Dr. TJ Zito, Jr. & Dr. Wendy Zito

Independent Film Producers

Learn about WJTZ Films and Auditions

WJTZ Films is an independent film production company in Birmingham, Alabama, producing original narrative feature films. WJTZ works to connect with actors, filmmakers, crew, and creative collaborators in the area.

Dr. TJ and Dr. Wendy Zito are an experienced husband-and-wife creative/management team with decades of experience in performance, film, media, education, live production, business, and people management. Read below to learn more about WJTZ and how you can be part of the productions.

Dr. TJ and Dr. Wendy Zito- Performers, Professors, Producers

Why We Make Independent Movies

Strong, character-driven stories can be produced locally without waiting around for Hollywood. The Magic City has talent with capabilities beyond being a token extra in a major production when one may shoot in town. Birmingham should not have to wait, and our local talent should be showcased for what they can do rather than blending into the background. The goal is to empower the local community, embrace independent film, and produce entertainment.

The purpose of WJTZ Films is not to be celebs. Not being Hollywood. Not for Fame…But embracing indie.

We aren’t building WJTZ Films as a path to Hollywood or to gain corporate clients for commercial productions.

Independent filmmaking is the goal– the audience is the destination.

We are Performers who became Professors… and now Producers. We have combined industry experience with our education. Producing our own independent films is the missing piece of the puzzle and our goal.

Embracing indie is part of an identity and commitment to true storytelling through cinema.

As independent producers, we love every aspect of the process. Whether it is choosing the right lens or adjusting the lighting, each piece of the storytelling journey is important. Embracing indie means respecting and enjoying the freedom of the production process to do what’s best for the story, not for investors or corporate decision-makers.

About TJ and Wendy

TJ and Wendy Zito are storytellers, creatives, and performers. For the past 25 years together….Whether performing for live audiences or working behind the scenes, they have worked to entertain. Together, TJ and Wendy have written, directed, edited, created content, promoted events, and spent years studying how people perform. As PhDs, they study how people communicate verbally and nonverbally… and most importantly, understand the power of how people understand and absorb stories. Their published academic research focuses on theories of performance, persuasion, and the power of stories.

Dancing is more than choreography… it is a story told between two people through movement—taking the audience on a roller coaster of emotions… feeling the plot through the performance.

TJ and Wendy are ready to tell Real stories with Interesting characters and highlight Great performances. As dancers, they gravitate towards Beautiful images and Strong Emotions. Now they are taking that same skill set and applying the concepts through the camera lens.

They are ready to produce films with performers who respect the creative process. The goal is to put talented people together and discover the magic that happens when writing, acting, camera, lighting, sound, and talent all work in the same direction.

As former dancers, show producers, and special event coordinators, Dr. TJ and Dr. Wendy bring a creative edge to their storytelling and narrative style. As Communication PhDs with master’s and undergrads spanning communication disciplines, they balance experience in media, television, and streaming with research. They have designed and taught classes for independent film, social media, media, and traditional communication career curricula.

As dance performers, they choreographed and appeared on Food Network’s “Bama Glama.” Also, they were a two-time producer-invited audition on America’s Got Talent, performed on a Speed Network show, and were part of six network-television reality-show pilots. They choreographed for regional musical theater, produced 25 professional variety shows, created/directed two professional national-level competitions, served as live media directors for national dance competitions, made over 100 Birmingham-area performances, and produced entertainment for corporate clients.

TJ and Wendy helped cast and performed for the education-based dance entertainment “Funiki Jam” Off-Broadway road show for Birmingham-area schools. They produced multimedia live dance entertainment events for Macy’s, MAC Cosmetics, Superior Bank, McWane Science Center, Hoover Galleria, Rave Theaters, Three Hots and Cot, military veterans, and Carmike Theaters. They have directed hundreds of dancers and performers across their events for live, social media, and televised events.

As emcees, they have worked in multimedia for high school sports events and professional wrestling. They volunteered with high school wrestling as coaches and event coordinators and created the Alabama Girls Wrestling Alliance, which advocates for the sanctioning of girls’ high school wrestling.

Also, they have served as entertainment Emcees and moderators at celebrity Comic Cons. They have served as judges, teaching professionals, and guest performers for dance events across the country. For her volunteer work, Wendy received an honorary Carolina Girl award. TJ and Wendy were named lifetime members of the Jr SOS Carolina Shag dance community.

Throughout their academic careers, TJ and Wendy teach at colleges nationwide, producing virtual classes from WJTZ Media Studios in Hoover, Alabama. They teach classes in communication theory, workplace communication, film, social media, and business communication. TJ draws from his MBA/Fortune 500 experience as a sales manager, and Wendy as an entrepreneur and business owner. They specialize in connecting practical and theoretical applications to their classes.

Together, TJ and Wendy bring their performance and production background into their film production. Having both education and practical industry experience provides them with a unique perspective for production and management.

TJ has been involved in media and production since the early 1990s, including television experience during high school and college. During high school, he did media productions for the Hoover City Council, Hoover Theater, Hoover Football, and Hoover High School. He earned his undergraduate degree in Telecommunications and Film from the University of Alabama, with a deep study of cinema history and a minor in English. During undergrad, he hosted three student-run talk shows on WVUA and helped produce the student-run news.

He also has graduate degrees in communication, business, and leadership and was a former Fortune 500 PR/sales manager. He has produced three documentaries, corporate media internal productions, educational material for schools, and multiple community social media promotional productions.

Wendy brings a background in theater, performance, communications, writing, and production, and is currently pursuing an MFA in Script and Screenwriting. She has experience as a traditionally trained stage actress, in theater makeup, and in set design. Wendy was featured in main, ensemble, and supporting roles at Joe Jefferson Playhouse in Mobile, Alabama. She also has a background as a traditional studio dancer in ballet, tap, jazz, and hip hop.

She coached and choreographed for high school dance teams when she owned Rhythm N Motion dance studio. She also judged pageants and show choirs in the local area. Dr. Wendy is also the current reigning Miss Doctorate Deep South pageant winner.

They are now bringing that combined experience behind the camera through WJTZ Films, developing and producing independent stories with strong connections to Alabama.

What We Do:

WJTZ Films was founded to create opportunities for independent filmmaking in Birmingham and to produce story-driven movies with heart, purpose, and entertainment value.

As a self-funded independent production company, TJ and Wendy are building their own filmmaking operation around creative freedom—developing original stories while creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers, actors, actresses, crew members, and others who love the movie-making process. WJTZ eliminates the need for financiers to greenlight projects, corporate oversight, or funds to become available. Developing original intellectual property also removes barriers. Subscriptions to sites such as Artlist also allow for music and image rights to be used when needed. All legal rights and releases are followed.

WJTZ owns its production equipment, including multiple digital cinema cameras, professional sound and microphones, modern LED and traditional tungsten lighting, and a distinctive collection of vintage German, Russian, and Japanese lenses.

The goal is to combine today’s filmmaking technology with traditional cinematic techniques to create images with character rather than simply following the latest production trends. Also, WJTZ removes the barriers to crowdfunding and the need for financing. WJTZ funds its own productions. Films are made through networking and community involvement, following a community theater model.

WJTZ works to tell compelling, character-driven narratives with a throwback to film. They use extended two- and three-person shots that showcase dialogue, allowing actors to portray emotion and character, and embrace theatrical styles. The production style and equipment lend themselves to boutique, micro-independent cinema compared to national, corporate productions. Producing Art-House stylings takes advantage of lost arts from yesterday’s film techniques that have been lost on the digital generation.

Content Styles

Content can range from family-friendly to mature. WJTZ does NOT and will NOT produce any films with questionable themes, extreme graphic detail, or highly explicit content. Film ratings can range from PG to R, depending on language and themes. Just as with any local community theater, movie in a neighborhood cinema, or on a streaming site, projects can vary.

Commitment to the Production

Accepting a role means accepting a responsibility to the entire production. We expect talent to arrive prepared, know their material, take direction, support their fellow performers, and place the needs of the scene and story ahead of individual attention. Film is collaborative; no role exists in isolation. Actors are encouraged to contribute creatively and discuss their characters with the directors; however, final decisions regarding the script, character direction, dialogue, staging, filming, editing, and finished production remain with WJTZ and the production’s directors/producers.

Once production begins, cast members are expected to honor their commitment and work through normal creative challenges professionally rather than allowing personal disagreements, competition, or individual recognition to jeopardize a scene, another performer, or the completion of the film. Flexibility is a must for independent film because scenes and/or dialogue can shift due to performances, scheduling, weather, or other variables. As with any film, rewrites during production are common and expected.

TJ and Wendy want to make independent movies while building a creative environment where established professionals can work alongside the next generation of Alabama filmmakers and performers. The artistic film community can have a voice to network, create, and gain experience while working their regular full-time careers, balancing family, etc.

Films are produced for film festivals and potential streaming opportunities. Niche audiences are the goal, and films are not meant to be mainstream blockbusters. True independent filmmaking is about gritty storytelling that Hollywood studios no longer produce. Major Hollywood studios and midsize production houses are profit-driven and concerned about return on investment.

WJTZ can take its time to cultivate the right indie stories through the entire process. From the spec script to the final edits, the process does take time. The post-production editing by WJTZ is the longest part of the process. There can be considerable time between shooting dates and the movie release to allow for post-production. Performers should not expect an immediate flip after filming to a finished product. Originally trained in traditional linear editing (1992), Dr. TJ Zito, as the editor on DaVinci Resolve, can eliminate costs, continue the story, and understand the context of all captured shots. A one-stop shop allows for consistency in editing, where, as some say, the last rewrite takes place!

Why Self-Funded Model Matters for True Indie Art-House Styles

Because WJTZ is self-funded and independently operated, creative decisions can prioritize character, performance, and niche audiences without the commercial pressures associated with larger productions. The spirit of independent film allows producers like WJTZ the freedom to tell stories for specific audiences without designing every creative decision around mainstream expectations. Any film that achieves financial success after covering expenses is compensated on a back-end basis according to contracted criteria. Credits on IMDb are for all productions, and reels are available by request after post-production.

Dr. TJ and Wendy Zito’s first production is the IMDb-listed feature Wrestling for Hope (2027 Post-Production Status). The story centers on a young wrestler who moves to Alabama and helps build the school’s girls’ wrestling team.

TJ and Wendy served as location scouts, producers, and on-camera talent for the Alabama-connected sports feature Grace by Night (2024). Their WJTZ-produced developing slate on IMDb includes The Reset Experiment, Prior Authorization Denied, and Shuttered Future.

Their son, Jay Zito, is continuing the family’s creative and production tradition as a film student at the University of Alabama, majoring in Creative Media. His background includes theater stagecraft, behind-the-scenes lighting, and special-event decorating and design, including experience working with former Food Network personality Scot Wedgeworth.

Jay joined the production of Wrestling for Hope in multiple capacities, working behind the camera, assisting with the set and production, and appearing on screen in a supporting acting role.

His growing experience in both the technical and creative sides of filmmaking represents the next generation of WJTZ Films. He has plans for student productions and writing/directing his own productions.

TJ and Wendy Zito seek official permits and network with the Film Birmingham group.

WJTZ Media follows Film Birmingham’s directives and applies for all permits and permissions for our productions. WJTZ is also an official LLC within the state of Alabama and is fully insured. Arts and Athletics Alliance exists as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization recognized by the IRS for WJTZ Media community projects, grant-based work, and charity work.

Who We Are Looking For:

We’re building a network of actors, filmmakers, performers, technicians, and creative people who want to make independent movies. Some may bring years of professional experience; others may be developing their craft. What matters most is talent, reliability, creativity, and a genuine desire to contribute.

We like to cultivate talent and discover new performers in the area. Talent is a must, but film or stage experience is not a requirement. Although these are terrific experiences, we will work to train the right people. Newer, less experienced talent may not get the lead role, but they can still find opportunities to work and learn.

There are NO FEES and NO Hidden COSTS.

WJTZ produces micro-budget, zero-Hollywood, performance-driven indie projects. The focus is on the story, the performance, and the craft. There are no big trucks, no trailers, no catering trucks, no pomp and circumstance—just long dialogue days, hard work, and raw character exploration. People involved must love the process and embrace indie film.

The independent process embraces flexibility, operates differently than the Hollywood standard, and does not concern itself with professional status. There is no promise of upfront compensation, financial return, “making it big,” or celebrity status. Any project-specific compensation or back-end participation will be defined in the applicable agreement. The story and the group effort embrace the community theater model where everyone brings their talent and works for the good of the product.

Expectations of Talent

WJTZ welcomes performers at different stages of experience, but independent filmmaking does not mean lowering our expectations. We seek actors who arrive prepared, know their material, are reliable, take direction, respect fellow cast and crew, and are willing to explore their characters.

Because our films may feature extended dialogue scenes and longer takes, performers should be able to listen, react, maintain continuity, and sustain a believable performance. We do not expect perfection—we do expect preparation, effort, collaboration, and respect for the work. Each project has a 1099 independent contractor agreement that outlines personal release, imagery, use, and expectations.

Casting in a production does not guarantee a specific amount of dialogue, screen time, individual scenes, or prominence within the finished film. Roles serve the story, and scenes, dialogue, character emphasis, and screen time may evolve during production and editing as necessary for the film.

When and Where Do We Shoot

Everyone has regular jobs, school, family, etc. We try to balance schedules and work with each scene based on talent availability. Talent must be available to shoot and be prepared to provide a workable, realistic schedule. Weekends, evenings, nights, etc., are regular dates, but some talent available at other times can sometimes work on day shoots. When accepting a production date, talent should plan for the full agreed-upon production window rather than only the estimated time of their individual scene. Filming may run ahead of or behind schedule as scenes, performances, lighting, sound, locations, and other production needs develop.

Talent must realistically look at their time and ability to commit. Smaller roles may be more appropriate for some talent because they have less time commitments for shooting. Overcommitting and overestimating time can create difficulty for the entire cast when scheduling. Films can vary in the number of shoots, the filming duration, and the overall production timeline. Work to find the role that fits your time-commitment ability better than the one you wish you could play. WJTZ will respect people’s outside responsibilities by asking for realistic availability. In return, once someone gives WJTZ an availability window and commits to it, WJTZ expects that time to be genuinely available for the production.

Locations are in the Birmingham area with proper permits and location releases. Because WJTZ does not own the locations, some times and dates determined by the locations have less flexibility. Talent must be willing to work with the other talent involved and with WJTZ, and be at locations ready to work. Much like community theater, major shooting days cannot guarantee appointment times for individual scenes. There are too many variables in the film process to guarantee exact come-and-go appointment times. The film is a commitment.

In return, collaborators should expect WJTZ to take the creative process seriously. We work to provide organized productions, clearly defined roles, prepared scripts and scenes, professional production equipment, appropriate locations and permissions, and an environment that respects the performer and the creative process. We cannot promise where a film will ultimately go, but we can promise that our goal is to make the strongest film possible with the people who choose to make it with us.

Growing With WJTZ

We hope to build lasting creative relationships. A role in one production does not guarantee casting in another. Still, actors and collaborators who demonstrate talent, preparation, reliability, creativity, and a positive commitment to the production process may be considered for future WJTZ projects. As our film slate grows, we hope our community of performers and filmmakers grows with it.

Fill out the contact form below to connect and network with WJTZ.

Keep scrolling for the Wrestling For Hope movie teaser and Dr. TJ Zito, Jr on IMDb.

Click the Pic or Here for Dr. TJ Zito, Jr.- T.J. Zito – IMDb

Our process for finding talent is different and more intentional than a cattle-call-style audition. We want to find the right people who believe in our process, connect to our roles, and have a passion for performing. We offer performers opportunities to develop meaningful on-camera experience and contribute to character-driven scenes, rather than limiting participation to non-speaking extra roles in major productions. We will return emails and phone calls for all applicants for in-front-of-camera or behind-the-camera opportunities. Also, we allow people to help behind the scenes if they have the interest or skills. There are no fees, hidden costs, or application fees. We are looking for people who love to perform and are hungry for opportunities.

By submitting your information to WJTZ, you confirm that you have read, understand, and are willing to work within the expectations, commitments, scheduling requirements, and production process described above.

Our process includes:

1. Contact Form: Learning about you with a resume and headshots

2. A short, YouTube unlisted video telling us:

Who you are and a little about yourself

Why you are interested in WJTZ Media

What interests you about independent film

What areas of filmmaking, acting, production, or media interest you most

Your favorite movie and why

Your favorite movie character and why

What you would like to learn, experience, or contribute by working with WJTZ Media