Hello, my name is Jay Ortiz, a Computer Science student at California State University, Chico, and I am the writer and director of Spider-Man: Growing Pains, a comedic, heartfelt, coming-of-age fan film that tells a new story about our favorite webhead during his college years.

I have always loved filmmaking and storytelling, especially the idea of bringing our ideas to life in order to inspire others and connect one another through our shared interests. Spider-Man in particular has been a hero that I've connected with since I was a kid. Every time things would get tough, where I felt alone, sad, or scared, I felt like I couldn't give up, because I know that he wouldn't. His story has always been about responsibility, sacrifice, and doing what's right, even when it is not always easy or convenient. Anyone can wear the mask, and anyone help others and be a hero to others. With this film, I want to explore those same struggles and everyday life conflicts through a grounded, emotional lens while keeping the humor and heart that make Spider-Man who he is at his core.

This is a non-profit fan film being created by the fans, for fans, not affiliated with Sony or Disney/Marvel Studios. This film is being made out of pure passion, creativity, and collaboration with the Digital Filmmakers Guild, and the funds will go toward costumes, props, equipment rentals, set design, transportation, food for cast and crew during long shoots, and post production costs to bring this story to life at a high quality level to the best of our ability. Every dollar will go directly towards making this project the absolute best it can be.

Although we may not be able to stick to walls and swing from rooftops, in the spirit of Spider-Man's message "with great power comes great responsibility," 25% of all donations will be donated to No Kid Hungry, supporting the fight to end childhood hunger across America and ensure that children have access to the meals they need to thrive.

My goal for this project is to not only help young and aspiring filmmakers develop the skills and experience they would need on set, but to create something that inspires others, not only as a filmmaker, but as a person who believes in doing better and using creativity for good. Thank you so much for your time, support, and belief in me and this project.

Your friendly neighborhood filmmaker,

Jay O.