a daily basis; it’s a constant grind. The TV/ Film business is forever changing and forever cut-throat. I routinely struggle to tread water, just so I can try and keep my head above the surface. I went to Film School at FSU, and graduated in 2018 with my MFA. It was a rigorous and rewarding journey to finish the program at FSU, but after graduation you are thrown into the wild to try and find your way. It takes time to find your footing, but you just have to keep it moving; if you stop, it’s harder to start again. That’s one of the lessons I’ve learned since having graduated. During Covid when the world seemed to slowly shut down, the industry came to a screeching halt and I found myself out of a job and still in my parents house (two very depressing things). I took up film photography during the early months of Covid and taught myself how to develop and scan my own negatives, via YouTube. This hobby I had ended up turning into a small business of mine that I’m currently still building (zivitz.darkroom.tech). Those months off in quarantine in South Florida inadvertently helped me sit down and really build my website and online print store. So, in the grand scheme of things, Covid helped in a way, giving me time to build.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being I’m a native to the Lauderdale area, I’d have to say I would take them to a local spot in my area, called “Quarterdeck.” The food isn’t spectacular by any means but it’s definitely above par; but the reason I go there is for the “family” like feeling amongst the regulars. Every time I go to Quarterdeck there’s ALWAYS a great memory I’ll take away. I would definitely have to hit Las Olas, for some tacos and margs, at Roccos. Then scooter down to the beach near the jetties to watch the cargo and cruise ships come and go, from port everglades. We would have to hit AMSO one of those days too during happy hour and the day they do their cheap and delicious cheeseburgers. One of the days may even be dedicated to the “Jungle Queen” tours, which I have an absolute blast going on every time (the owners are old friends and just the best people). They have exotic birds, monkeys and felines on their island that you can see up close and personal. The food and show is spectacular too. Wynwood for the night life and drinks at Grandpas for some live music. But to wrap everything up, maybe a sunset viewing down on Key Biscayne.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents deserve it the most. The environment I was raised in taught me how to be a decent human being and to never cast judgement on another, for any reason. They also pushed me to always follow my dreams, whatever they were; and to give it 110%. Their guidance really has shaped me into the man/ creative that I am today.

Website: https://zivitzfilms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zivitz_prints/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-zivitz-6a2361b1/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DylanZivitz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dylan.zivitz

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzA3Ux1hQr18ximlEoVMOXw

Other: https://zivitz.darkroom.tech