Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Harwood
Maya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It’s funny that you ask this question, cause I originally didn’t want to go into producing, but here we are. I found my passion for film, around the age of 12 or 13 when my friend and I decided to start a YouTube Channel. The channel never really “blew up” or anything, but I fell in love with the editing process. Which is ironic considering I don’t like editing anymore.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the biggest challenges in the film industry is the intense competition. While it’s incredibly rewarding to collaborate with friends and share in their successes, it can also be difficult to watch them advance while you’re still trying to carve out your own path. Of course, I’m happy for them and their achievements, but it’s natural to feel a bit disheartened when they’re moving forward and you’re still at a standstill. However, I strongly believe that everyone has their own timeline and that everything happens for a reason.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have recently graduated from Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD), where I earned my BFA in Film & Television with a minor in producing. During my time at SCAD, I was fortunate enough to work on over twenty-four student films being the lead producer on 14 of those projects.
Within the SCAD community, I am probably best known for my thesis film “The Time We Met”. A romantic comedy about a girl who is about the marry her high school sweetheart, until during a night out she finds herself in a love triangle. She now faces the challenge of choosing between the two men. TTWM is probably one of the best films I have worked on to date. I’ve loved working with everyone involved! This is my third time working with writer/director Gabby Emma. It’s been great working alongside her again. The two of us work really well together. But every crew member has been a delight to work with. I would love to work with them all again.
And just like how I love working with all my crew members I love all my cast. I call them my children. I’ve worked with a few of them before filming TTWM Cassidy Spring was in my directorial debut film “What’s Online” back in the fall of 2022; so it was kind of a full circle moment working with her again. The role of “Nate Evans” was written for Drake Aasen. We first met on “Tzadonah” and I just knew I wanted him to be a part of my thesis in some way or another. When we saw Parks Baird’s email come through we just instantly knew we wanted him to play the role of “Max Taylor”. He just really knows how to bring that character to life in ways I can’t describe. Chuck Sams originally auditioned for “Max” but during his call back we just didn’t think he fit the part well in what we were going for. Not until our casting director (Alyssa Bloom) suggested he read for, at the time “Meredith”, HE KILLED IT! He set the bar so high we weren’t even sure if we wanted to see any other callbacks for the role. I am very grateful for every one of them and all the hard work they’ve put into this film. They deserve all the recognition.
Aside from “The Time We Met” I am currently working on my very first sitcom pilot, alongside Mr. Aasen. The story is about a set of twins who return home, only to find out their parents have put their family home & business into their name, and they’re now both responsible for keeping the family house & business running.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I am open-minded. I’ve always worked with the mindset that everyone’s voice matters. It doesn’t matter what your role is on set, if you have an idea about something, whether that’s a story, blocking, lighting, etc… I am open to trying it out. Filmmaking is teamwork, and you have to work as a team to make the story complete.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
At SCAD specifically, there is a networking and fundraising event called Film Bazaar. Film Bazaar is a student-run event organized by SCAD students for SCAD students that is held once every quarter. It is a way for senior & MFA thesis films to raise money for their film, while it is also a great opportunity for students to network and talk to fellow filmmakers. I have had the pleasure of being the head of the committee for the last 2 years. And I am so grateful that I found a team of fellow SCAD students to pass it along to. We have raised over $3k at our events supporting many different thesis films.
Besides Film Bazaar, my best advice is to talk to fellow filmmakers, whether that’s in class or outside of class. Join Facebook groups, you never know who you’re going to meet there.
I found my 2 biggest mentors through SCAD. My professor Stephen Stanely and my friend and co-worker Julia Moran. Without those two I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.
To anyone reading this, my biggest piece of advice is to not be afraid to ask questions, even the silly ones. Because you’re probably not the only one with the same question. The whole point of networking and having a mentor is to ask the questions.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mayaharwood
