We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zoe Esser a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Zoe , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I think I first found my purpose when I realized that what I loved most about production wasn’t just creating something beautiful, it was being part of something bigger than myself.
I’ve been drawn to storytelling since I was twelve, when I joined the Mayor’s Youth Task Force in my hometown of South Saint Paul. We ended up filling a half-hour gap on the local TV station with a youth-led show, and I was instantly hooked. That little spark, the blend of creativity, collaboration, and community, never left me.
Years later, I landed my dream job as an Associate Producer and Studio Manager at a production and post house in Minneapolis. It really did feel like a dream: my values aligned with the company, I worked on incredible projects with amazing people, and I was surrounded by mentors who constantly pushed me to grow. It taught me what it meant to be trusted, to lead, and to serve others behind the scenes.
Leaving that chapter was hard, but it reminded me that purpose isn’t a single destination. It’s something that evolves as you do. My purpose used to be about proving myself, about showing I belonged in an industry I loved. Now, it’s more about balance, helping others, and being present wherever I can add value — whether that’s producing a commercial, supporting a crew, or just making someone’s job a little easier that day.
Right now, I’m freelancing, connecting with like-minded people, and staying open to what’s next. I may not have my next “dream job” figured out yet, but I’ve learned that sometimes your purpose isn’t something you find, it’s something you build, piece by piece, through the work you do and the people you meet along the way.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Right now, I wear a few different hats in the production world from line and associate producing to production management and coordination. I love the mix because every project brings something new to learn and someone new to collaborate with. Whether it’s a large commercial shoot or a small branded piece, I’m drawn to the energy of bringing people and ideas together to make something special.
The moments that make me feel most alive in the filmmaking world are when a crew clicks on my sets. When the team you carefully built comes together and exceeds expectations, and you can just feel that collective spark on set. There’s nothing better than a happy, motivated crew.
I also get a lot of joy out of mentoring younger filmmakers. I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who took the time to guide me when I was starting out, and now I love being able to pass that forward. Even small bits of guidance can make a big difference for someone finding their footing.
People often describe my approach to producing as calm in chaos, detail-oriented, kind, and creative which I think sums up how I like to work: with intention, care, and a lot of optimism.
Outside of my freelance work, I’m a chair on the EDU Film Festival Board, a Minnesota-based festival for youth ages 10–18. It’s an amazing space for first-time filmmakers to share their work, connect with peers, and learn from professionals in the industry. It’s something I’m really proud to be a part of, because it helps nurture the next generation of storytellers. For anyone interested, you can learn more or get involved at edufilmfestival.org or on socials @edufilmfestival.
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?
Looking back, I think the three qualities that have made the biggest difference in my journey are adaptability, relationship-building, and curiosity.
Adaptability has been everything. In production, no two days are the same. Things change fast, and how you respond often determines how the whole team feels. Learning to stay calm in chaos and pivot with a plan has served me well both on set and in life. My advice for developing that skill is simple: put yourself in situations that challenge you, and don’t be afraid to fail a few times. Every unexpected moment is a lesson in disguise.
Relationship-building is another one. So much of this industry runs on trust, kindness, and follow-through. The way you treat people on your worst day matters just as much as how you treat them on your best. Building genuine relationships, not transactional ones, has opened more doors for me than any résumé line ever could. If you’re just starting out, show up, do the work well, and take time to really get to know people.
And finally, curiosity. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you stop growing. I’ve learned to ask questions, shadow departments outside my own, and keep learning from everyone around me. The more you understand the whole process, the stronger a producer you become.
If I could sum it up: stay flexible, stay kind, and stay curious. The rest will follow.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
Two people come to mind immediately when I think about who’s helped shape my career: Patrick S. and Tony A.
Patrick was my boss during what I’d call my “dream job” chapter, and he taught me so much about what it means to work in this industry with both grit and heart. He showed me the ropes, introduced me to clients and collaborators, and helped me understand not just what production is, but why it matters. Patrick had this ability to believe in me even before I believed in myself and that kind of support changes the way you see your own potential. He pushed me to strive for better, stay patient, and stay true to the mission behind the work. He’s still a mentor and friend, and I’m grateful every day for that.
The other person is my college film professor, Tony A. Tony taught me early on that perspective changes everything and that even the toughest moments can become opportunities to learn if you approach them with curiosity and kindness. His words, “never give up,” sound simple, but they’ve guided me through some of the hardest transitions in my career.
Together, they’ve shaped how I show up in this industry: with resilience, openness, and heart. I wouldn’t be the producer I am today without mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and modeled the kind of integrity I hope to carry forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @zoe_esser
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zoe-esser-72753311a
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