ABOUT
JAKE ZORTMAN
I am a Director of Photography and owner of BackFocus - a cinematography focused production services company based in Los Angeles.
I started out in the ENG / Docu / Sports world and migrated into bigger productions, mostly commercials and promos for movies and TV.
I often go back to my toolbox from years back when I didn't have the luxuries of a location scout, a sound stage, or a crew and had to figure out how to make whatever I walked into look amazing with the whatever I had on hand. Those skills continue to come in handy to this day.
In addition to shooting, I direct and produce a wide variety of productions - docs to commercials.
But what I really love doing most of all is being the DP and all that it entails. It's such a thrill to take an idea from the page and bring it to a compelling reality through lens, lights and motion. And, perhaps what I love the most is working with all the folks who come together for the production from my clients to my amazing crew. It's been a good ride.
Moments
My favorite thing about this business is the people I work with and the fantastic experiences we have together.
Covid Remote Shooting
October 2023
When the world shut down due to Covid, I developed remote shooting pkgs with the idea that we could do decent cinematography, even during these extreme times. We didn't have to settle for "Zoom" shoots. This is from one of the first no contact productions - spot for Subaru / Pride 2020.
Star Wars
The Wookie was following me to crafty. Shooting promos for "The Force Awakens".
Nissan Micra
Cool BTS shot from a spot for Nissan's "Micra" featuring Jim Parsons.
Fun During QT8 Shoot
January 2023
We took a minute to have a little fun with Jamie Foxx during the shooting of QT8: Quentin Tarantino The First Eight.
PLAYING WITH TOYS
Goofing off with a 360 degree camera during a green screen pre-light.
BACK TO THE FUTURE
Got to sit in a exact replica of Doc. Brown's DeLorean I rented for a Cisco shoot. They wouldn't let me drive it. :( I woulda hit 1985 again.
A DAY AT THE OFFICE
Someone took a cool pic one day on stage.
TOP OF THE WORLD
Shooting Mt. Baldy for Everest for Yokohama Tire.
A GREAT PROJET
One of my favorite memories from my entire career is working with Clint on "The Eastwood Factor". I found him to be unbelievably humble and collaborative. Just a great guy.
Documentary Shooting
The cool thing about shooting docs is the places you go and the people you meet. This is Goblin Valley, UT for "The Mars Underground".