WJTZ Films

Independent Film Producers

Dr. TJ Zito, Jr. and Dr. Wendy Zito bring decades of media, entertainment, performance, and live-production experience to independent filmmaking in Alabama.

TJ has been involved in media and production since the early 1990s, including television experience during college and earning his undergraduate degree in Telecommunications and Film from the University of Alabama before later completing graduate degrees in communication, business, and leadership.

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.

Together, TJ and Wendy also spent years producing live dance and variety entertainment, while performing, teaching, judging, emceeing, and creating media at events throughout the United States; their work has included local television, national television, digital productions, and live entertainment.

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

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 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. Films are made through networking and community involvement, following a community theater model.

Ultimately, WJTZ Films is about bringing more entertainment and filmmaking opportunities to the Magic City.

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. The goal is to provide entertainment and create new opportunities for Birmingham.

Their IMDb-listed feature Wrestling for Hope (2027 Post Production Status) has TJ credited as co-director and producer, and Wendy as co-creator and producer; the story centers on a young wrestler who moves to Alabama and helps build the school’s girls’ wrestling team.

Both are also credited by IMDb as co-producers of the Alabama-connected sports feature Grace by Night (2024). Their developing slate 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/direction his own productions.

We want to build a team of talented people interested in learning and partipcating with independent film. Whether you want to participate in front or behind the camera, we would love to learn more about you!