Mythic Content
Mythic Content tree of life emblem

Mythic Content

Stories That Endure

Original stories built around a brand's values, for any medium.

Approach

Original IP

Your audience wants a story, not a pitch.

We create stories a brand can live inside.

Original IP that keeps delivering.

Write·Direct·Produce

A book, a script, a series, a campaign, or an immersive experience — scaled to tell the perfect story.

Selected Work

Case studies
The Rise of the Legends novel with its study guide, activities, character cards, and STEM.org Reviewed badge
The Rise of the Legends STEM Camp kit, created in partnership with STEMfinity
The Rise of the Legends STEM Camp, with STEMfinity

Client/Partner: Drone Legends

The Rise of the Legends

Creator · Author · Narrative Lead

OverviewIn the early months of the 2020 lockdown, Jake Zortman was approached by longtime friend Scott Buell, who had begun teaching STEM fundamentals to students via drones and Zoom. That conversation sparked a collaboration: Scott would build the educational company — Jake would build the storyworld.

Creative ApproachJake conceptualized and authored The Rise of The Legends, a brand-integrated, middle-grade sci-fi adventure novel designed to both entertain and inspire. The story weaves STEM concepts into a high-stakes narrative, connecting readers emotionally to themes of innovation, teamwork, and discovery — while aligning directly with Drone Legends' educational mission.

OutcomeBy 2024, the Drone Legends STEM program had expanded into over 450 schools worldwide, and The Rise of The Legends was officially published. The book went on to inspire a STEM camp program, in partnership with STEMfinity, and classroom materials.

Visit the book's site →

Centrum · TV Land

TV Land Destinations

Director · Producer

OverviewJake received an RFP to create a “real people” lifestyle profile for Centrum Vitamins — featuring an adventurous, inspiring woman who embodied the brand's active-living ethos. He pitched solo sailor and writer Margie Woods, whose story of resilience and independence perfectly aligned with the campaign's goals.

Creative ApproachJake directed and produced the spot in partnership with Velocity, ViacomCBS' in-house branded content division. The piece was designed to feel natural, cinematic, and uplifting — merging authentic storytelling with brand messaging. Set against the backdrop of California's coastline, the production captured Margie's energy both on the water and in life.

OutcomeThe cobranded campaign aired on TV Land and across digital platforms, reinforcing Centrum's message of strength and longevity while delivering a relatable and aspirational human story.

Hennessy

50 Years of Hip Hop

Director · Producer · Director of Photography

OverviewTo commemorate 50 years of hip-hop, Hennessy partnered with iconic artist Nas for a limited-edition release. To elevate the campaign, they turned to Jake to direct and shoot a high-impact sizzle reel that captured the energy and influence of the collaboration.

Creative ApproachJake led the project from concept through delivery, assembling the team and executing a turnkey production. Using just visual storytelling and kinetic pacing, the final piece was crafted for maximum impact across digital and social platforms.

OutcomeThe sizzle reel became a centerpiece of Hennessy's campaign, reinforcing the legacy of hip-hop and celebrating a collaboration rooted in heritage and cultural relevance.

Official Selection · Tribeca 2024

Tim Burton Docuseries

Co-Producer · Director of Photography

OverviewAn official selection of the 2024 Tribeca Film Festival, this four-part documentary series explores the life and work of visionary director Tim Burton. Featuring rare archival material and candid interviews, the series offers a cinematic deep dive into the imagination and legacy of one of film's most distinctive auteurs.

Creative ApproachJake served as co-producer and director of photography, helping shape the visual identity of the series from the outset. One of the central production challenges was creating a stylized, replicable interview look that could be maintained across multiple global locations.

OutcomeMany interviews were captured under COVID-era restrictions, requiring a hybrid approach that included remote production oversight, crew coordination, and tight creative control. The result is a cohesive, visually rich series that honors Burton's unique voice and creative legacy.

Lionsgate · Feature Documentary

QT8: The First Eight

Producing Partner · Director of Photography

OverviewQT8: The First Eight is an authorized documentary chronicling the first eight films of Quentin Tarantino. Featuring rare footage and candid interviews with longtime collaborators, the film explores Tarantino's creative evolution and his outsized impact on modern cinema.

OutcomeReleased by Lionsgate, QT8 premiered to strong critical and fan reception, airing across major digital platforms and select theaters. The film remains a definitive look at Tarantino's early career and legacy.

Michael's

My Custom Frame Story

Director · Producer · Director of Photography

OverviewMichael's launched the My Custom Frame Story campaign to highlight real people and the meaningful stories behind the art and objects they chose to custom frame. The goal: celebrate creativity, memory, and personal expression in an authentic, emotionally resonant way.

Creative ApproachJake served as producer, director, and DP on this multi-spot campaign, guiding the project from creative development through final delivery. Each segment focused on a different individual's personal framing story — shot with a warm, cinematic style designed to enhance authenticity and emotional connection.

OutcomeThe series ran across broadcast and digital platforms, reinforcing Michael's brand promise while showcasing the power of storytelling through craft and memory.

American Girl

Twinning

Director · Producer · Director of Photography

OverviewAmerican Girl set out to launch a new line of dolls inspired by the '90s, and needed a campaign that captured the playful energy of the decade.

Creative ApproachJake blended live action with animated graphics and stop motion, building a bright, nostalgic visual world for the new line.

California Dept. of Health Care Services · ATTN:

Easy as ABC

Producer · Director · Director of Photography

OverviewPitch based on creative supplied by agency. Casting from influencer selects.

Creative ApproachCreate a "real" feeling campaign, from practical set pieces (ABC) to the brand-matched color wash on the cyc wall. Work with talent on a relatable and approachable delivery of challenging content (time).

OutcomeA successful multi-platform social campaign.

Disney · Riverstreet Entertainment

High School Musical Remote Series

Remote Production Lead · Director of Photography · Technical Consultant

OverviewTo promote High School Musical: The Series during strict COVID-19 lockdowns, Disney commissioned a short-form drama-style series built entirely around the show's cast engaging in FaceTime-style storylines and text-based drama. With no physical contact allowed with talent, Riverstreet Entertainment turned to Jake to make remote production at a high level possible.

Creative ContributionJake served as remote production lead and director of photography, designing a custom system that could be shipped to talent (based in Utah), allowing for real-time remote monitoring, lighting setup, and even remote recording — all controlled and directed from Los Angeles. He walked cast members through their setups step by step, guided framing and lighting adjustments, and worked hand-in-hand with the director and producer to maintain visual consistency and story pacing across multiple episodes.

OutcomeThe series was a standout success, praised for its authenticity, creativity, and execution despite extreme production limitations. Jake's system became a benchmark for high-quality remote production, and the campaign demonstrated how technical innovation could preserve both performance and production value — even in isolation.

More Work

Production showcase

Shameless on Spectrum

Showtime · Promax Bronze

Dear Shameless

Showtime

Shameless on Roku

Showtime · Roku

Song

Sonic · Nickelodeon

Size

Nissan

Kik It!

Astro Kik

The Chi Live

Showtime

Phase 3

Ford · American Idol

Hey, Burger Lovers!

Sizzler

Follow the Fish

Sizzler

My Custom Frame Story: Marlen

Michaels

My Custom Frame Story: Carrie

Michaels

About

Jake Zortman on set, directing an interview on a blue cyc stage

Mythic Content is led by writer, director, and producer Jake Zortman. Jake started with a camera on his shoulder, shooting sports, documentaries, and broadcast television, then founded BackFocus, a Santa Monica production company, where he produced, directed, and shot hundreds of commercials, promos, and campaigns for brands and networks including Hennessy, Nissan, Disney, Showtime, and Nickelodeon.

He is also a novelist and screenwriter. His critically acclaimed middle-grade novel, The Rise of the Legends, was written as the story world for Drone Legends, and he develops original features and series of his own. A writer's sense of story and a cinematographer's eye are the foundation of everything Mythic makes.

Each project draws on a trusted network of collaborators, from writing through full production, so the team fits the story rather than the other way around.

More about Jake →

Contact

Let's build your story.