Treyarch Presents: Pioneers in Skirts Conversation with Ashley Maria

Treyarch

TREYARCH NEWS// In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the diverse experiences of women and honoring their enduring strength, wisdom, and beauty throughout personal and professional growth. As part of our commemoration, Treyarch and the Ladies Who Launch group had the privilege of hosting Ashley Maria, the creator of the impactful documentary film, Pioneers in Skirts, for a Fireside Chat. 

Pioneers in Skirts, narrated by Ashley Maria, is a thought-provoking 60-minute documentary that has been nominated for a regional Emmy Award. The film delves into the challenges that hinder ambitious women, shedding light on the stereotypes and sexism that can impede their progress, limit their potential, and force them to reconsider their aspirations. 

During the event, Ashley Maria shared insights into the film’s themes and discussed the motivation behind its creation alongside her mother, the film’s producer. The conversation was both empowering and enlightening, sparking a meaningful dialogue among attendees and prompting reflections on their individual roles in addressing gender-related challenges. 

Treyarch
Carolyn Wang with Ashley Maria

In Ashley Maria’s own words, “Treyarch has fostered an environment of welcomed & open discussion, and I’m honored our film Pioneers in Skirts could play a small part in that. I left the event saying to myself ‘THIS is why we made Pioneers in Skirts!’ The conversations we had afterwards are what keep us motivated on this journey to reaching gender equity. Thank you for having us!” 

It was truly inspiring to witness the impact of Pioneers in Skirts and to see firsthand the power of collective dialogue in driving positive change. Let’s continue to champion inclusivity and empowerment in our workplaces and communities. #WomenEmpowerment #GenderEquality #PioneersInSkirts #Treyarch #LadiesWhoLaunch #WomensHistoryMonth 

Original post: https://www.treyarch.com/studio-culture/2024/04/Treyarch-Presents-Pioneers-In-Skirts-Conversation-With-Ashley-Maria

Pioneers Awarded U.S. Department of the Air Force Contract

DAF

Press Release 

Pioneers in Skirts awarded U.S. Department of the Air Force contract for Diversity & Inclusion Training program under $40 million program

LOS ANGELES (February 20, 2024) — Ashley Maria Productions, an independent production company specializing in short and feature length professional video projects, today announced that it has been selected by the U.S. Department of the Air Force, in support of both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, to provide a one-year movie screening package for the documentary Pioneers in Skirts.

Department of the Air Force

The Department of the Air Force officially established a Diversity and Inclusion office in 2021, with the goal of cultivating an equitable environment for all DAF personnel, by finding and fixing policies and procedures that might have adverse impacts on underrepresented troops and eliminating barriers and other practices that might impede their careers in the Air and Space Forces. 

DAF, and the broader the Department of Defense community, now have access to the film as a catalyst for meaningful conversations and planning efforts for building a culture of inclusion where every member of the Air and Space Forces is respected and valued for their identity, culture and background. 

About Pioneers in Skirts
Pioneers in Skirts is an entertaining, socially conscious impact documentary that addresses the obstacles ambitious women and girls experience. In an inspiring portrait of perseverance and determination, we see how we ALL can address the stereotyping and sexism that can chip away at a woman, limit her potential, and make her feel like she must re-think her dreams. Learn more at PioneersinSkirts.com.

About Ashley Maria Productions
Founded in 2018, Ashley Maria Productions (AMP) is an independent production services company specializing in developing and producing premium original and client-based content: film & digital platform, and production sound.

AMP has a particular focus on short and feature length professional video projects for digital or theatrical release, broadcast or cable networks in North America. Because of its commitment to telling impactful stories from diverse perspectives, AMP recently received a 2023 Emmy Award nomination in the Documentary Film — Topical category for the film Pioneers in Skirts.

See how AMP delivers what others can only imagine at Ashley-Maria.com and @AshleyMariaProductions.

Pioneers in Skirts Streaming Release On Select Online Platforms

Watch Pioneers in Skirts Film

Press Release 

Pioneers in Skirts, an Emmy Nominated Impact Documentary Film, is Now Available to a Global Audience on Select Streaming Platforms.

LOS ANGELES (October 27, 2023) — International Day of the Girl is being celebrated all over the globe during the month of October, Pioneers in Skirts®, a film about the obstacles limiting a woman or girls pioneering ambition, is proud to announce its streaming release on select online platforms.

Premiering during the pandemic to a global online audience of companies, schools and nonprofits, the documentary-style film is from Director Ashley Maria and Producer Lea-Ann W. Berst, a mother-daughter filmmaking team.  Together they created an engaging socially conscious documentary that examines WHY women and girls have dashed expectations and addresses the stereotyping and sexism that can chip away at a woman, hurt her potential, and make her feel like she must re-think her dreams.

Viewers watch the film and find themselves empathizing with, and relating to, the characters and statistics featured. Some see that they are not alone. Many feel inspired – they see their role in the solution, and they feel motivated to act.

Since its launch in August 2020, the film has been part of group screening events that use the power of film to foster engagement, meaningful dialogue, and social impact.

“In late 2022 we started to show the film to in-person audiences,” shared Ashley. “That helped to propel our multi-year impact plan of reaching young ambitious women & girls, their families, and their support communities with a global call-to-action to stand with women and girls as they work to reach their full potential.”

“As our impact plan evolved, we decided to make the movie much more available to people who want to watch the movie at home with their families,” added Lea-Ann. “Audiences often ask us about how a person could show the film to their daughter or son or partner – so we’re excited we found an easy way for people to watch Pioneers in Skirts at home!”

The film is available for individual viewing on select streaming channels and television apps, like:

Apple TV – own or rent

Prime Video – own or rent

Curiosity Stream – with subscription

TubiTV – stream with ads

Reveel – stream with ads

To view the full list of streaming channels, visit: https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/watch/.

Change inspired

About Pioneers in Skirts – A Movie About Ambition

Pioneers in Skirts is an inspiring film about the obstacles that can limit a woman’s pioneering ambition. The film is a 60-min multi-award-winning impact documentary made to encourage a healthy dialogue about the gender bias women confront in their careers, and what we ALL must do — both women & men — right now to change this.

Through characters and stories, and underlining their experiences with statistics and expert interviews, the film addresses what it is that can chip away at a woman, hurt her potential, and make her feel like she must re-think her dreams.

#BEtheChange   #BEaPioneer

Please visit our website for more information on showing the film at your school, company, or organization: www.PioneersinSkirts.com.

EIN Release: click here

Give an Hour Supports the Film “Super Human Anxiety”

In the news

Original story: https://giveanhour.org/give-an-hour-supports-the-film-super-human-anxiety/

Support for the film, “Super Human Anxiety” highlights Give an Hour’s ongoing efforts of transforming mental health. 

Los Angeles, September 26, 2023 —Independent production company Ashley Maria Productions announced an impactful partnership between their upcoming short film, “Super Human Anxiety,” and Give an Hour, a national organization focused on creating resilient, mentally healthy communities through innovative programs and education, especially for those who have been impacted by humanmade trauma.

“Super Human Anxiety” is part of a broader initiative that employs storytelling and post-screening educational tools to empower mental health programs, enhancing teens emotional regulation and resilience in challenging situations.

Scheduled for release in May 2024, during Mental Health Awareness Month, the film aims to highlight the importance of reaching out to provide support to those silently struggling as well as the importance of self-care.

“In the capacity of a social entrepreneurial organization, we collaborate with individuals dedicated to pioneering novel approaches aimed at addressing the critical void within our nation’s mental health care,” stated Dr. Trina Clayeux, CEO of Give an Hour. “The realm of visual arts stands as a potent avenue for fostering dialogues between adults and teenagers regarding mental health themes.”

From the Emmy Nominated team of “Pioneers in Skirts,” this live-action film takes on a comedic tone to address anxiety. “Super Human Anxiety” follows a young teenager, Whitney, who has always had strong emotions, but recently they have been presenting themselves as super human strength. She works in overdrive to mask her anxiety and her powers, until today, when her elevator breaks down, Whitney must accept help from her teacher to calm her nerves so they can both get out of the elevator safely.

“Stories like this are an impactful way to humanize social issues. We want ‘Super Human Anxiety’ to help normalize anxiety, showing kids it’s okay to talk about their feelings and encouraging them to face their anxiety instead of avoiding it,” said director Ashley Maria. “We are incredibly grateful for Give an Hour’s support in this effort, and we hope it will inspire other organizations to help us complete this important work.”

“When it comes to anxiety, early intervention is critical,” added producer Lea-Ann W. Berst. “We want teen viewers to know that, with help, they can learn to manage and reduce their anxiety.”

Give an Hour plans to collaborate with the filmmakers as an official impact partner, to raise awareness about the film, provide educational resources on topics covered, and offer screenings opportunities for their Wellness Ambassadors and other interested partners.

Kristin Richardson, Director of Communications at Give an Hour, emphasized their appreciation for innovative mental health approaches, such as the subtle means of storytelling and self-reflection demonstrated in ‘Super Human Anxiety,’ which provide teens with a discreet channel to convey their emotions within their support network while fostering mental health exploration and well-being.

To learn more about “Super Human Anxiety” and how you can play a meaningful role in building a platform that helps teens and young adults lean into productive discussions around anxiety, visit the Ashley Maria Productions website.

—

About Ashley Maria Productions

Ashley Maria Productions is an independent production company specializing in developing and producing short and feature length films focused on contained genre, uplifting stories, and maximizing the potential for positive impact. For more, visit ashley-maria.com.

About Give an Hour

Give an Hour® is a national organization dedicated to transforming mental health by building strong and healthy individuals and communities. We specifically provide mental health support to people impacted by humanmade trauma through an innovative approach that empowers those we help to actively take part in their own mental health journey. Mental health is for everyone, For Life.  Learn more and get involved at giveanhour.org.

For more information, contact:

Kristin Richardson, krichardson@giveanhour.org, 202-491-8139

 

 

Pioneers Attends Week-Long NAU Event

Watch The Invitation Message

Meet the Filmmakers!

Contact Ashley Maria

Director/Producer/Writer

Contact LWB

Producer/Writer

Pioneers in Skirts is an Emmy-nominated 60-min impact documentary about the obstacles that can limit a girl’s or woman’s pioneering ambition, and what we ALL can do about it.

Watch the movie trailer

Statewide Northern Arizona University students, faculty and community friends are invited to attend one of many free live screening events during the week of September 18, 2023!

  • Monday, 9/18, 5-7 pm Cline Library Assembly Hall
  • Tuesday, 9/19, 6-8 pm Cline Library Assembly Hall
  • Wednesday, 9/20, 7pm, Award Ceremony (invitation event)
    • Eunson Award event honoring Quinn Snyder at the School of Communication  
    • The Associated Press-Robert R. Eunson ceremony honors the memory of Robert R. Eunson, a 1930s graduate of NAU who went on to a distinguished career as a correspondent and executive with the Associated Press. Every year a journalism alum of NAU receives the AP-Eunson Alumni Achievement Award in Journalism.    
        
  • Thursday, 9/21, 6pm, LIVE online Watch Party with the filmmakers
    • Watch from the comfort of your home, interact with the filmmakers, and chat with each other as you watch the movie!
    • RSVP: https://bit.ly/pioneer-e-nau
        
  • Friday,  9/22, 2-3pm Pioneer Action Workshop.  Explore your role in the solution and develop actionable items related to stereotyping and sexism.

For more information email Professor Hampton: Nicole.Hampton@nau.edu.

For Women Deliver 2023 Attendees!

a special note for in-person and online registrants

We are the mother/daughter filmmaking team that produced the film Pioneers in Skirts — an official movie selection of the Women Deliver 2023 Conference.

Did you miss our film during the Tuesday (July 18) showing in the Virunga Tent / Kigali Convention Centre? Not to worry! You can watch the film in the comfort of your home or office online! THIS LINK WILL STAY LIVE FOR 30 DAYS.

Watch PIONEERS IN SKIRTS -- An Official Movie Selection of Women Deliver 2023

You must sign-in to the Women Deliver portal with your email & password.

The story behind Pioneers in Skirts examines the barriers and setbacks women confront in their careers while addressing the stereotyping and sexism that can chip away at a woman or a girl, hurt her potential, and make her feel like she must re-think her dreams.

A screening of Pioneers in Skirts can raise awareness for cultural biases and prejudices, empower others to know that they aren’t alone, encourage productive and meaningful discussions, and generate action.

Language: English | 60-min runtime
Closed captioning: English
Subtitles: Spanish, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, French, German, Russian, Arabic

After you watch the film and realize a possible fit for your organization to better engage with your community in conversations around gender equity, inclusion, and action — it may interest you to know that we’re offering a FREE movie screening to qualified activists all over the globe.

Called the Pioneers in Skirts Global Impact Movie Relay, this movie program is for groups who elevate women & girls, work to advance women into leadership roles, and address gender equality issues.

Learn More About (and apply for) This Movie Program Here

As part of the WD2023 conference, Pioneers in Skirts is proud to continue to serve as a formal UN Women Generation Equality Commitment Maker focused on driving policy and accountability mechanisms on behalf of women around the globe.

By making a commitment under the umbrella of Generation Equality, we have been able to amplify and expand our commitment to gender equality and be part of a major global effort to accelerate investment and progress for women and girls around the world.

Thank you, and enjoy the film!

Lea-Ann W. Berst (Producer) & Ashley Maria (Director)

Contact us: HERE.
Learn more about the film: HERE.

Ashley Maria on Set with Lea-Ann Berst in Raleigh, NC
Change inspired