Teacher Spotlight: Adrian Ortega - On Filmmaking
At YAS Studio, we’re lucky to have some of Australia’s most exciting filmmakers, photographers and animators bringing their craft to the next generation.
This week, we’re shining a light on filmmaker Adrian Ortega — an award-winning writer, director and producer whose work has screened at major festivals and who’s currently on the theatrical rollout of his second feature film, Westgate. Adrian’s storytelling blends cinematic scale with emotional depth, and he’s passionate about giving young creatives the tools and the confidence to bring their own ideas to life on screen.
We sat down with Adrian to talk about his creative journey, what he’s working on, and the lessons he’s most excited to share with young filmmakers at YAS Studio.
What are you currently working on in the industry right now?
Right now I’m still working on my second feature, Westgate, with its theatrical rollout and (hopefully) its eventual international premiere. I’m also producing a short film set to film next year in May.
What’s a moment from your career that changed how you see creativity?
I think it was when I was in film school and I really learned how to understand the writing process of a film, and how to convey your vision on screen. Learning things like subtext, symbolism, motivations, and power shifts really helped me change how I saw the writing process.
What’s one skill you wish you’d learnt earlier in filmmaking?
I wish I’d learnt how to spend more time on the script before going into production — the script is the most powerful tool you have in executing your vision.
What’s the piece of work you’re most proud of?
Definitely my latest film, Westgate. The sheer amount of talent who worked on that film for the budget we had — and for how well it’s been received by audiences — has truly been a highlight of my career.
Why do you want to teach the next generation of young creatives?
I want to inspire and nurture the next generation of filmmakers to ensure that the industry — and this medium we all love — is in the right hands moving forward. People often talk about the future of cinema, and I stay optimistic that cinema will live forever.
What’s your favourite thing about those “aha” learning moments with young people?
Finding the spark and passion in young filmmakers reminds me of my own ambitious self at their age, and uncovering that passion and talent is my favourite thing.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give every young creative starting out?
Be patient, and don’t be afraid to fail. The more you work on your craft, and the more patient you are, everything will start to align.
If you could show your 12-year-old self your career now, what would surprise them most?
I think they’d be most surprised that I became a filmmaker and not an architect as I originally planned! But I think they’d be surprised in a good way — I’ve always loved films, and to then be shown that you ended up making them, my 12-year-old self would be very proud.
Meet Adrian at the Studio
Adrian will be teaching filmmaking at YAS Studio — helping young people explore every stage of the creative process, from storyboarding to shooting, editing and storytelling for the screen.
His classes are designed to spark curiosity, build confidence, and help young creatives understand that filmmaking isn’t just about holding a camera — it’s about having something to say.