Ashley Maria Productions

08/19/2024

We've just sent out a movie update to our "Super Human Anxiety" GoFundMe donors. Click the link to read about our L.A. Shorts International Film Festival movie premiere and what's next for the film!

THANK YOU to all you amazing people for helping us offer this film as part of an overall cinema therapy tool that includes educational information about strengthening a teen’s capacity of regulating emotions and building resilience for managing difficult situations.

[we're still fundraising to develop tools -- check out the campaign to learn more!]

THANK YOU!! for helping us meet our $12K Production fundraising campaign goa… Ashley Maria needs your support for Super Human Anxiety - a cinema therapy short

08/05/2024

We had the incredible opportunity to premiere “Super Human Anxiety” at this year’s L.A. Shorts International Film Festival. This is an Oscar Qualifying film festival which means it’s very prestigious to be accepted. (yay us!)

The screening itself was just magical. We were able to get a lot of our team based in the Los Angeles area to attend and finally see their hard work on the big screen. Our two lead actresses received so many compliments on their performances, and we got so many compliments on our effects!

I spoke in the Q&A about the process of building the elevator as well as creating all the practical effects. It was important to me that many of the effects be done practically so Whitney’s experience could feel more real to the audience. A cup actually breaks. The floor actually dents. The wall actually crumbles. This feels more real than just creating it in VFX because audiences are keen now to real versus VFX. Of course, there are plenty of amazing VFX shots in our film, but I wanted to set the tone with real practical effects first.

I even heard people in the audience gasp as Whitney broke and dented things around her – it worked!

My hope is to have plenty more opportunities to see and celebrate our work on the big screen. Fingers crossed for the upcoming festival season!

(you can check out a recording of the Q&A at the Super Human Anxiety linktree in our bio)

07/17/2024

UPDATE! We have a screening time for our Premiere!

“Super Human Anxiety” will be screening on Sunday, July 28th at 7:45pm during the LA Shorts Film Festival at The Regal LA Live Theater.

Those Planning to Attend (so far!):

“Whitney” played by Alexis Jacquelyn Smith
“Ms. Sweetly” played by Plastic Martyr
Writer/Director Ashley Maria
Producer Melissa Balint
Director of Photography Autumn P***n
Associate Producer Gina Thumm

If you’d like to join us, then please click over to the link below to purchase tickets for our program. Thank you!

LINK: https://www.lashortsfest.com/july-28-program-60
L.A. Shorts International Film Festival

We look forward to seeing you and sticking around to answer all of your questions about the making of the film!

[and if you’re keeping track…this is the SAME theater we premiered in 2019!! Coming back home :) ]

06/27/2024

We’re making a movie in Montana!

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 our short film, “Nearly Departed,” in Montana. The movie grant funding is awarded through the Commerce’s Big Sky Film Grant (BSFG) program.

“Nearly Departed” - written by Molly Quinlan Artwick and Directed by Ashley Maria - 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 heartfelt piece deals with the dark, trying, and often funny ways grief manifests.

We are so happy to support a Montana-based crew with this funding as well as the local economy. AND we are thrilled to capture the beauty that is Montana!

While the $20,000 is greatly appreciated, the full budget is 3 times that amount! As we work to raise the remaining funds to hit our budget and hopefully go into production in April 2025, you can follow along by signing up for our newsletter (http://eepurl.com/de9cPn). You’ll get even more info than we post to our socials!

Are you connected to people in Montana?? Want to get involved?! Send us a message - we want to talk!







Ashley Maria Lea-Ann Woodward Berst Molly Artwick Montana Film Office

06/24/2024

UPDATE: We are screening on July 28th at 7:45pm. More information and tickets can be purchased here https://www.lashortsfest.com/july-28-program-60

It’s time to practice those breathing exercises because our anxiety is reaching a new level…

"Super Human Anxiety" is having its World Premiere at the prestigious Oscar-Qualifying LA Shorts Fest in July!

That’s right - this little-film-that-could is ready to screen in front of audiences in Downtown LA at the Regal LA Live Theater July 17th-28th. LA Shorts is one of the top International Shorts Festivals, screening over 350 films to nearly 10,000 attendees. The festival is both Oscar Qualifying & BAFTA Qualifying which means films that screen here have the chance to qualify for an Oscar or BAFTA nomination. All the fingers crossed? You bet!

Thank you to the team at L.A. Shorts International Film Festival for seeing the potential of our film. We’re so excited to share it with audiences — this is JUST the beginning!

And thank you to our AMAZING team who made this film come to life. We are forever grateful to your talent and your joy you brought to this project.

(Tagging as many people as we can!)

Ashley Maria & Lea-Ann Woodward Berst

06/09/2024

The community newsletter is here!

- Watch a recorded Reveel convo with Ashley Maria. Learn about her creative decisions and more.
- See how you can help mental health organizations screen our film, Super Human Anxiety, for FREE.
- Catch up on the latest studies and read how Japanese employers are changing their male-dominated workplace culture!

READ NEWSLETTER HERE: https://us9.campaign-archive.com/?u=9363fcbcd95b1ef4df5792c32&id=4a61ad325d

05/24/2024

Ready for a sneak peak of Super Human Anxiety??

Here’s a ‘teaser trailer’ to give you a taste of our short film that aims to make a BIG impact (coming soon!)

Super Human Anxiety” is about a teenage girl who thinks she’s hiding her strong emotions well. But, when her elevator breaks down, fate forces her to out her secret. The short length of the movie (8-min) + expert-created educational tools are designed to encourage teens to openly talk about their anxiety.

WE NEED IMPACT PARTNERSHIPS! We need more experts to help us raise awareness about the film and provide resources for movie viewers and mental health professionals.

In order to have the best outcomes, what happens AFTER a viewing of the film is key. Productive and meaningful discussions can help teens and support networks discover new perspectives and learn healthy coping strategies.

05/18/2024

Thank you Reveel for being so supportive of our film and its message!

Pioneers in Skirts is available to watch now with a Free Account on Reveel! (link in comments)

05/17/2024

This statement is not from the Benedictine College President and Board of Directors (who seleted him to speak), but from Mount St. Scholastica. Too bad the nuns don't select the commencement speakers...

The co-founders of Benedictine College issued the definitive response to the Kansas City Chiefs kicker’s commencement address. From Melinda Henneberger:

05/14/2024

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY REVEEL!

- Ashley answers personal and creative questions about the making of the film, Pioneers in Skirts.

- Stream Pioneers in Skirts on Reveel: https://reveel.net/programs/1302788/pioneers-in-skirts.

05/10/2024

Announcement: 💥👊🏼💥

Pioneers in Skirts awarded Department of the Air Force contract.

Ashley Maria Productions announces 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.

05/10/2024

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

05/01/2024

It’s the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month, and we have a surprise for you!

It’s our official poster design for Super Human Anxiety (coming soon)!

We wanted this poster to feel like the cover of a comic book as well as bring in the colorful fun that this film offers. Starting with a live-action screen grab of Whitney (played by Alexis Jacquelyn Smith), our designer Rachel Goldfinger then illustrated the surrounding characters to show you Whitney’s world.

When I thought of the moment you (our audience) would first meet Whitney, I always thought of this funny moment as her big reveal. Her eyes BIG as she smashes her tumbler cup - revealing her super human strength. This is a screenshot of that moment, and I’m so happy it’s now the poster! Thank you to Rachel and our whole Super Human Anxiety team for lending your talents to make this film great.

We can’t wait to share this film soon — stay tuned for more updates throughout Mental Health Awareness Month 🥰

04/13/2024

Film can be a powerful instructional and motivational tool in the university classroom. We’re excited to see professors assigning Pioneers in Skirts to their students as movie-watching homework.

Read more: https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/universities-assigning-pis-as-homework/

03/31/2024

Head on over to Curiosity Stream and check out Pioneers in Skirts - an empowering movie about ambition 👊🏼💥👊🏼

03/31/2024

03/26/2024

Looking for a fun & empowering way to celebrate Women’s History Month? Here are the many ways you can watch (or host a screening of) Pioneers in Skirts —

https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/the-many-ways-to-watch-pioneers-in-skirts/

Pioneers in Skirts is an Emmy-nominated documentary about the obstacles that get in the way of pioneering ambition. The film addresses 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.

03/15/2024

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Women’s History Month? Here are the many ways you can stream or host a screening of Pioneers in Skirts —
https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/the-many-ways-to-watch-pioneers-in-skirts/

Pioneers in Skirts is an entertaining & socially conscious documentary about the obstacles that can limit a girl’s & woman’s pioneering ambition, and what we ALL can do about it.

03/12/2024

Today is .

It's a day for marking how far into this year (well into March) women have to work, on average, to earn what men made last year. Over a lifetime, these inequities can amount to millions of dollars lost for women who do not receive the wages they deserve.

For many women, this day is pushed further out in the year. For example, Black Women's Equal Pay Day is typically in July or August!

Digging deeper, you will see that the issue is rooted deeper than just the wage gap; we must consider socio-economic disparities, systemic issues such as gender bias, occupational segregation, and the lack of advancement opportunities.

for change.

03/08/2024

Happy ✨💜 Today we celebrate the achievements of women worldwide 🌎 and rally together to elevate the focus on , raise awareness about , and reinforce commitment to helping forge a world.

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02/28/2024

Our final Test Screening of "Super Human Anxiety" with Give an Hour is Next Week!

Join us Thursday, March 7th at 5pm PT/8pm ET on Zoom!

Be part of an incredible opportunity to shape the Final Cut by sharing your opinions directly with us! Your insights matter, and this is your chance to make a real impact on the film's journey. Invite your friends and family to register as well to enjoy this experience with you. Don't miss out - join us for a screening that goes beyond the screen!

REGISTER HERE: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUucOiprzgrG9KSsiiyDytJuKtmHQFDExb1

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FILM:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/super-human-anxiety-impact-short-film

Ashley Maria Lea-Ann Woodward Berst Melissa Balint Wendy Wilkins

02/24/2024

Our film, Pioneers in Skirts, is an official supplier for groups hosting events! Click to start your journey of hosting a movie screening event: https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/host/ !

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Supplier/1210/Producers-of-Pioneers-in-Skirts

02/21/2024

Any plans for lunch tomorrow? (ET) We've teamed up with our Impact Partner to test-screen Super Human Anxiety and would LOVE to see you there!!

The screening is online. The movie is only 8 minutes long. Meet us, say hi to us, and tell us what you think!

Sign up instructions below 👇🏼 See you soon!!
cc Ashley Maria Lea-Ann Woodward Berst Wendy Wilkins Autumn P***n Justin Ryan Madriaga Stephanie Woodward

Screening TOMORROW at 12 pm EST for Give an Hour:
You are invited to a private screening of Super Human Anxiety, a film by Ashley Maria Productions - about a teenage girl who think she's hiding her strong emotions well. When her elevator breaks down, fate forces her to out her secret.

Be part of an incredible opportunity to shape the Final Cut by sharing your opinions directly with the director. Your insights matter, and this is your chance to make a real impact on the film's journey. Select a date from the options below to register and secure your seat. Invite your friends and family to register as well to enjoy this experience with you. Don't miss out - join us for a screening that goes beyond the screen!

REGISTER AT: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kce-rpzIqGdKZON2FeNoSilc_pShOL9RH #/registration

To learn more about the film, please visit the GoFundMe Campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/super-human-anxiety-impact-short-film

We look forward to you attending!

Plastic Martyr Alexis Jacquelyn Smith

02/14/2024

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

https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/host/

Pioneers in Skirts is an Emmy-nominated documentary about the obstacles that get in the way of pioneering ambition. The film addresses 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.

02/11/2024

We're readying the February newsletter right now! If you aren't yet signed up to receive it, click below so you won't miss tips, resources, a discount code, and awesome news!!

https://ashley-maria.us9.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=9363fcbcd95b1ef4df5792c32&id=03dc101fd4
cc Lea-Ann Woodward Berst Ashley Maria

02/08/2024

Have you had a chance to check out our Pioneer gear?

When you do, know that 100% of the profits from the sale of any of our promotional items go right back into the Pioneers in Skirts impact efforts.

From shirts to cups to tote bags, we have an incredible list of options. Check it out at our online store: bonfire.com/store/pioneers-in-skirts. Let us know what you think!

02/07/2024

We're excited to be featured in the International Business and Professional Women's Artslink newsletter this quarter!

Ashley Maria and Lea-Ann Woodward Berst were interviewed about the making of Super Human Anxiety 😄 Click to watch the video!

https://artslinkbpw.wixsite.com/artslink

The BPW International Standing Committee Arts and Culture has just announced another edition for you to read!

Click to read stories about your fellow members and see how they are impacting the arts, as well as social change, around the globe: https://artslinkbpw.wixsite.com/artslink
cc Young BPW International

02/02/2024

True happens when are valued, welcomed, respected, represented, and heard. It's when we know we fully belong. It's when we can be authentic, so we can contribute to the collective through our ideas, voice, and actions. For and beyond, let's across the world 🌍 Join in by booking a screening of our IWD Official Film, Pioneers in Skirts 👉🏾 https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Supplier/1210/Producers-of-Pioneers-in-Skirts !!

01/10/2024

Update Alert! We've shared a HUGE update with all of our Super Human Anxiety GoFundMe Contributors and you can read it here, too - plus see some cool Behind the Scenes shots from when we filmed in October 2023.

We are deep in post-production, aiming for a May 2024 release. Let's do this!

Check it out: https://gofund.me/2e0a5c40

Ashley Maria Productions

COMING IN MAY 2024 “Super Human Anxiety” is a mini-short film aimed at b… Ashley Maria needs your support for Super Human Anxiety - a mini-short impact film

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!!