Raving Fans
From the Audience
I thoroughly enjoyed Ashley’s films as my first ever film screening event! Ashley’s films are better than 95% of the current TV shows and as good as 4% of the rest. I laughed with Andy’s warnings and the TV interaction and jumped at the closing frame in Friday Night Fright and sided with Volcano Girl on the unfairness of being unmasked as a superhero and being ‘forced’ to move home again only to find home is the place to be! Wow on the pyrotechnics!
Ashley carries her film enthusiasm well – intense, but full of fun- like the genres she favors. No doubt that she has a bright future ahead of her. - Lee Heinrich, Raleigh NC
[Volcano Girl] is less about having awesome powers and fantasy sequences than it is about the modern American economy, shifting family dynamics, and a woman having to reinvent herself from a super-powerful, respected hero to ... something else in a less-than-accommodating work force. Movies about the inner humanity of superheroes always end up as fascinating character studies (The Incredibles, for instance) set in the realm of comic-book heroism. (Read the rest of Superheidi's article here) -Fangirltastic.com
I need quotes! Have you seen any of my movies? Have something to say? Send it to me, and I'll post it here!
The following people and businesses have supported me through financial contribution or gear/services donation. I thank you for your continued trust in me.
Wells Fargo IMAX Theatre at Marbles
When Ashley went to IMAX with her innocent film student eyes and asked them to screen her movie, "Volcano Girl," they said yes! Since that first meeting, IMAX has worked with her to convert both "Volcano Girl" and "Friday Night Fright" to the DCP format required for their projectors - it took about 2 weeks. They also supported her in fundraising for film festivals. They donated a "Night Out at IMAX" for raffle (unfortunately, Ashley couldn't win...) and invited their Premiere Pass Holders to the screening. Check out their website here: www.imaxraleigh.org
And check out the intro video we created for other screenings at IMAX here. Thanks to Tim McKay, Sam Griffin, Neal Gettinger and Lea-Ann Berst for their help in creating this short video.
You may think they were forced into this film industry since their daughter (that's me) likes it so much, but look again. Lea-Ann has executive produced all of Ashley Maria's films, and they are currently producing "Pioneers in Skirts" together.
And Dave likes to watch movies.
Grumpa Group
The grandparents of Ashley Maria gladly support her in her dreams. Her grandpa is quite grumpy sometimes...and that's how they got their name!
Tim McKay
A top producer, Tim is co-owner of Fruition Film, a leader in North Carolina film production houses. Learn more about what they can do for your company fruitionfilm.com. Plus, Tim is just really cool.
Sam Griffin
A top Director of Photography in North Carolina, Sam is co-owners of Fruition Film with Tim McKay. Check out their work here: fruitionfilm.com
F. Michael Davis
Mike and Ashley worked on many congressional campaigns together. He represents the top North Carolina congressmen and women. Now he supports top filmmakers! Thank you to Mike!
Colleen Bonadonna
A huge supporter of the arts, Colleen creates many films and books on her own. She just traveled to 200 Rotary Clubs in 200 days to raise money for Polio eradication.
Neal Gettinger
You thought you understood sound and microphones, but you have no idea. Neal has continuously supported Ashley with donation of very high quality gear. His support made "Pioneers in Skirts" a reality. Plus, he's hilarious!
Cyn Mallard
Cyn, a professional book cover designer, took a chance on designing an epic movie poster for "Volcano Girl." That's right...epic. A ton of fire images, color changes, and font experiments later, we had our poster! Check out her website: www.cynergiestudio.com
Rob Delory
Rob, a North Carolina printer and huge movie fan, realized how expensive it is for film students to print out their much-needed movie posters and offered his support and services to "Volcano Girl." With this poster, "Volcano Girl" will get more attention at film festivals! Check out more about the company he works for here.
Thank you for your support in making my dreams a reality!
In their own words...
|
“During her tenure as an intern at ESPN, Ashley displayed an acquired knowledge of the broadcast industry as well as a desire to learn. She was an integral part of operations in the |
| Brian Liburd Producer, ESPN Original Entertainment ESPN |
|
“Ashley was a pleasure to work with. She approached her job everyday with energy and enthusiasm which became contagious at the workplace. She could always be counted on to do the job right.” |
| Scott Shapiro Producer, Mike & Mike in the Morning ESPN |
|
“In the first semester that we worked with Ashley Maria, she demonstrated her initiative and creativity in finding innovative ways to market Current on campus and involve more students in the opportunities available. One idea in particular we found very useful to the program. Ashley Maria and her partner set up shop in the center of campus with signs and cameras and got the perspective of students as they walked by. This involved many students in the project and provided the opportunity to engage with people on a person level. Knowing how successfully this idea was executed, we decided to incorporate the core elements in the key responsibilities of the internship in the second semester of the program. We continue to see positive results and creative initiative from Ashley Maria.” |
|
Danny Greene |
|
“Ashley Maria is breathtakingly smart. She absorbs what is said in class and then shows up with work that is startling in its total comprehension. She is extremely talented both as an actress and a director. She has worked with UNC Student TV and has shown remarkable leadership qualities. She is a total self starter. She is very popular and beloved with the people that she works with in a position of leadership. Ashley Maria quietly sets about to help fellow students with their work. She is someone that I would happily hire. She is mature, funny, smart, is not afraid to learn something new. And, she has no problem dealing with what she doesn't know. She just sets about to learn it. |
|
Joan Darling
Joan Darling directed the famous "Chuckles Bites the Dust" episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and received a 1976 Emmy nomination for her efforts. |
|
|
|
|
