A BIG movie grant from Big Sky

Nearly Departed receives Big Sky Grant

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ASHLEY MARIA PRODUCTIONS ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR “NEARLY DEPARTED”

Los Angeles, CA — June 26, 2024

We are excited and proud to announce that Ashley Maria Productions has received a $20,000 grant from the Montana Department of Commerce to make a film in Montana. The movie grant funding is awarded through the Commerce’s Big Sky Film Grant (BSFG) program.

“The grant will help fund a film written by Molly Quinlan Artwick,” shared Director Ashley Maria. “We are happy to be able to support a Montana-based cast and crew with our funding, as well as the local economy.”

The short-form film — called “Nearly Departed,” will run eleven minutes. Targeted to film in Montana during the 2025 tourist off-season, the film will be Directed by Ashley Maria and produced by her production company, Ashley Maria Productions. 

“Molly wrote a heartfelt piece about grief with a dash of humor. When I first read this script, and felt my own reactions to the story and my own vulnerabilities to the topic, I knew I had to make this project a reality.” added Ashley.

What is “Nearly Departed” about?

“Nearly Departed” is a story of Charlie and Jules, two sisters at odds with each other discovering how to move on from their father’s death. This black dramady deals with the dark, trying, and often funny ways grief manifests. Faced with the loss of her father after moving across the country, Charlie struggles to find a meaningful place to let him go–and holds a secret that prevents her from saying goodbye. Jules’ own disastrous memorial to their father haunts her as she tries to help Charlie give their dad the sendoff he deserves. Things come to a head in the Montana forest, as a desperate Charlie threatens to smash their father’s urn.

Of the $2.5 million awarded through the Montana Film Office, Ashley Maria Productions was one of 21 short-form non-resident films that received grant funding.

Since the BSFG program started in 2013, nearly 350 film projects have received over $11 million of grant funding to assist with those productions. The Montana Film Office is part of the Department of Commerce and is funded by an allocation of the lodging facility use tax, commonly known as the “bed tax.” In 2023, Senate Bill 540 of the 68th Montana Legislature revised laws related to state-funded tourism promotion to require a specific allocation of lodging facility use tax for Montana-based film grants. For more information about the Big Sky Film Grant, visit montanafilm.com.

Ashley Maria Productions Announces Movie Poster Design

movie poster design

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

May 1, 2024
Contact: info [@] ashley-maria.com

Los Angeles, CA — On this first day of Mental Health Awareness Month, the producers behind the impact film “Super Human Anxiety” are excited to announce the release of the movie poster.

Launching in May 2024, the poster represents a short film created as a proof of concept super hero movie optimized to play a role as a powerful cinema therapy platform. Informative storytelling + educational tools can lead to productive and healing conversations around teen anxiety.

Super Human Anxiety Poster“It’s a special project for me,” shared director Ashley Maria. “I based much of this this story on my personal experience with anxiety as a teen. By making a film about a superhero who has anxiety, my goal is to re-frame anxiety as a superpower. I feel that – if we learn to understand it, to control it, then anxiety CAN be a powerful part of ourselves,” continued Ashley.

The filmmakers wanted the poster design to look like a comic book cover featuring the characters of the film. Designer Rachel Goldfinger came to the rescue. She was also asked to craft a tone with a fun and colorful vibe so that audiences knew they would find joy in this film. Starting with a live-action screen grab of the opening shot of Whitney – the lead character, Rachel positioned Whitney looking into camera.

“It’s as if she’s staring right at you and making you feel just how uncomfortable she is in this anxiety,” added Ashley.

The rest of the characters are represented as comic book illustrations. These illustrated characters are juxtaposed to Whitney’s real-life image; demonstrating the pressure of being triggered by intense social anxiety.

The short film provides hope by showing that we can learn how to face anxiety instead of avoiding it.

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish for such a special cause,” Rachel, a graphic designer that specializes in design and illustration for movies, music, and animation projects, noted. “I wanted the “Super Human Anxiety” movie poster to express a feeling of resilience and the hope the film brings.”

The “Super Human Anxiety” movie poster will be featured at movie screenings, on the website landing page, and in social channels.

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To learn more about the film: www.SuperHumanAnxiety.com.

To interview the film’s director, contact info [@] Ashley-Maria.com.

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.

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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

 

 

Makazan Film Director Program Finalist

Makazan Director Program

Ashley Maria has been chosen as a quarter-finalist for the Makazan Films Director Program — a chance for an underrepresented Director to receive a substantial credit in children’s programming.

The selected Director will direct a short film for Sesame Street.

The Makazan Film Director Program believes that there are many talented, qualified directors who may need a leg up to be able to build their ‘evidence of greatness’ to get to the next step of their directing career.

The program was created by Paige Morrow Kimball, the founder of Makazan Films and Producer / Director in unscripted TV. Wanting to pay it forward, she is giving an opportunity to a Director who could benefit from having more content on their reel and an HBO credit on an iconic show.

“This is not a school or a shadowing program. We are looking for a director who has already created a body of work and is working to build their reel and credits,” shared Ms. Kimball. “The director will be paid. The pay will be fair and appropriate for independent short filmmaking and specific to the budget.”

“I’m honored and so grateful to have this opportunity. Until women are hired for their potential, we must prove ourselves through our experienced work, explained Ashley Maria. “Thank you to Paige and Makazan Films for creating this chance!”

Paige Morrow KimballPaige Morrow Kimball’s Story

“I took time off to raise my two daughters and didn’t foresee how difficult it would be to go back to work. I not only faced the sexism I was already accustomed to, but now, even the people I had established solid working relationships with didn’t want to hire me. It was frustrating. But I didn’t need anyone’s permission to create. So, I made shit, practiced my craft, and built my body of work.

One of the short films I made, PLAY DATE, did well on the festival circuit and I was introduced to a producer at Sesame Street. She liked my film, took a chance, and gave me a shot. I’ve made 15 films for Sesame Street in the last 7 years. This opportunity has allowed me to create meaningful content, build my reel and start my own Production Company.

Climbing the director ladder ain’t easy.

Now I want to pay it forward and give the same opportunity to someone who could benefit from having more content on their reel and an HBO credit on an iconic show. It’s important for me that directing this film will help move the needle for another qualified director.”

Women of Cinematic Arts Speaker Panel

Women of SCA panel

In the news

Originally appearing in the School of Cinematic Arts News on March 31, 202 3 by USC Cinematic Arts.

 

The Women of Cinema Arts (WCA) hosted a screening of Pioneers in Skirts, School of Cinematic Arts alumna Ashley Maria’s documentary about the dire state of gender equity in Entertainment, Tech and other industries.

WCA President Nicole Wisdom reminded the audience of the stark facts of the film industry, including that out of more than 400 Academy Award nominations for best director, only eight have been for a film led by a woman; and only three have won (Kathryn Bigelow for The Hurt Locker, Chloe Zhao for Nomadland and Jane Campion (who was nominated twice) for The Power of the Dog).

Following the screening, director Ashley Maria moderated a panel comprised of SCA alumni HIKARI, Iram Parveen Bilal and Martina Lee, joined by filmmaker Brea Grant who worked on Pioneers with Maria. They spoke about their personal journeys to getting projects made, and overcoming the disappointment of stalled projects, intermittent unemployment, and rejection. The event was emblematic of the kinds of work WCA does to promote and progress the work of women filmmakers, particularly those who graduated from SCA.

USC speaker panel

Teaching Sound at Zambia Film Festival

Ashley Maria to teach a Masterclass in Sound on Friday the 31st March, 2023 during the Shungu Namutitima International Film Festival of Zambia.

The class will take place in the evening starting at 18:00 hrs. Join her as she takes Zambia university, film students, and independent filmmakers through the basics of Sound in the film industry.

The importance of quality sound in a movie cannot be overstated. Sign up to understand the production and post-production workflow and an overview of sound topics.

Demystifying the Sound Department: register here for this online class

Demystifying the Sound Department