Portfolio
Case Studies
At Mythic Content, collaboration is at the core—but every project demands its own creative and technical approach. With decades of hands-on, on-set experience, Jake brings a deep understanding of production from both the artistic and logistical sides.
From large-scale brand campaigns and docuseries to remote shoots and narrative development, each case study reflects a tailored solution—grounded in real-world know-how, technical precision, and creative leadership
"The Rise of The Legends"
Client/Partner: Drone Legends
Role: Creator, Author, Narrative Lead
Deliverables: Middle-grade novel, brand-integrated worldbuilding, educational content
Launched: 2024
In Development: Summer camps, curriculum, live-action/animated series
Overview:
In 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 Approach:
Jake 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.
Outcome:
By 2024, the Drone Legends STEM program had expanded into over 450 schools worldwide, and "The Rise of The Legends" was officially published. The book now anchors a growing transmedia platform that includes classroom curricula, summer camps, and an animated or live-action series currently in development.
Explore more: Visit The Rise of The Legends
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Centrum / TV Land
Client: Centrum (Pfizer) / TV Land
Role: Director, Producer
Partner: Velocity (ViacomCBS Branded Content Studio)
Deliverables: :30 branded content spot + digital/social cutdowns
Overview:
Jake 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 Approach:
Jake 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.
Outcome:
The 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.
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QT8: The First Eight
Project Type: Feature-Length Documentary
Director: Tara Wood
Role: Producing Partner, Director of Photography
Distributor: Lionsgate
Runtime: 102 minutes
Release: 2019 (Theatrical & VOD)
Overview:
QT8: 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.
Outcome:
Released 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.
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Hennessy 50 Years of Hip Hop
Client: Hennessy
Role: Producer, Director, Director of Photography
Deliverables: 120 + 60-second sizzles, social cutdowns
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Overview:
To 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 Approach:
Jake 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.
Outcome:
The 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.
Tim Burton Docuseries
Project Type: Docuseries (4 x 60 min)
Director: Tara Wood
Role: Co-Producer, Director of Photography
Official Selection: 2024 Tribeca Film Festival
Release: TBD
Overview:
An 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 Contribution:
Jake 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.
Outcome:
Many 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
Michael's:
My Custom Frame Story
Client: Michael’s
Role: Producer, Director, Director of Photography
Deliverables: Multi-spot branded series for broadcast and digital
Location: Various
Runtime: Multiple Long-form and :30 spots
Overview:
Michael’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 Contribution:
Jake 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.
Outcome:
The series ran across broadcast and digital platforms, reinforcing Michael’s brand promise while showcasing the power of storytelling through craft and memory.
"Kik It!"
Broadcast Commercial
Client: Astro Kik
Director: Nick Appleton / Jake Zortman
Role: Producer, Director of Photography, co-Director, Production Company
Deliverables: :30 broadcast commercial
Agency: Bell Media
Platform: Broadcast + Digital
Overview: Astro Kik, an emerging energy drink brand, launched "Kik It!"—a bold, high-energy commercial designed to deliver an adrenaline-charged message with visual punch and attitude.
Creative Contribution:
Jake served as producer, Co-Director and director of photography, High speed cinematography was used to achieve the kinetic visual rhythm, reflecting the product’s energy and brand identity.
Outcome:
The commercial aired across multiple broadcast and digital platforms, helping establish Astro Kik’s tone and visual language.
Shameless on spectrum
Client: Showtime / Spectrum
Director: Will Sullivan
Role: Producer, Director of Photography, Production company
Talent: Steve Howey, Shanola Hampton
Deliverables: :30 promotional spot
Platform: Broadcast + Digital
Overview:
To promote Shameless on Spectrum, this co-branded spot brought together Showtime and Spectrum branding with series regulars Steve Howey and Shanola Hampton. The piece fused the show’s irreverent tone with direct platform messaging, offering fans a fresh take on familiar characters.
Creative Contribution:
Jake served as producer and director of photography. the production required close coordination with "shameless" show production and working within very narrow shooting windows.
Outcome:
The spot aired across broadcast and digital platforms and was recognized with a Bronze Promax Award for Brand Integration Promo.
"Song"
Sonic + Nickelodeon
Client: Sonic / Nickelodeon
Director: Dayo Harewood
Role: Co-Producer, Director of Photography, Technical consultant
Deliverables: :30 broadcast and digital spot
Platform: Broadcast + Digital
Production Context: COVID-19 Lockdown / Remote-Only Set
Overview:
Produced during the height of COVID-19 lockdowns, "Song" was a co-branded commercial between Sonic and Nickelodeon that required a full-scale production solution—without a traditional crew or set. The concept centered on a family singing in a car, which had to be filmed safely, on location, and without direct contact between crew and talent.
Creative Contribution:
Jake served as co-producer, director of photography, and technical consultant, developing a custom system to enable high-quality filming under strict safety protocols. Working alongside a single assistant, Jake set up iPhones, lights, and audio equipment inside the car, then monitoring from a remote location after the vehicle was fully sterilized for talent. The director and the rest of production remained remote in NYC.
Outcome:
Despite the limitations, the spot delivered polished, brand-consistent footage under unprecedented constraints. It aired across national platforms and served as a model for safe, effective remote production during lockdown—demonstrating that with the right approach, even stripped-down shoots can maintain creative integrity.
"Size" - Nissan
Client: Nissan
Agency: Bell Media
Agency Producer: Marc Juliar
Director: Patrick McCann
Role: Producer, Director of Photography, Production Company
Talent: Jim Parsons
Deliverables: Two :45 broadcast spots
Platform: Broadcast + Digital
Overview: A high end car product shoot requiring coordination with talent camp, client and specialized crew.
Creative Contribution: Jake served as producer / production company and director of photography.
Outcome: The two spots aired across national platforms.
High School musical
Remote Series
Client: Disney+
Production Company: Riverstreet Entertainment
Director: Whitney Clinkscales
Producers: Pastor alvarado and Julie Trampush
Role: Director of Photography, Technical consultant
Deliverables: Multi-episode promotional series
Platform: Disney+ / Social / Digital
Production Context: Deep COVID-19 lockdown
Overview:
To promote High School Musical: The Series during strict COVID-19 lockdowns, Disney+ commissioned a shortform 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 Contribution:
Jake 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.
Outcome:
The 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.
