We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melanie Ortiz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melanie below.
Melanie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The place where I am in my life at this very moment is the result of taking many risks in my life. In fact, I could narrow it down to maybe about 3. The first risk was moving to Austin in 2012. Even though I grew up in San Antonio, a short way down the road, Austin was the change I needed at the time. I have zero family members here but I have made lifelong friends who are closer than blood at times. Weeks when I would be living off just a few dollars were some of the most special moments looking back at them now. It made me strong in ways I can only appreciate now. I dropped out of college and went to beauty school and became a working hairstylist for about 5 to 6 years.
My second risk was going back to college for Film. While working and managing a salon full time I took 2 to 3 classes at Austin community college. Going back to school a little bit older was perfect for me. I was more disciplined and stayed on top of all my projects and homework. At times it was tough, I was paying for classes out of pocket and always fully booked for weeks out at a time at the salon.
My third risk was leaving the salon in 2020 during the height of the pandemic and pursuing film full time as a freelancer. While I was in school I had already made a few films and worked on productions but I had decided to pursue this full time and it was scary. During this time I made a few short films and submitted them to festivals. Once I started to earn awards and even had one screen at multiple fests it made me feel reassured that I wasn’t throwing away my stable great job for nothing!
Out of all of these risks there is one common thing that ties them together: Accepting that I am an artist.
“Artist” is a term I would never use before but now I’m not afraid to describe myself in that way. I was an artist when I was a hairstylist and I am an artist now.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?
I am a filmmaker with experience in many roles. I actively work as a video editor when I am not working on set. I am an editor for AISDtv and I also freelance for others on other projects. I have edited for web series, short films and social media content. When I am on set I mostly work in the Art Department. I first started out as a Prop Master! A prop master on set is in charge of providing and finding all props for the production. I have it ready for the actors when it’s needed and will even show them how they work if necessary. I will even make props! I have always loved arts and crafts so I really enjoy this part of the job. I mostly work as the Production Designer and Set Decorator for productions now. As a Production Designer I create the color palettes, style and even choose hair and wardrobe looks. If the film is a period piece I have to make sure everything is period appropriate. If the film takes place in the 90’s we have to make sure that the clothes, posters, props etc are from that time. Anything art department related can be linked back to the production designer. When I break down a script I try to read between the lines. I ask questions like “is this character a neat person or are they a little messy? Would they have posters on the wall or would all pictures be framed?” These are questions that some people don’t even think about when they see shows or movies. That is a part of my job I really enjoy. I may be a little biased but I believe it is one of the most important positions to have!
So those are the things that keep me working and can provide a steady income. In my free time I write. This summer I sold my first short film script! The movie is called Mischief Night and it is currently in post production. That was a really exciting moment for me because the script was entered in a contest and I was the grand prize winner.
My other short film that I wrote, directed and self produced The Haunted Vinyl has gone on to win several awards as well. The Haunted Vinyl is something I am most proud of because I made that film without expecting anything out of it. I made it with my boyfriend during lockdown and so far it’s screened in Texas, New York and even Toronto! My goal is to write and direct my own television series as well as horror films.
I have just started a production company with my friend by the name of Armadillo Studios! We are a collective of local Austin filmmakers and creatives. We are currently trying to get our first project off of the ground. We are making an experimental short film called Speculum. Speculum is an experimental short film. With zero dialogue, the story will put you in the place of Viktor who battles with the daily struggles that come with Derealization Syndrome, by using enhanced sound effects, grungy lighting and distressed art design. We are expected to go into production in January with the hopes we get enough donations to get the green light.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
The best way you can support artists and creatives is by sharing and amplifying their work in any way you can. You have no idea how a simple share or a small donation to their short film campaign can give creatives such a push and space to keep on creating.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
A video I watched of Mark Duplass speaking to an audience at SXSW 2015 talking about his days as an aspiring filmmaker. One quote he says throughout this is “the calvary is not coming”. Which ultimately means to stop waiting on the big break. He inspired me to create, create and create more. So I started thinking in that way. I love filmmaking and I’m going to make films no matter what. If I make an entire film where I have to be the subject and set up the camera positions myself then that’s what I will do.
Contact Info:
- Website: melanieortiz.com
- Instagram: melmaniac