More Zap clients Richard Zelniker and Callie Nguyen Zelniker create new film “The Vortex”

An Interview with Filmmakers of “The Vortex”, Richard Zelniker and Callie Nguyen Zelniker and their talent & literary manager, Michelle Zeitlin, President of More Zap Productions & Management.

Richard Zelniker and Callie Nguyen Zelniker discuss the making of their film 'The Vortex', and in preparing for the LA Industry Premiere of the full length film (it was originally a short film) February 10th, 2025, they discuss the movie, its genesis and their process. 

Richard, who co-wrote the script with Steven Barr and directed, and his wife and business partner, Callie, explore the film’s origins, the thematic elements tied to Las Vegas, and their collaborative process as a married couple in the film industry. Richard shares insights into the film's genesis, and how he was inspired by a writing student and the historical context of the film— the MGM Grand fire. Timely, as Los Angeles just collectively experienced a fire storm of its own, and devastation has been felt in communities and neighborhoods throughout LA and by extension, Hollywood.

The Zelnikers also delve into the significance of storytelling in cinema and their aspirations for future projects together. “The film explores the karmic relationship between indigenous people and historical events.” Emily Alabi plays the indigenous woman who prophetically sees the future of Billy’s character, a compulsive gambler who plays the slots. Richard was also drawn to the broken characters in Las Vegas.  “Las Vegas becomes a character in the movie,” in as much as we see only a few locations which also brings an almost claustrophobic feeling to the interiors. 

“Callie has made me a much better writer,” says Richard. Callie echoes and says she tends to be objective in business, even though they are partners in life. She confirms that she’s learned so many things since working with Richard on this film, outside of the expertise she already had in branding and marketing while working at Disney, and her own narrative writing voice. “You have so many jobs on a set,” says Callie with a laugh. She says she couldn’t stop and ask questions, and that executive decisions are made on the fly sometimes. But it’s in the minutia and the line producing that you discover you get anything done, she summarizes.

Richard has a long time friendship with the star of the film, Billy Gardell, who besides losing 176 lbs and becoming more mindful about his health and wellness, also wanted to get back to doing standup comedy after years of successful TV situational comedies. IN The Vortex, Billy plays a standup comic and there’s a pathos to his role. Richard says he thinks the character that Billy portrays in his movie is a fully fleshed out character. 

Billy tweeted: THE VORTEX!! This is a cool little indie movie I did. I hope you’ll check it out! It’s a limited run in a few cities, if it’s local to you, grab tix and popcorn, I think you will enjoy it! Thanks for the consideration. Billy Gardell @BillyGardell 

Callie and Richard

Zelniker

Richard Zelniker:

I am a storyteller first and so I write and direct in the medium of film and television to connect people together. Film stories connect us through a common humanity and passion. Filmmaking is an opportunity for me to share a craving for connection we all long for.

Callie Nguyen Zelniker:

Why do I write? Because I can't NOT write. It's the essence of my being. Characters speak to me. I love unraveling their stories, building their worlds, connecting them to each other. The imagination is boundless. To me, there is nothing more invigorating than creating, writing.

Since Richard is used to doing shorts and Indies, he finds he moves very quickly and often can feel encumbered if others aren’t moving at his pace. He says “The team that I surrounded myself with… and also quite honestly, the tenacity, the ferocity, that expression of you just don't say no and you get it done no matter what kind of attitude, kind of spirit. And we got it done no matter what.”

“And we have a really cool little movie on our hands now,” says Richard with great pride.  “And that has a lot to do with my wife, Callie, who put up with my shenanigans and put up with my intensity seven days a week.”

The top notch ensemble of versatile thespians, including many actors who have known Richard for years, would confirm that Richard “has a way with actors.” When he’s on the set, as attested by Emily Alabi who plays the indigenous character who sees Billy Gardell’s destiny in the film, “he brings out each unique performance.“

The cast of The Vortex also includes Jaina Lee Ortiz (Station 19), Jamie McShane (Wednesday), Azita Ghanizada (Suits: L.A.), Emily Alabi (FBI), Nick Gomez (Fargo) and Christopher Titus (Titus).

Pictured: Michelle Zeitlin (white jacket), Callie Nguyen-Zelniker (pink top), Richard Zelniker (hat) and Billy Gardell (white sweater