Ted V. Mikels (born Theodore Vincent Mikacevich; April 29, 1929 – October 16, 2016) was an American independent filmmaker primarily of the horror cult film genre.

[5] Mikels was born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on April 29, 1929; his father was a Croatian immigrant who worked as a meat cutter, and his mother was an herbalist who emigrated from Romania.

While in 8th grade, he was awarded his first acting role in a film that was to star William Powell, but World War II forced the cancellation of the production.

[11] Additionally, as horseman, archery expert, Indian[citation needed] and stuntman, he contributed to the production of several Hollywood films made in Central Oregon.

Notably, during on location filming of The Indian Fighter, he taught studio special effects crews a technique for making flaming arrows appear authentic.