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Hiram Ortiz is an actor known for playing Jack Russo in the movie Where Demons Dwell (2017). Hiram lives in the Jersey Shore, and is a student at The Barrow Group Theater Company and School in New York City. He also runs the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival located in Jersey Shore.
How long have you been a part of the industry?
(Foremost I want to thank Yaron Urbas, and anyone that is part of this creative endeavor. Best of luck to all of you in 2022 and beyond)
I enrolled in an acting class in the Spring of 2016. The Barrow Group Performing Arts Center was where I truly began to love the process of acting, and where I first met like-minded, aspiring actors, many of whom are still my friends.
What inspired you to pursue acting?
As a high school freshman, I took a performing arts class. Nerdy little me didn’t really fit in with the popular kids and their Barbizon portfolios. Still, that was where I performed my first monologue (got a standing “O”), and where I first experienced the stage. Still, I resisted the “calling” for many years.
In 2016, I finally told a good friend (actor) that I was interested in pursuing acting and performing. He sat me down over a meal and told me all of the reasons why I SHOULDN’T pursue acting. He did not do it to dissuade me, but merely to paint a realistic picture of the industry and all of its challenges. It was during that meal that I decided that the journey itself was going to be my triumph, and anything else would just be the icing on the cake.
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What work are you most proud of recently?
In 2017 I had only done background work in New York, when I was cast in an indie feature called Where Demons Dwell: The Girl In The Cornfield 2. Being cast as a main character with minimal preparation was sobering to say the least, but I learned a lot during that shoot. In 2018 I had a small part in a commercial for the NYC Department of Health. It was a smoking-cessation campaign. The commercial aired all over the NYC viewing area, and I think I made my parents a little proud. The cool surprise was that, unbeknownst to me, I was featured in a related print campaign too. One day I started receiving social media posts about my poster being on the subway trains, Staten Island Ferry, etc. That was an absolute treat.
I played a small part in Shady Dawn’s latest release The Darkness Outside.
Most recently, I was cast for a small part in a theatrical work called “One Night with Marilyn” by PT Rose. I have never done theatre, so I am delighted at being given the chance. My friend and I are also writing a “buddy short” film, because why be here if not to create with your friends?
What advice would you give to folks in the industry?
To be an actor:
- Take acting classes. The dream begins with preparation !!!
- Once production has wrapped, make sure to become a part of your project’s promotion and marketing team. If I am entrusted to be a part of someone else’s creative project, I will return the kindness manyfold by doing my part in promotion (social media, attending film festivals, etc.)
- Be a professional on set. Have fun but respect yourself, crew, and fellow actors.
- Network! Every day on set, you collaborate with fellow creatives…each with their unique journey. Exchange info, ask questions. (I met Yaron Urbas on the set of Madam Secretary)
- Embrace the process, Enjoy the journey!
How do you stay motivated and active in your career?
My friends and I run a Film Festival at the Jersey Shore called the Hang Onto Your Shorts Film Festival. I watch short films all year long. That definitely keeps me motivated and itching to create, and it allows me the chance to meet and connect with actors and creators year-round. I take acting classes and I am starting with a new acting coach. I also have great agents that keep me busy with auditions so my motivation stays strong.
In the end… It is our responsibility to create our OWN opportunities. Nowadays everyone has a camera at hand, and an outlet via social media.
What are you working on now?
As I wrote earlier, my friend Ryan Callaway, and I are throwing around ideas for a buddy short, and just yesterday my friends and I went into the recording studio to record a parody song (a covid-times cover of a 90s classic). Inspiration is everywhere!
I am thankful for your kindness and support. Thank you! Let’s make 2022 a transformational year for all of us.
Where can we learn more about you?
Check out my IMDB.
