Mythmakers

Tess Ortbals, Mythmakers Partner

Tess began her love affair with the arts at the age of 10 as a child actress. From commercials to the stage, all aspects of performance captivated her. She focused her studies in ancient storytelling and mythology, obtaining her BA at UC Berkeley where she graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Anthropology, emphasis in Archaeology. In 2004 she continued her education outside University walls by studying underwater excavation techniques in Sicily and as the Staff Photographer of the Tel Dor Archaeological Expedition in Israel unearthing a Roman palace from 200 AD.

Tess has produced over 20 short films, documentaries, music videos & commercials. Her films have garnered numerous awards and have played at festivals across the world. She is a recipient of the Entertainment Partners Producing Award and is a Lifetime Movie Network Awardee for achievement in directing.

Currently, Tess is about to produce A TOUCH OF MAGIC, a $2.5 million feature film with strong interest from major movie and television stars. She is also one of only 30 producers selected for "USC's First Team," a small group of elite alumni who will be pitching feature film projects to the major studios.

A former Co-chair of the Women of Cinematic Arts (2007-2008), Tess helped highlight and promote the cinema work of women. In June of 2008 she executive produced the acclaimed WCA Industry Forum, hosting an impressive line up of Hollywood heavyweights including Gale Anne Hurd (Terminator 1 & 2), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), Diana Ossana (Brokeback Mountain), and John August (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory). In June of 2009 she was asked back to moderate a panel about the visual effects and storytelling. Her panelists included John Knoll of ILM (Star Wars prequels, Pirates of the Carribbean, and James Cameron's Avatar) and producer Susan Downey (Iron Man 2, The Book Of Eli).

Co-founder of Mythmakers, she aims to write and produce quality action adventure family films. With her background in Anthropology/Archaeology she hopes to revitalize forms of ancient storytelling and mythology. She has a Masters of the Fine Arts from USC's world-renowned School of Cinematic Arts with an emphasis in Producing Feature Film.

sitemap