Malibash Sports & Entertainment

In the latest episode of Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Hali Michal Zebede – an award-winning writer, producer, and creative force whose journey through Hollywood is as inspiring as it is insightful.

From working alongside Al Pacino on The Humbling, to helping shape projects in the world of scripted television, to now developing her latest film Cuba Paraiso, Hali brings a rare blend of artistic depth, industry experience, and mission-driven storytelling to the conversation. But what stood out most in our discussion wasn’t just her impressive résumé – it was her heart behind the work.

This wasn’t just a conversation about breaking into Hollywood. It was a conversation about why stories matter, how creativity survives in a noisy world, and what happens when we unplug long enough to hear ourselves think again.

Breaking Into Hollywood: Passion, Persistence, and Preparation

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode was Hali’s honest perspective on how she broke into the entertainment industry.

There was no “one perfect path.” Instead, it was a mix of courage, preparation, and showing up when opportunity called.

Hali shared how an early turning point in her career came through The Humbling, when she stepped in to help write on a project tied to Al Pacino and Barry Levinson. That opportunity became a launching pad – not because it was easy, but because she was ready when the door opened.

For aspiring writers, producers, and filmmakers, that lesson is huge:

Getting your foot in the door matters – but being ready when it opens matters even more.

She also emphasized something I think every creative needs to hear:
study the craft.
Learn from the masters. Read scripts. Understand structure. Keep writing. Keep building. Keep creating.

Talent matters. But in this industry, consistency, discipline, and passion are what keep you in the game.

TV Writing vs. Feature Films: A Whole Different Creative World

We also dug into one of my favorite parts of the conversation – the difference between feature film writing and the fast-paced world of television writing.

If you’ve ever wondered what really happens inside a TV writers’ room, Hali gave an incredible breakdown.

Unlike feature films, which can often feel like a more solitary writing experience, television is deeply collaborative. Writers are constantly pitching, problem-solving, and “breaking story” together in real time. That means quick thinking, emotional logic, and being able to create under pressure are all part of the job.

She also explained the hierarchy in a way that was super helpful for anyone trying to understand the industry:

• Staff Writer
  • Story Editor
    • Producer
      • Co-Executive Producer
        • Executive Producer
          • Showrunner

It was a great reminder that in TV, storytelling is a team sport – but leadership, vision, and creative clarity still matter at every level.

For anyone wanting to break into the business, Hali’s advice was refreshingly practical:
get in where you can.
Intern. Be a PA. Be a writer’s assistant. Learn the room. Learn the rhythm. Learn how stories get built.

That kind of behind-the-scenes insight is exactly why conversations like this matter.

What Hali Learned from Al Pacino

One of the coolest moments in our conversation was hearing Hali talk about what she learned while working with Al Pacino.

And it wasn’t just about prestige or star power – it was about process.

She shared how working with him taught her that writers and actors are often two sides of the same coin. One of the biggest lessons? Don’t be so precious about every word that you lose the magic of collaboration.

That really stuck with me.

Sometimes the best creative moments happen when you leave room for instinct, improvisation, and the truth that emerges in the moment. Whether you’re writing, directing, producing, or building any kind of creative project, there’s something powerful about allowing the work to breathe.

That kind of flexibility doesn’t weaken the art – sometimes, it reveals it.

Cuba Paraiso and the Mission Behind the Film

While Hali has worked across television and film, one of the most compelling parts of this episode was hearing about her newest project, Cuba Paraiso.

The film is inspired by her time in Cuba and explores a world that stands in stark contrast to the hyper-digital culture many of us live in every day. Through that experience, Hali found something that so many people are searching for right now:

• presence
• connection
• clarity
• real human energy
• creative freedom

That experience became more than inspiration for a film. It became a mission.

At the heart of Cuba Paraiso is a bigger idea: that in a world ruled by constant notifications, endless scrolling, and algorithm-driven attention, many of us are losing touch with ourselves — and with each other.

That’s where her message becomes bigger than entertainment.

The Unplugged Movement: Why This Conversation Matters Right Now

One of the most powerful themes from this episode was Hali’s concept of The Unplugged Movement.

This idea is simple, but deeply important:

What if reclaiming your creativity, mental clarity, and emotional health starts with reclaiming your attention?

In a time where our phones are often the first thing we touch in the morning and the last thing we look at at night, that question hits hard.

As we talked, I shared that I’ve experienced my own version of this too – stepping away from screens, even temporarily, can create a noticeable shift in mental clarity, emotional peace, and creative energy.

And honestly? I think a lot of people need to hear that right now.

The Unplugged Movement isn’t about rejecting technology altogether. It’s about using it with intention instead of letting it use us.

Some of the simplest takeaways from this conversation were also the most practical:

• Try making the first hour of your day phone-free
• Try making the last hour of your day phone-free
• Take one full weekend to unplug when possible
• Use time away from screens to reconnect with:
  • nature
  • creativity
  • movement
  • real conversations
  • your own thoughts

That may sound small, but sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest breakthroughs.

Why This Episode Fits the Heart of Entertainment & Sports Spotlight

At Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast, I always want to spotlight people whose stories go beyond the surface.

Yes, this episode is about Hollywood.
Yes, it’s about TV writing.
Yes, it’s about working with major industry names and building powerful projects.

But more than that, it’s about:

• creative resilience
• storytelling with purpose
• building a career through passion
• using art to say something that matters
• reclaiming your humanity in a world that moves too fast

That’s what made this conversation with Hali Michal Zebede so meaningful.

She isn’t just creating content.
She’s creating with intention.

And in today’s world, that matters more than ever.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a writer, filmmaker, producer, entrepreneur, or simply someone trying to protect your creativity and peace in a constantly connected world, this episode is worth your time.

Hali Michal Zebede’s journey is proof that there’s no single road into the entertainment industry – but there is a common thread among the people who make it:

passion, determination, and the willingness to keep creating when the path isn’t easy.

And maybe just as importantly…

Sometimes the best way to move forward creatively is to step away from the noise long enough to hear your own voice again.

Listen to the Full Episode

Entertainment & Sports Spotlight Podcast
Guest: Hali Michal Zebede

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👉 ESS Podcast Link
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