Coral Ortiz

As a kid, I wrote stories in my journal and cast my siblings in dramas that I edited in iMovie. I didn't call it directing—I knew I had something to say and images I needed to see. That instinct to create stories using whatever I had access to never left. Cut to today: I'm a director and producer who's created content for Walmart, Hartford Healthcare, the CT Department of Agriculture, Duss Wayne, Azyr Specs, and Yale, using storytelling to drive real-world impact. I've directed fashion-forward commercials, produced a 12-part online TV series for kids, and built crews for everything from public sector spots to indie films. My background sits at the intersection of narrative, culture, and visual strategy. I'm most at home working with teams who care deeply about craft and community. I love coming home and listening to my loved one's stories. I love visual content with clear intention. I love the feeling on set when everything is silent because the scene is so powerful. When I'm not on set, you can find me reading a book outside, rewatching an episode of Gossip Girl, or creating memes.

Selected amongst many applicants to train under award winning Director of Photography Keith Smith. In this role, I worked alongside DP Keith Smith to recreate scenes from iconic films, work on sets of commercials, and create a short film.

My role includes analyzing, and recording footage alongside critically acclaimed award-winning director, Thomas Allen Harris, on his new documentary My Mother the Scientist. It also involves leading and executing the trailer for My Mother the Scientist by creating a storyboard, script and filming it with supervision from Thomas Allen Harris. I also assist in planning shoots across multiple states by creating call sheets, finding crew in each location, and setting up interviews.

Work with the university to create a positive sexual culture via workshops and projects.

Worked with elementary and middle school students to teach them about journalism. Assisted the program manager in mentoring students in the school.

One of two students appointed by the governor of Connecticut to represent the voice of students in policy making.