Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Eric Ziech. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Eric, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
I’d say a lot of my optimism comes from life experience and how I was raised. I’ve learned that every setback carries some sort of a lesson, and focusing on solutions rather than problems keeps me forward-thinking. A positive mindset not only helps you stay resilient, but also brings energy and encouragement to those around you. And honestly, I’ve never seen much upside in being pessimistic—it doesn’t solve anything, it just makes the weight feel heavier. Also… Ive probably watched one too many underdog movies growing up.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a founding partner and talent manager at Untamed Artists LA — a boutique management company built to champion bold, authentic voices in film and television.
I studied Digital Cinema and Production at DePaul University in Chicago, then moved to Los Angeles in 2019 and started out freelancing in the industry. Eventually, I found my calling in talent management. I got my start as an assistant to a top-tier manager representing A-list talent, where I really learned the ropes and developed a deep respect for the business and the artists within it.
In 2023, in the middle of the actor and writer strikes, I decided it was time to build something new. That’s when I co-founded Untamed Artists LA with six other brilliant creatives and kind human beings. We all share a passion for representing talent — actors, writers, and directors who challenge convention and bring authenticity to every project.
We take a hands-on approach and are deeply committed to career-building. Whether it’s guiding a rising actor toward their breakout role or helping a writer bring their vision from pitch to production, I lead with optimism, tenacity, and a genuine love for storytelling.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
For me & the entertainment business: Adaptability, Relationship-building, and Understanding the long game.
Starting as a freelancer and later becoming an assistant during a volatile time in the industry taught me how to pivot quickly and stay calm in uncertainty. The entertainment world is constantly shifting — COVID, strikes, mergers, trends — and being able to adapt without losing momentum has been key.
I’ve also learned that true career-building — for yourself or a client — takes time and a lot of patience. It’s not about the quick win; it’s about sustainable momentum. You have to trust the process.
Say yes to opportunities, even if they feel outside your comfort zone. And be someone people want to work with — be kind, follow through, and stay genuinely curious about others. You don’t need to “network” in the traditional sense — just show up, be consistent, and be real.
And don’t get discouraged if things don’t pop overnight. Build smart habits, and keep moving forward even when it’s quiet. Progress is usually much more subtle than you think… until it isn’t.
All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?
Right now, the biggest challenge we’re all facing is the industry slowdown — fewer projects in development, delayed greenlights, and more competition for fewer roles. It’s impacted everyone across the board — actors, writers, reps — and it’s forced a major shift in how we operate.
At Untamed, we’ve been navigating this by leaning into creativity and collaboration. We’re focusing heavily on proactive career-building rather than waiting for opportunities to come in. That means helping clients package their own work, exploring indie projects, building relationships with emerging filmmakers, and leaning into new spaces like voiceover, unscripted, or international work. We’re not afraid to turn over every stone — our goal is to keep laying bricks, even when the momentum feels slow.
It’s definitely been challenging, but it’s also sharpened us. We’ve taken advantage of the “downtime” to grow the company and solidify the Untamed name within the industry — and I truly believe that work is going to pay off in a big way when the wheels start turning again.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.untamedartistsla.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericziech
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/untamedartistsla
Image Credits
Main photo of me was taken by Vince Griff.
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
