New Mexico State University Creative Media Institute student Jared Ortega, in his own words, sits back and watches the monster that he created: "Grief Mop." (Photo by Victora G. Molinar)

story by Victoria Guadalupe Molinar

Growing up in El Paso with a father who worked in broadcasting, New Mexico State University student Jared Ortega was bitten by the filmmaking bug.

An introvert in high school, Ortega said that film enabled him to express who he was. During his high school years, he worked with other students with the same interests and fed his aspirations with various film projects.

CMI unleashes creativity

Joining the Creative Media Institute at NMSU, Ortega’s ambition for making movies did not go flat.  As soon as he read on the NMSU student hotline via e-mail that there was a call for resumes for students interested in contributing to the 2008 movie, “The Burning Plane,” starring Charlize Theron, Ortega quickly grasped his opportunity, and his dedication revealed his genuine passion for making movies.

Set Locations Manager Jean Chien saw the spark in Ortega’s eyes and invited him to  be involved in more films. Ortega was called to assist in the comedy/drama, “Away We Go,” starring John Krasinski and Maya Rudolph. Chien once again invited Ortega to work on a 2010 movie, “Warrior,” starring Jennifer Morrison and also assisted renowned screenwriter and CMI Director Mark Medoff in his most recent film, “Refuge,” which was filmed in Las Cruces.

A project all in his hands

Director Jared Ortega (far right) works with Director of Photography Niel Solberg (far left) and First Assistant Director Sheridan O'Donnell (left of Ortega) on the set of "Grief Mop." (Photo by Victoria G. Molinar)

On top of being involved in films, Ortega pushed the envelope when he and other CMI students put dedication, long hours and hard work into making his movie, “Grief Mop.”   This meant driving around Las Cruces scouting for locations, writing four revisions of his script and even renting an ambulance from a car salesman. Ortega devoted long hours during the shooting days of his movie, many times until 4 or 5 a.m. on a week day. The sleep deprivation and tedious work has not caused Ortega’s zeal to waiver, however.

“I definitely noticed Jared’s passion for his film and the production,” said NMSU freshman Annabelle Lyttle, who acted in “Grief Mop.”

Actor Gerald Kumpf plays Roy, a man who intends to commit suicide after his wife dies. (Photo by Victoria G. Molinar)

“Grief Mop” was inspired by an experience of Ortega’s brother as an paramedic.

The story is about an EMT who tries to manage his love life and prevent a widower from taking his own life. The challenge for Ortega was to put a story into a script, then into a storyboard, then into a film.  Hiss film was shown to CMI classes along with other student’s films at the end of the semester.

Viewing life through different eyes

Ortega is also in the process of getting his own EMT certification so that he can achieve a healthcare background and use it to join the Peace Corps. From the Peace Corps, Ortega plans to travel for a few years and take in a new perspective on the world. After gaining such experience, Ortega wants to use his experiences to write stories about them and the people he met during his journey.

The world will be waiting to see what he brings to the table.