Photo courtesy of Jennifer Bertling
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From a backstage kid in rural Canadian community theatre to a Creative Producer with credits at the Oscars, Netflix, and VeniceVR, Jennifer Bertling has charted an extraordinary path that exemplifies what it means to lead with vision, grit, and unmatched creative instinct.
Innovation was part of Bertling’s DNA long before she entered entertainment. Raised on a Canadian alternative energy farm, she grew up immersed in problem-solving and performance, thanks to her mother’s community theatre work. She didn’t attend film school or benefit from insider networks, but her talent took root at major Canadian institutions, like eOne and the National Film Board.
She said, “I didn’t come into film and TV with connections. I came in with guts, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of storytelling.”
Bertling’s move to Los Angeles was a decisive leap, one that stepped her into a larger arena with vision and determination. Without a blueprint, she created one: driven by purpose, powered by resilience, and centered on bold, emotionally resonant stories that matter.
Her singular ability to fuse creative vision with production excellence became widely recognized in 2017, when she served as Production Manager for Draw Me Close, a live theatre/virtual reality hybrid that was one of just 22 global selections out of 103 submissions to the Venice International Film Festival’s groundbreaking VeniceVR category.
That year, the festival became the first in the world to dedicate an entire island, formerly a leper colony, to celebrate the emergence of VR storytelling. Bertling’s ability to manage cutting-edge narratives in a new medium proved she wasn’t just talented, she was exceptional.
In 2024, Bertling was part of the Oscar-nominated documentary To Kill A Tiger, which earned a Best Feature Documentary nomination. The project, led by a female leadership team, deepened her commitment to story as a form of justice.
She said, “I learned the impact of story as truth-telling and global change. That clarity now drives everything I do as a creative producer.” It was a defining moment in her evolution from production powerhouse to a thought leader in purpose-driven storytelling.
Her dedication to centering underrepresented voices continued with LOL Surprise! Winter Fashion Show, a feature-length film on Netflix that champions creativity, inclusivity, and unapologetic girlhood. Produced by an all-woman team, the 2022 hit offered a visual spectacle and values-driven message for young audiences. She said that kids deserve stories that show them what’s possible, that start with who’s telling those stories.
Within an industry that often lacks diverse leadership, Bertling stands apart as a singular force, a woman producing content with substance and style, and using her platform to elevate voices that have long gone unheard. Her career trajectory is distinguished by its rarity.
She was twice invited to serve on the jury of the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival (2023 and 2024), joining creative elites like Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rosario Dawson, Zoey Deutch, Sam Worthington, and Rachel Brosnahan. Her selection reflects not only recognition by peers but a reputation for critical insight, taste, and leadership in the global storytelling community.
While many talented producers work behind the scenes, Bertling is a thought leader in redefining what kids’ and family content can be. She approaches every project with one driving question: “How do we tell stories that reflect the real world while empowering the next generation?” Her work tackles creative and systemic challenges from breaking gender barriers in production pipelines to pushing for authentic representation of girls and underrepresented communities on screen.
The journey has not been without obstacles. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Bertling has had to fight for visibility, credibility, and influence. She said, “I had to be exceptional just to be seen.” But instead of blending in, she built a new model: one defined by bold leadership, creative clarity, and strategic execution. She does not just want a seat at the table, she’s out to build a better table.
Among the most important lessons she’s learned is the value of passion and kindness. She said, “This industry is unpredictable and often unforgiving. If you don’t love what you do, you won’t last. And how you treat people matters more than any title or credit.”
Bertling is preparing to launch her own production company, one where women and underrepresented creators are not simply included, but centered. Her vision is to develop original content that is daring, inclusive, and globally resonant. “I want to create a space where creativity and purpose coexist, where new storytellers feel empowered to lead.”
From rural stages to the Oscars, from VeniceVR to Netflix, Jennifer Bertling’s journey is proof that creativity, conviction, and courage can take you everywhere, even if you start from nowhere. For aspiring creatives, she is not just a role model, but a blueprint for what’s possible.
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