Biography
Maria Baltazzi has carved out a career producing on location throughout the world. Her most recent work was Animal Planet's critically acclaimed 3-part series, "Battleground: Rhino Wars". This project was shot in South Africa around the Greater Kruger Area, north of Johannesburg. The story revolved around four US Special Forces Operators working along side a SA anti-poaching team to hunt down rhino poachers. The show aired in the US, Australia/NZ, Taiwan, China and SA.
Other series include "World's Toughest Truckers", a co-production for Discovery US and Channel 5 UK. "One Man Army" for Discovery and Renegade 83, "Sarah Palin's Alaska" for TLC and Mark Burnett. "SPA" debuted at almost 5 million viewers; the biggest premiere in the channel's history.
Maria has been associated with Mr. Burnett since the first season of "Survivor", when she was one of the original show producers. She went on to develop and Executive Produce, with Mr. Burnett, "Expedition Africa" for History. The series was Emmy nominated for it's Outstanding Cinematography Nonfiction (2009). Since then, she has specialized in producing action-adventure programs. Though always open to any show that revolves around engaging characters in unique environments.
She has been to all seven continents, and over 50 countries. International production experience include: Alaska, Antarctica, Australia, Borneo, Botswana, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, England, Fiji, Hawaii, India, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Mongolia, Okinawa, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, St. Barts, St. Martin, South Africa, Tanzania, Thailand, Uganda, Vanuatu, and Zanzibar.
Also an adventurer when not shooting, Maria has climbed Kilimanjaro, 2008. Trekked to Everest Base Camp, 2009. She is a marathon walker, and has participated in the NY Marathon, 2009; LA, 2010; Athens, 2010; The Great Wall, 2011; Solar Eclipse Port Douglas Australia, 2012; and Safaricom Kenya, 2013. She does marathons to raise money for charity.
