As one of the web series medium’s earliest adopters, Otessa Ghadar is a true forerunner of digital media. Since 2007, she has been pioneering the web series format and establishing new ground in the wild west of the web, particularly through her globally viral show “Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden,” know affectionately as "OJBG".

Otessa Ghadar started “Orange Juice in Bishop’s Garden” as her MFA thesis at Columbia University’s film school. Now in its 7th season, "OJBG" is the longest continually running show online. The show has an international following in 145+ countries and has been recognized by industry heavy hitters, such as the Telly Awards, the Webby Awards, LA Web Fest, among others. Diving into web series production when the idea was still in its infancy, Otessa had to learn and adapt to new changing forms of new media as they were being defined.

From this experience, Otessa wrote and published the industry’s first textbook last year: "The Wild West of Film." Using material published in the book, Otessa currently lectures to top-tier corporations and academic institutions on the state of communication and creation in the digital age.

Otessa is also the founder of the DC Web & Digital Festival and the president of DC-based digital media company 20/20 Productions. With its content, the company has become a destination for non-geoblocked, globally available programming.

Whether in film or fiction, at her core, Otessa is a storyteller. Returning to her DC roots, OJBG is an example of “writing what you know.” It’s part recollection, part urban legend, part pure fiction, and completely inspired by her own memories of growing up on the cusp of the internet era. Her stories embody the rebelliousness of the ‘90s grunge era while tackling social issues that surround youth. All seasons of OJBG are also available in book form — whether in paperback, ebooks, or as a special edition series of “Director’s Notebooks."

Up next, Otessa has a Sci Fi show in the works and will soon be releasing a collection of short stories.

Otessa Marie Ghadar

Filmmaker, Digital Storyteller, & DIY Enthusiast

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