Writer · Director · Producer
After years behind the camera on campaigns, documentaries, and features, I now write and develop original work across film, television, and fiction.
Feature Screenplay
Script Complete
Alone since childhood, Hope has survived on grit and books full of fairy tales. When she breaks her parents' one rule — "Shoot Strangers" — her life becomes the fairy tale she's dreamed of. But Prince Charming has a secret that will shatter her fairy tale.
Grounded Sci-Fi Series
Pilot + Bible Complete
A vengeful young man teams up with one of the machines he's sworn to destroy, only to learn that the real enemy is more powerful and far more disturbing than he imagined.
Middle-Grade Novel
Published 2024
A critically acclaimed, STEM-focused adventure praised by Kirkus and Newsweek, which went on to inspire STEM camps and classroom materials.
Jake Zortman started with a camera on his shoulder, shooting sports, documentaries, and broadcast television. He founded BackFocus, a Santa Monica production company, and went on to produce, direct, and shoot hundreds of commercials, promos, and campaigns for studios, networks, and brands including Hennessy, Nissan, Disney+, Showtime, and Nickelodeon.
His documentary work includes the Lionsgate feature QT8: The First Eight and a four-part Tim Burton docuseries, an official selection of the 2024 Tribeca Festival.
In 2024 he published his debut novel, The Rise of the Legends. Today he writes and develops his own stories, across features, series, and fiction, bringing his cinematographer's eye to every page.
Contact
jake [at] jakezortman [dot] comLet's collaborate.