Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Zach Damon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Zach, thanks for joining us today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

How did you learn to do what you do?

I started young, getting involved in entertainment through public speaking and volunteer work at just 6 years old. I worked with the March of Dimes, eventually becoming a goodwill ambassador, which ignited my passion public speaking. Those early experiences gave me a strong foundation, but it was my determination and relentless pursuit of education that drove me forward. As I continued, I realized that persistence was key to navigating the challenges of the industry.

Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process?

If I could go back, I’d prioritize collaboration and mentorship much earlier. It’s easy to think that success depends solely on your own abilities, but I’ve learned that seeking help and guidance from others can make a huge difference. If I had asked for help sooner, I could have accelerated my learning by benefiting from others’ experience and expertise.

What skills do you think were most essential?

The most crucial skills for me were reading, writing, and practice. Reading about industry leaders and their journeys gave me valuable insights, but putting that knowledge into practice was even more important. Whether it was performing on stage, being in front of the camera, or learning behind-the-scenes work, the hands-on experience built my skill set. Having a versatile range of skills, especially learning the technical side of the industry, has been critical for long-term success.

What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

The biggest obstacle was my own fear—fear of asking for help and fear of not having all the answers. For a long time, I thought I had to do everything on my own to prove myself. It wasn’t until I embraced collaboration and accepted that I didn’t have to do it all alone that I really started to grow. My grandfather always told me that the two biggest obstacles to success are fear and ignorance. If you can fight through your own fears and always strive to learn more, you can have a solid compass for success.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Zach Damon is an accomplished actor, voice actor, and broadcaster with a prominent presence across the U.S. and Canada. As the founder of Zach Damon Productions, LLC, he produces diverse media content, including local TV, radio, and web-based programs. His career journey started at the age of six when he began public speaking, driven by a passion for disability advocacy. Over time, this evolved into a successful career in the entertainment industry.

His dedication to perfecting his craft through education, training, and experience sets him apart, as he emphasizes that nothing in show business is given—everything must be earned. Zach has a profound appreciation for the impact media can have, especially on social causes like disability rights, which he continues to champion. He takes pride in both his advocacy and the high-quality media content his company produces, ensuring his work consistently engages and informs audiences.

For potential clients and followers, Zach Damon is a testament to perseverance and passion, bringing authenticity and commitment to every project. His brand stands out for its dedication to quality, social impact, and fostering meaningful connections through media.

Have you ever had to pivot?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we encountered significant challenges that required a quick pivot in our business. Our flagship TV production, which was normally filmed in a professional studio with a live audience, had to be reimagined. We adapted by creating an “At Home Segment,” shifting the production to my apartment. This allowed us to continue creating content, albeit in a more informal and relaxed environment, helping to maintain a connection with our audience despite the restrictions.

Another notable pivot came during an on-location shoot that coincided with the season’s first major blizzard. On the way to the shoot, our cameraman got a flat tire just a block away from the location. In the middle of a snowstorm, we hitched a ride with a nearby construction worker, loading our gear into the back of his truck. Thanks to this improvisation, we made it to the location just in time to set up before the talent arrived. These moments highlight the importance to adapt quickly and find creative solutions in the face of unexpected challenges.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

A key mission driving my creative journey as a media maker with a disability is to demonstrate through my work that, regardless of the challenges you face, with the right education, training, and dedication, you can achieve great things, tell impactful stories, and make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://annarbortonight.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annarbortonight/?hl=en and https://www.instagram.com/zachdamon1/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A2Tonight/ and https://www.facebook.com/zach.damon.1
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachary-damon-31722124
• Twitter: https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2FA2Tonight and https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fzachdamon1
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdwNBK4Nkyb60gVBbUUUXbg/videos

Image Credits

From Zach Damon’s Personal Collection