Meet Oktay Ortabasi | Cinematographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Oktay Ortabasi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Oktay, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
My wife and I both went to film school at SDSU. We wanted to make films but didn’t really have any contacts in the film industry. Setting up our own production company was a way for us to get our foot in the door. But creativity was the goal and our business was a side affect of trying to find a way to survive but do what we loved. I like discovering new things about the world and myself everyday and filmmaking, to me is the best way to do that.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My wife and I are filmmakers and we are most proud of our recent documentary works. Our latest documentary “A Moment in the Sun” has played international at many film festivals and is being released early 2022. Nothing in our careers has been easy. We gained knowledge and wisdom piece by piece. I learn every day on film sets and dealing with new clients. We overcame challenges with persistence but with a willingness to adapt and move with the times. There is a lot of technology involved in the current production environment and you have to stay on your toes and not be afraid to jump in. We have always tried to produce quality work but with a friendly attitude. Something I have learned along the ways is to listen more than you talk. You can learn from everyone even if it’s what not to do. Also I always remind myself to stay open at heart, just like a child.

The Dreaming Tree offers a full service pre-lit green screen studio. Studio has a 3 wall cove syc and lighting grid. Dimensions are 25’w x 35’l x 15’h with double wall construction for sound proofing. Rental includes green room, kitchen, makeup station and bathroom. In addition we offer cameras, audio, lighting and grip equipment rentals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am not an LA native but I have been here 23 years. I have learned to love it. This week would start with a bike ride through the Santa Monica mountains out to Malibu. If you survive that I would take you to Sushi at one of the many great restaurants in Studio City. We would spend a day at Universal Studios, the backlot tram ride is a must. The Getty would be on the agenda and probably the Santa Monica Pier. We would find some good Mexican food deep in the San Fernando Valley. Dim Sum in China Town. I bike ride to Ojai, A hike up Mount Wilson and finally a good concert at the Hollywood Bowl.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The Dreaming Tree our production company would not have gotten started with the support of my parents. I was about to get a cut throat loan to buy a camera and editing system when I mentioned to my parents. My parents were able to give me a loan to buy the very expensive equipment at the time without the super high interest rate. I was also able to produce videos for my mother’s educational software company right from the beginning. It was because of them that we were able to get on our feet.

Website: www.dreamingtreeproductions.com

Instagram: dtsound_stage

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oktay-ortabasi-2520082/

Twitter: @oktayortabasi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dtsoundstage

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/dreaming-tree-studio-burbank

Other: https://vimeo.com/user2958881