Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Hartmann.
Hi Scott, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Salem, Oregon, and I’m an enrolled member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma. My journey into storytelling began early—actually, in the second grade—when I started performing in theater. Every year, I was involved in two or three plays, mostly musicals, often with featured roles all the way through school. I fell in love with performing and the power of storytelling from a young age.
Throughout my youth, I balanced athletics and performance. Sports, particularly track and field in college, where I became an All-American in the hammer throw. Sports offered a pathway through college, even though I was a challenging student at first. I eventually dropped out, moved to Los Angeles, and dedicated myself to acting, booking a few jobs, and working with a great agent. However, I quickly realized that I was frustrated by the lack of collaboration and creative control on set.
Around that time, I was taking acting classes and though I am a big man, I grew tired of performing the same scene from Of Mice and Men repeatedly with different new classmates. I started writing my own monologues and scenes, and directing those scenes became a profoundly rewarding experience. Seeing my work come to life and receiving positive feedback inspired me to keep creating.
Living in Hollywood it only made sense to shoot these scenes and send them to film festivals, which led me to fall in love with filmmaking. I made several short films that played at festivals and gained some early recognition. Despite this, I felt I still had unaddressed questions about craft and storytelling, and I carried some lingering doubts from dropping out of college. So, I made the decision to return to Southern Oregon and finish my degree—an important step. What I realized is that college was no longer an intimidating hurdle; I had grown, and I was ready to learn. I graduated with honors and realized I wanted more.
My formal film education took place at Chapman University’s Dodge College, where I studied directing. That program was a defining chapter in my life that challenged me, shaping my character and sharpening my skills. The mentorship and rigorous curriculum pushed me to develop what my mentor called a “steel will” and the resilience required to fight for my vision. I am deeply grateful for the professors who mentored me and helped me hone my craft.
While storytelling and filmmaking continue to excite me, I’ve always been drawn to teaching and mentorship. I believe that teaching isn’t just a fallback for those who can’t do; it’s a craft in itself—a way to deepen your understanding and mastery of the art. Much of my growth as a filmmaker and storyteller has come through sharing knowledge and working with new talent. It’s incredibly rewarding to guide passionate students, witnessing their growth and accomplishments.
As a proud member of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, I’m especially committed to supporting underrepresented voices. That perspective influences my role as an Associate Professor at the New York Film Academy, where I strive to create an open environment that values diverse stories and provides students from all backgrounds with the tools and support they need to tell their truths.
Much of my success I see reflected in my students’ achievements, and I’m proud to have played a role in their journeys. Now, I continue to work on my own creative projects—films and stage plays exploring themes of identity, community, and cultural representation—and I’m excited about what’s on the horizon.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t say the road has been smooth. Character building always sucks, but learning to be honest, thoughtful, and committed while navigating life’s challenges shapes you into a better human being.
Murphy seems to be the patron saint of filmmaking, ensuring problems will arise in production, some small, some colossal. But with every obstacle comes a lesson. The rocky road isn’t a drawback; it’s an education.
Without diving into every example, and there are many, I’ve come to see each hardship as a chance to grow, to be better prepared for the next challenge, because it is absolutely coming. You can’t sharpen a knife with greased glass. It may be easier, but it’s not effective.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an Associate Professor at the New York Film Academy in Burbank, I primarily teach directing and screenwriting. But what truly drives me is mentorship, helping MFA and BFA students bring their thesis films to life and guiding them through the ups and downs of the creative process. On the first day of class, I make two confessions. First, I genuinely love this craft, filmmaking, storytelling, the entire process, so if they do not, try accounting. And second, I tell my students I’m like a duckling: once they imprint, I’m in their corner for good. I strive to match their effort and support them well beyond graduation. That’s the kind of teacher I aim to be.
I’m deeply proud of the work my students have created, the festivals they have won and the careers they’re building. Just as importantly, I’ve been fortunate to stand by them during challenging times. While filmmaking is meaningful, people always come first.
This role has also given me the space to continue my own creative work. I’m currently finishing a feature-length screenplay and preparing for production. I’ve got two web series in development and a long list of projects in various stages of completion. Teaching fuels my own artistry, and in turn, my creative journey enriches the way I teach.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I am deeply grateful for the mentors I have had along the way. As a teacher, I have always appreciated my peers who were gracious enough to share their insights and experiences have helped me continuously refine how I connect with students. This support has been key to my evolution and development as a teacher. As a filmmaker, I am profoundly indebted to the professors and filmmakers who were so generous with their time, insights, and experience, which continues to illuminate this filmmaking journey. I venture to provide others with the same.
And of course, I am grateful for my family and friends who have truly been engaged and enthusiastic about my endeavors. Those people have my deep appreciation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://scotthartmann.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sahartmann/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottahartmann/
