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Projects
The Brothers Costa: An Oral History of Love, Resilience, and Purpose
The Brothers Costa is a deeply human oral history film capturing an intimate conversation with Father Gabriel Costa, PhD, and Gerard Costa, PhD. Edited down from over four hours of thoughtful dialogue, the project reveals how love, resilience, and shared adversity shaped two brothers from Hoboken, New Jersey into lives of service, intellect, and compassion. Their often humor-filled stories move beyond biography to celebrate how adversity can be transformed into purpose, service, and love.
Coco's Cider Craft: From Apples to Art
In the foothills of Vermont’s Champlain Valley, Coco Dupont turns apple season into a kind of art. What begins as a simple gathering of family, friends, and fallen fruit becomes a sensory exploration of taste, patience, and process. "Coco’s Cider Craft: From Apples to Art" is a short documentary that captures her deep affection for nature, her fascination with fermentation, and her delight in transforming the ordinary into something quietly extraordinary.
Filmed over a crisp October weekend in Charlotte, Vermont, the story follows Coco through every stage of her craft—from selecting apples of every shape and pedigree, to pressing, fermenting, and tasting the final golden pour. Her narration weaves insight and humor with the tactile rhythms of work: the hum of the press, the clink of glass carboys, the steady patience of waiting for natural yeast to do its work.
What emerges is more than a portrait of homemade cider; it’s a meditation on creativity itself—how curiosity, imperfection, and persistence combine to make something both personal and shareable. The film honors the small rituals that connect us to the land and to one another: a brother lending a hand, a friend operating the press, the sweet chaos of bees and apples and laughter.
As with much of Zulakis Creative’s documentary work, "Coco’s Cider Craft" celebrates craft as character. It reminds us that art can rise from the everyday—from the scent of ripened apples, the pulse of Vermont’s autumn light, and the ancient, bubbling music of transformation.
Filmed over a crisp October weekend in Charlotte, Vermont, the story follows Coco through every stage of her craft—from selecting apples of every shape and pedigree, to pressing, fermenting, and tasting the final golden pour. Her narration weaves insight and humor with the tactile rhythms of work: the hum of the press, the clink of glass carboys, the steady patience of waiting for natural yeast to do its work.
What emerges is more than a portrait of homemade cider; it’s a meditation on creativity itself—how curiosity, imperfection, and persistence combine to make something both personal and shareable. The film honors the small rituals that connect us to the land and to one another: a brother lending a hand, a friend operating the press, the sweet chaos of bees and apples and laughter.
As with much of Zulakis Creative’s documentary work, "Coco’s Cider Craft" celebrates craft as character. It reminds us that art can rise from the everyday—from the scent of ripened apples, the pulse of Vermont’s autumn light, and the ancient, bubbling music of transformation.
Oscar Party Videos
For years, we threw an annual Oscar bash that became a red carpet tradition among friends—complete with themed food, a fancy brochure, prizes for the most correct guesses of Oscar winners, and homemade video invites. We began making the videos in 2013, inspired by the silent film The Artist, and kept the tradition alive right up until the pandemic. One legendary party even caught the attention of The Bergen Record, which featured photos and a video by Pulitzer Prize-winner Thomas E. Franklin. He captured us in our glory, proudly presenting a tray of “Life of Pot Pies”—a savory spoof on Life of Pi—recipe and all.
Website for Ballet Costume Designer Holly Hynes
Welcome to the captivating world of internationally acclaimed and award-winning costume designer Holly Hynes. We've updated her vast portfolio using a Content Management System that allows visitors to drill into each of her over 350 projects over her long career.
Extraordinary website showcases an extensive array of Ms. Hynes' illustrious designs, alongside valuable information on consulting companies specialized in recreating ballets by esteemed choreographers such as Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, faithfully based on their original designs. Delve deeper into Ms. Hynes' artistic journey as she shares her design process, research endeavors, and sources of inspiration through captivating video content. Engage with the mesmerizing media page, featuring numerous videos highlighting Ms. Hynes herself or her exquisite costumes. And don't miss the comprehensive press page, presenting her current biography and stunning headshots. Experience the brilliance of Holly Hynes' visionary artistry through this meticulously crafted website design.
Extraordinary website showcases an extensive array of Ms. Hynes' illustrious designs, alongside valuable information on consulting companies specialized in recreating ballets by esteemed choreographers such as Balanchine and Jerome Robbins, faithfully based on their original designs. Delve deeper into Ms. Hynes' artistic journey as she shares her design process, research endeavors, and sources of inspiration through captivating video content. Engage with the mesmerizing media page, featuring numerous videos highlighting Ms. Hynes herself or her exquisite costumes. And don't miss the comprehensive press page, presenting her current biography and stunning headshots. Experience the brilliance of Holly Hynes' visionary artistry through this meticulously crafted website design.
Richard Lerner Photography
Our recent project with Richard Lerner Photography features stunning sculptural glass pieces named "Glass Reflections." They are created from intricate and colorful abstracted photos, mounted on curved glass and then onto stone bases. Vibrant in color and rich in detail, our video showcases these exquisite pieces up close, highlighting the beauty, color and intricacy of each design. Experience the artistry and creativity of Richard Lerner Photography brought to life through our lens at Zulakis Creative.
Music, Mineko, and Me
The documentary film traces Michael J. Hinton's extraordinary 40+ year odyssey, from discovering his musical passion at age three to becoming a renowned percussionist. Along his journey, he forms a deep connection with Mineko Yajima, a gifted violinist, and builds a family rooted in romantic and musical harmony. From encounters with legends like Louis Armstrong and Buddy Rich to collaborations with The Grateful Dead and The Jefferson Airplane, Michael's story is a tapestry of musical milestones. His educational pursuits at institutions like the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Juilliard add depth to his narrative, as does his journey from busking on Broadway sidewalks to composing and performing the percussive soundtrack of Francis Ford Coppola's "Apocalypse Now." With anecdotes spanning from playing many top Broadway shows and his on-screen appearance in the film "All That Jazz" to extensive touring with Liza Minnelli, Michael's life unfolds as a vibrant symphony of passion, talent, and devotion.
Alainvaes.com Website
We are excited to introduce the launch of Alainvaes.com. This website represents our second collaboration with the talented artist, painter, illustrator, and designer Alain Vaës. Alain's portfolio website is loaded with many of his recent paintings, illustrations, and designs, including the Imagination Chamber, a series of surreal paintings of toy-like, colorful, bio-mechanical creatures intertwined. He renders these paintings with his precise and detailed technique. Alain also shares gorgeous watercolors, beautifully rendered animals and ballet scenic designs.
Artist Alain Vaës - In the Studio - New Painting "Abyssmal" 2024
We dropped in on artist Alain Vaës's studio as he added the finishing touches to his new surrealist underwater painting named "Abyssmal." Acrylic on canvas. 60x48 inches. 2024.
The Hoboken Life and Times of Joe Bonito
At ZULAKIS CREATIVE, we've completed something truly extraordinary— a video oral history that showcases the remarkable journey of a distinguished man, Joe Bonito hailing from the vibrant streets of Hoboken, New Jersey. Joe grew up in a close-knit, sprawling family with the backdrop of the classic square mile, where Frank Sinatra's melodies and the spirit of baseball filled the air. Before our protagonist moved away from the East Coast, he shared this rich, captivating story with a walk-through tour of his beloved hometown as a legacy for himself, his family, and the world.
Frank Dapuzzo Acting Reels
Our latest project features actor and hip-hop personality Frank Dapuzzo, highlighting his versatility across film, music videos, and stage performances. Dive into his compelling roles, dynamic hip-hop presence, and a riveting excerpt from the play "Faith Healer." Frank's outstanding songwriting, musicianship, and vocal prowess add another layer of depth to his reels.
At Zulakis Creative, we specialize in crafting powerful actors' reels that showcase your unique strengths and elevate your career. Whether you're an actor, musician, or multi-talented artist, we'll help you make a lasting impression. Explore our work and discover how we can bring your artistry to life.
At Zulakis Creative, we specialize in crafting powerful actors' reels that showcase your unique strengths and elevate your career. Whether you're an actor, musician, or multi-talented artist, we'll help you make a lasting impression. Explore our work and discover how we can bring your artistry to life.
The Presbyterian Church in Leonia Jazz Jam
Introducing "Jazz Jam," a video recorded in February 2024 showcasing a group of musicians including Michael J. Hinton, former professional percussionist and director of the Jazz Jam at the Presbyterian Church of Leonia. The video was created to support a video oral history of Michael's professional career, showcasing his talent and contributions to the jazz, film, and Broadway communities.
Dr. Gerard Costa Website
Introducing the recent project to design Dr. Gerard Costa's Website. Dr. Costa is a distinguished, nationally known and respected early childhood psychologist. The website features testimonials from several colleagues, videos of Dr. Costa's eloquent presentations and thoughts on the importance of relationships. His resume and associations are also featured. The site is colorful and warm like the man himself, showcasing his expertise and impact in the field.
A Nutcracker Christmas Tree
Introducing A Nutcracker Christmas Tree, the latest personal project by the Zulakis household. This year, their Christmas tree is adorned with beautiful Nutcracker-themed decorations, but there is also a subtle underlying theme that adds an extra layer of intrigue. Can you guess what it is?
Histories - A Mother's Oral History
This marked the inception of our inaugural oral history endeavor – a heartfelt tribute to our beloved mother, Athenoula. Her narratives, etched vividly in my memory since childhood, have always been a tapestry of rich and intricate details. Armed with cameras and an unwavering commitment, we embarked on a journey to capture her life story.
As we sat down with her, our mission was clear: to start at the very beginning, tracing the contours of her earliest memories. Yet, it was her recollections of the harrowing Nazi occupation of Greece during World War II that proved particularly captivating. In the end, our collective effort yielded a series of four 45-minute videos, each a chapter in her remarkable tale: "Childhood," "Surviving WWII," "War Bride," and "A New Life and Home."
As we sat down with her, our mission was clear: to start at the very beginning, tracing the contours of her earliest memories. Yet, it was her recollections of the harrowing Nazi occupation of Greece during World War II that proved particularly captivating. In the end, our collective effort yielded a series of four 45-minute videos, each a chapter in her remarkable tale: "Childhood," "Surviving WWII," "War Bride," and "A New Life and Home."
My Day with Bob Dylan
In 1975, after performing at Gerdie's Folk City in Greenwich Village, NYC, Frank Dapuzzo found himself at a stoplight on the corner of LaGuardia Place and 3rd Street. There, he spotted a disheveled man, none other than Bob Dylan, the "generation poet." Frank rolled down his window and introduced himself, marking the beginning of a captivating day and night with the iconic musician.
Frank's personal account revisits the locations of their eventful day and night: the bars they frequented, their conversations, the streets they strolled, the intriguing characters they encountered, the music they played, and the fleeting friendship they forged on that warm summer day in Greenwich Village.
The accompanying soundtrack showcases Frank's recent recording of Dylan's legendary classic, "Positively 4th Street." Special thanks go to the talented lyricist and songwriting partner, June Baxter, for her photograph capturing Frank at the piano just before the end credits.
Frank's personal account revisits the locations of their eventful day and night: the bars they frequented, their conversations, the streets they strolled, the intriguing characters they encountered, the music they played, and the fleeting friendship they forged on that warm summer day in Greenwich Village.
The accompanying soundtrack showcases Frank's recent recording of Dylan's legendary classic, "Positively 4th Street." Special thanks go to the talented lyricist and songwriting partner, June Baxter, for her photograph capturing Frank at the piano just before the end credits.
Werner Place
Introducing Werner Place, a recent project born out of neighborly friendship and love for filmmaking. This sci-fi comedy movie helped us get over the pandemic, as we worked together to bring our creative vision to life. After brainstorming various ideas, we took charge and created a project that truly reflected and magnified our quirky personalities. So much fun!
Behind the Scenes with Holly Hynes - Videos
Award-winning international ballet costume designer shares her design process behind the scenes in these three short videos presented on her website. Hear her discuss how she becomes inspired, the importance of good research, and hear her comment on a visit to a museum to see costumes from the "Downton Abby" British television series.
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