Biography
Maria is a proud member of the PGA. She has served the arts community on Long Island, NY and in Los Angeles for over 20 years. Her multi-disciplinary expertise includes work as an award-winning writer, director, producer, and acting coach. She has served as an advocate, speaker, committee and board member for such organizations as Women In Media, The Millie D'Agostino Scholarship Fund, Breaking into Hollywood, Youth Biz Alliance, NYSTEA, EdTA, BOCES - Arts in Education, and Kids for Kids Productions. Maria produced Cappricielli Production's first feature, Reach starring Garrett Clayton (Hairspray LIVE, Teen Beach Movies) and Joey Bragg (Liv and Maddie). Reach released in 10 of the top 20 major markets throughout the US, she negotiated a North American distribution deal with Entertainment Studio's Freestyle Digital Media, and international sales deal. Reach went on to become an official selection at both the Dances With Films Festival and the Outshine LGBTQ Film Festival. The Westfield International Film Festival nominated Reach for best feature, best screenplay, and honored Maria as best female producer. Garrett Clayton was awarded best lead actor in a drama for his role in Reach at the CATE Film Festival in Santa Monica. Her documentary, Find an Identity, follows Reach's footsteps to reiterate "the power of kindness' ', and was nominated for best documentary in the New York Long Island Film Festival and Burbank International Film Festival. Maria produced and negotiated sales and distribution for the high school comedy feature film DIVOS! starring Jason Busey, Nicole Sullivan and Marissa Jaret Winokur. A lover of music, Maria consistently creates award winning music and music videos including HURRICANE featuring Emmy award winning rapper Chris Redd (Saturday Night Live) and Emmy award winning hair and makeup artist, Mo Meinhart (Hulu's Pam and Tommy). After producing the successful world premiere of the one act play, Pizza & Whine at the Hudson Guild Theatres in New York and Los Angeles, Maria along with screenwriters Elliott Estrada and Raffaela Capp, adapted the two main characters, Jennifer and Natalyn to the screen in Marvista Entertainment's holiday film, Four Cousins and a Christmas, now available on Hulu, Peacock, and Tubi. The film stars Teri Polo, Nicholas Turturro, Robert Davi, and Jared Sandler, making this feature Maria's directorial debut. Maria secured a record label producing the soundtrack of the same name. In partnership with the Cappricielli team, she continues to create content, writing, directing and producing while aligning with other like minded content creators taking projects from development through sales. She enjoys the biz of show biz as much as the creative and relishes in buyer relationships with major digital streaming outlets to bring stories to audiences all over the world. Maria is currently negotiating worldwide rights for two 2024 feature film releases: the psychological thriller, The Lady of the Lake, written and directed by Maria, starring Seth Gilliam (The Walking Dead, Teen Wolf), Nia Sioux (Dance Moms, Imperfect High) and Emery Kelly (Alexa and Katie, Big Shots) and Weekly World News Studios presents: The Zombie Wedding, starring Cheri Otero (Saturday Night Live), Micky Dolenz (The Monkees), and Vinny Pastore (The Sopranos).
