Jake Borelli, best known for his role as Dr. Levi Schmitt on the hit TV series “Grey’s Anatomy,” is expanding his career by stepping behind the camera to direct a new film called “IGNIS.” This marks his first time securing a directorial role, marking a significant step forward in his artistic career.
“IGNIS” is described as a genre-bending drama that explores the complexities of romantic relationships. The film features a talented cast including Britt Baron, who made an impression in “GLOW,” Allen Leech, a familiar face from “Downton Abbey,” and Karan Soni, who starred in “A Nice Indian Boy.” Filming on “IGNIS” has now wrapped in Los Angeles, marking a new step in Borelli’s career.
“IGNIS” is penned and co-produced by Julie Cohn, a Tony Award-winning producer best known for her work on “Stereophonic,” in addition to her work as the creator of the hit podcast “The Redefector.” The film follows Camille, a woman who begins to question her relationship after discovering that her fiancé may have been using a special drug that chemically stimulates feelings of pleasure.
Speaking about the project, Jake Borelli said, “As an actor, I’ve always been fascinated by the deep emotions that make up human nature. With ‘IGNIS,’ I wanted to explore those emotions, but from a director’s perspective. The film is not just about love, but also about questions about truth, ownership, and the issues that surround the changing emotional landscape of human beings.”
In addition to “Grey’s Anatomy,” Borelli has appeared in a number of other projects, including the Netflix comedy-drama “Reality High,” the TV series “The Thing About Harry” and “The Thundermans Return.” He has also appeared in hit shows like “iCarly,” “Parenthood” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.”
On “Grey’s Anatomy,” Borelli is known as the first actor to portray an openly gay male medical doctor, appearing in more than 130 episodes. He also continues to work with many of his “Grey’s Anatomy” collaborators in this directorial project, including Jeanne Tyson, a former director of photography. The production team, including producers Michael Scott and Suki-Rose Etter, also played a key role in bringing “IGNIS” to life on screen.
“IGNIS” is expected to hit the film festival circuit in 2026, promising to bring a new wave to the psychological thriller genre. In terms of representation, Jake Borelli is currently under Amplified and CESD; Britt Baron is represented by Prime Talent and CESD; Allen Leech is under Untitled Entertainment and The Way; Karan Soni is backed by CAA and Mosaic; and Julie Cohn is represented by Character and UTA. The presence of these powerful figures further increases expectations for the future success of “IGNIS.”
