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CV

EDUCATION

2023 M.A. Communication, Media Arts & Studies, Wayne State University
2002 Lighting, Screenwriting, The International Film and Television Workshops
2001 Camera in Action, Directing, The International Film and Television Workshops
1996 BA, Women's Studies, Michigan State University
1994 Directing Workshop, New York University
1993 BA, Interdisciplinary Humanities; film, English, theatre,  Michigan State University

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

One of Us Films, Producer and Director

February 1994 - Present
Contract production work for political clients, businesses and non-profits.  Developed independent documentary films working with community members, securing funding and working through distribution.
OIC Movies Executive Producer and Marketing Manager

March 2008 – August 2016

OIC Movies is a unique video database of information and stories told in American Sign Language, captioned in English. Managing the development, strategy and marketing of the website, LeZotte helped create a go-to website producing more than 2000 videos for educators and interpreters.

Detroit Public Television Executive Producer, Content & Community Engagement

May 2011 – May 2014
Provided management support to the digital media team, taking content beyond the broadcast, including digital distribution of video assets, website development, social media, and email engagement. Oversaw budget and productions of educational resources for the State of Michigan Early Childhood Investment Corporation and created production proposals for content partners.

Comerica Bank Manager, Corporate Communications

June 1999 – December 2008

Supervised all aspects of internal communications video production and live event production. Worked closely with executive management and led corporate-wide project teams on initiatives, including new hire orientation, diversity, compliance, and security training. Succeeded in producing award-winning, memorable video productions and events.

GRANTS/FUNDING

2022  Danielle Karmanos Journalism Grant Wayne State University $4000

2019 Kickstarter Campaign for The Mackinac $5000

2014 Kickstarter Campaign for Lean, Mean & Green

2014 Detroit Energy Foundation for Lean, Mean & Green $50,000

2013 Kellogg Foundation for Lean, Mean & Green, $75,000

2013 Michigan Humanities Council for Lean, Mean & Green $15,000

2010 Michigan Humanities Council for Regional Roots $15,000
1993 State Walk Grant for One of Us $3000

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RECOGNITION

2018 National Pollie award for Beyond Basics, television campaign for Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan

2018 Capturing Childhood Zarey on Her Bike $250

2015 1st place Saving Old Growth Lumber, I want to be recycled contest $1000

2014 2nd Place A Path to College, SCA: Awe-Inspiring Women $6,000

2014 2nd Place, Ms. Gwen's Edible Garden, Create a Brighter Future $10,000

2013 2nd Place Factory to Fish Farm, IBM: People for Smarter Cities $5,000

Emmy Nomination for Lean, Mean & Green

Emmy Nomination Regional Roots

Michigan Humanities Council

2010 Voice of Victims Award Recipient from HAVEN of Oakland County

2009 Vanguard Honoree, recognizing professional leadership and service in Detroit

2002? Diversity at Work, what award?

Commissioned work

2011 Excellent News for Excellent Schools Detroit

2014 Be Bold for Girls Plan International USA

Daisy Tells a Secret

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SCREENINGS

2022 The Detroit Musical premiere, Planet Ant, Hamtramck, MI

2022 Regional Roots and Lean, Mean & Green, Planet Ant, Hamtramck, MI

2021 The Mackinac, work-in-progress, The Detroit Film Festival, Detroit, MI

2019 The Mackinac, work-in-progress screening, Bayview Yacht Club, Detroit, MI

2014 Lean, Mean & Green Premiere, Detroit Film Theater

2014 Lean, Mean, & Green, Free Press Film Festival, Detroit, MI

2014 Lean, Mean & Green, Detroit Public Television Broadcast

Regional Roots Premiere

Regional Roots, Detroit-Winsor International Film Festival, best documentary

2009 Hunting Blind, Lunafest, Royal Oak, MI

2011? Regional Roots, East Lansing Film Festival

2010? One of Us, East Lansing Film Festival

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PRESS

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