Mike Ott is an American filmmaker from Los Angeles. He is best known for his work in narrative-driven films, often featuring a combination of comedy and drama. His films have screened at festivals around the world, such as the Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and the Rotterdam International Film Festival.
Ott studied film at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts and the University of Southern California. His first film, the short "Littlerock," premiered at Sundance in 2010. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival and was nominated for the Independent Spirit Awards.
He followed up this success with a feature-length film, "Pearblossom Hwy," which debuted at SXSW in 2011. The film was praised for its unique and subtle approach to storytelling. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival and was nominated for a Gotham Award.
In 2014, Ott co-wrote and directed "Lake Los Angeles," a coming-of-age drama set in a desolate desert town. The film was praised for its authentic characters and naturalistic performances, and it was nominated for several awards, including the Grand Jury Prize at the Los Angeles Film Festival.
In 2016, Ott co-wrote and directed the comedy-drama "California Dreams," which premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival. The film follows a group of misfit friends struggling to make their mark in the music industry. It was praised for its witty dialogue and exploration of youthful ambition.
In addition to his feature films, Ott has also directed music videos, commercials, and documentaries. He has collaborated with bands such as Cold War Kids, The Growlers, and Warpaint.
Ott is currently in post-production on his latest feature film, "Lazy Susan," which stars Aubrey Plaza and Sarah Baker. It is slated for release in 2021.
Mike Ott is a talented and versatile filmmaker whose work displays an understanding of the human condition. With his unique vision, he has created an impressive body of work that is both emotionally affecting and entertaining.
