Zac Zavala
/ Senior Project Manager / Producer — AR, Emerging Tech & Creative Production
/ ABOUT
I build and scale creative programs that sit at the center of culture and technology—leading cross-functional teams, shaping storytelling strategy, and delivering experiences that move audiences and strengthen brand impact. I thrive where creativity, innovation, and execution meet.
With more than a decade of experience at the intersection of entertainment, technology, and creative production, I bring a proven ability to lead high-visibility initiatives from vision to execution. My work spans immersive content development, strategic partnerships, and emerging technology integration for some of the world’s most innovative brands.
I’m an award-winning Senior Project Manager known for earning trust quickly, navigating high-stakes environments, and managing confidential and complex partnerships with precision and care. At Snap Inc., I led partnerships and content production for Snapchat Cam and other flagship initiatives, collaborating with creators, brands, and agencies to bring ambitious, immersive projects to life. My strength lies in guiding multi-disciplinary teams, optimizing workflows, and using real-time insights to deliver consistently exceptional work.
A collaborative problem-solver with a passion for storytelling and technology, I’m driven by opportunities that push creative boundaries and shape the future of media experiences.
/ LIVE EVENTS & AR EXPERIENCES
This work centers on delivering immersive experiences at the intersection of technology, entertainment, and culture. At Snap, Zac Zavala project-managed and led AR activations for marquee partners and tentpole programs — including the Live Nation x Snap festival season — producing large-scale interactive experiences across global music festivals and high-profile artist campaigns for icons like Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys, and Kygo.
Alongside work in emerging tech, there has been an eight-year contribution as part of the production team for the Academy Awards, supporting one of the most prestigious live broadcasts in entertainment. Across both innovation-driven initiatives and legacy cultural moments, the focus remains on bringing audiences closer to the experience through thoughtful storytelling, precise execution, and elevated fan engagement.
/ PARTNERSHIP CAMPAIGNS
This work spans brand partnerships, integrated campaigns, and content innovation across entertainment, sports, fashion, and culture. Early experience includes serving on the production team for Amazon Prime’s critically acclaimed series Hand of God, supporting production execution and creative coordination.
At Walt Disney Imagineering, part of the project management team under the global Marvel portfolio, helping bring Avengers Campus to life at Disneyland Resort in California and Disneyland Paris — supporting multidisciplinary teams across creative development, vendor coordination, and experience delivery for one of the most ambitious themed entertainment expansions in Disney history.
Over the past three years at Snap, leadership has centered on partnership and marketing initiatives — serving as Senior Project Manager overseeing co-branded AR experiences and cultural moments. Projects include draft Lenses for the NBA and WNBA, AR transit activations for LA Metro, and a collaboration with Bandai Namco for San Diego Comic-Con celebrating the legacy of Pac-Man. Additional campaign work includes a partnership with Nickelodeon to launch an Avatar: The Last Airbender Lens for New York Comic Con, a first-of-its-kind storytelling episodic Lens with Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, and a fashion collaboration with 3.1 Phillip Lim for NYFW — featured in Elle Magazine.
Across each partnership, the focus remains on elevating storytelling, bridging digital and physical worlds, and delivering culturally resonant experiences through thoughtful collaboration, creative problem-solving, and innovative production approaches.
/ Digital Modernization
Focused on transforming digital platforms into intuitive, story-driven experiences that elevate product value and serve both brand and audience needs. This work bridges UX strategy, content architecture, performance insights, and cross-functional collaboration to modernize legacy surfaces into scalable, future-ready systems.
Most recently, led the modernization of the Snap Spectacles website — reimagining the product narrative, refining UX flows, and aligning the platform with Snap’s evolving product vision. Partnered closely with product, design, and engineering to streamline content systems, enhance discoverability, and improve the overall storytelling experience for developers, creators, and partners exploring the future of AR hardware and software.
This work combines creative strategy with production rigor, ensuring digital touchpoints are crafted with intention, rooted in user insight, and optimized to support product maturity, brand evolution, and long-term innovation.
/ Film & Television Production
Rooted in formal training in film production at The Los Angeles Film School, this work reflects a deep foundation in cinematic storytelling, on-set operations, and creative collaboration across both scripted and live environments. Early production experience includes roles with ABC Studios and Amazon Studios, supporting production work across multiple departments. Additional film credits include working on the feature Danny Collins and supporting production at Warner Bros. Pictures on The Hangover Part III, sharpening skills in set coordination, talent operations, and fast-paced problem-solving.
This background in traditional film and television informs a holistic approach to creative leadership today and built a strong foundation in high-stakes production, cross-departmental workflows, and live-event execution at the highest level — blending narrative sensibility, production discipline, and seamless collaboration across creative, technical, and operational functions.
/ media
Media-trained and experienced in representing brands and partnership initiatives, with on-camera and on-stage appearances at industry events, interviews, and campaign launches. Comfortable communicating complex ideas, advocating for creators and partner programs, and serving as a confident brand ambassador in public-facing environments.
/ Behind-the-Scenes
This work reflects hands-on production leadership across immersive entertainment, live performance, and cause-driven storytelling. At Walt Disney Imagineering, contributed to the development of live entertainment for Avengers Campus, helping project-manage stunt workshops and talent coordination for the campus’ stunt shows. Also supported and managed live promotional shoots for Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris attractions, collaborating across creative, stunt, and production teams to bring Marvel-inspired live experiences to screen and stage.
Additional behind-the-scenes work includes producing for Marked By COVID, a nonprofit partnership with Snap, where I helped lead the creation of the first-ever COVID-19 AR Memorial, honoring lives lost through immersive digital storytelling and community-driven commemoration. Across these projects, the focus remains on thoughtful production leadership, collaborative build-through, and translating ambitious creative ideas into impactful, meaningful live and digital experiences.
/ AWARDS
2024
Entries in this medium include the creative application of Augmented Reality in a Theatrical, Television/Streaming, Gaming, or Live Entertainment advertising campaign to stimulate and immerse users on Social Media and Digital platforms.
