Today we’d like to introduce you to Cody Ottinger
Hi Cody, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Growing up I was always the entertainer among my family and friends. I would literally put on a show anywhere and my love for acting out created an interest for the entertainment industry, but also just being a millennial and being raised by a television, I just became obsessed with watching movies and shows. The moment I was old enough to understand that these were things that actually had to get made and didn’t just appear on the screen, I realized I wanted to do that for a living, I wanted to tell stories. I wrote my first script when I was around the age of 11, which was a ten-page mess of a fan sequel to one my favorite horror movies “Black Christmas” (the 2006 remake – yes I love the original just as much). I had no clue what I was doing and I read it now and cringe, but almost twenty years later, I’ve written over 100 various movie & episodic scripts (some finished, some not) and I learn as I go and keep perfecting my craft. My passion doesn’t stop at writing either… after creating five of my own feature films with literally myself, a camera and a few friends, I have now made two official feature films, one of which, titled “Rose’s Last Session,” will be featured on a hugely successful free-movie YouTube channel: V-Channels and the other, titled “Jealousy,” that will be available to purchase/rent on Amazon Prime within the next few months. I am so grateful for everything I’ve learned so far in life and can’t wait for what is next in my journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I think one of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to face, is my mental health. I have such a passion for film but if my mind is somewhere else on a particular day/week, it’s hard for me to focus and be the go-getter I want to be in this industry. I try to not complain about it because I know we’re all facing mental health struggles these days, but it can get taxing and overwhelming at times. I just put one foot in front of the other and remind myself that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and I trust the universe to show me the way. I also like to try and harness that energy into being able to pull really good material out of myself. Being down is always an opportunity to get back up, so I am working on reminding myself that daily.›
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Right now, I do have a “normal” 9-5, which is managing a warranty team. I absolutely love my job and the people I work with, but my number one passion in life is and always will be, film. I am a writer, director, graphic designer, sometimes actor & producer. I just love to create. I am always writing down ideas for new plot lines or characters. I’m consistently thinking of stories/playing films in my head that I eventually put to paper, it’s absolutely the thing I know I was put on this earth to do. I think what sets me apart from most (not all, but most) is that I continuously take in what I learn and keep evolving, I am always open to constructive criticism and I never let the setbacks break my spirit. I keep moving (geographically & metaphorically) until I feel right in my spirit. I listen to the vibrations & energy being released all around me for my next move in life and I try and always keep an open mind & a positive attitude about everything in life.
How do you define success?
To me success should be measured by how you handled things all through out the day and what people are saying about you & your work ethic. It means going to bed with a grateful heart and knowing that today was spent doing what you love and being positive through it all. How did you treat everyone on set, even when it was the thirteenth hour and you were dead tired? How long did you spend on honing your craft and making yourself a better creative? Did you still open yourself up to learning? Did you give everyone your upmost attention and care? If you can go to bed at night feeling successful, then to me, you are successful. We mistake success for money + power, when really I think it’s all in how you handle yourself and treat others. To me a pure example of this is the actress, Melissa Barrera, I have had the pleasure of connecting with her on social media and she is so humble and always providing advice. She continues to show how much of a class act she really is. If there is anyone in the entertainment industry I look up to the most, it is her. She is my definition of success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottingerproductions/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@codysstory247
