By: Sarah Morton
Maria Soccor isn’t just a filmmaker, she’s a force. A director with a keen eye for stylized storytelling and a committed approach to her craft, Soccor is demonstrating that the indie film scene still offers space for vision, discipline, and undeniable passion. From humble beginnings to founding her own production company, she embodies perseverance and artistry, and she’s continuing to explore new possibilities.
“I am a storyteller who stylizes my films,” she says. “My work in feature documentary filmmaking is rooted in chronicling and using an ensemble cast. I have been known for this type of stylized work starting with my first feature documentary, Lords of BSV.”
With a background that spans both narrative and documentary filmmaking, Maria’s voice is as bold as her visuals. But she’s also as pragmatic as she is passionate—particularly when it comes to the behind-the-scenes hustle.
“Given the cutbacks in public funding from sources such as the NEA, it’s more important than ever to optimize budgets to ensure projects get distribution, which is ultimately my goal as a filmmaker,” she explains. “It’s paramount to create a realistic budget and identify creative ways to enhance production value.”
One of those strategies includes filming abroad in rebate-friendly regions like the UK, Canada, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean. “Foreign production companies have expertise in local markets and that will often be more productive than trying to figure it out yourself,” she advises. “Over time, having a network of global co-production teams can offer significant benefits for future projects. My company, Maria Soccor Productions, knows this all too well.”
Her experience has taught her that structure and vision often complement one another. “Filmmaking, in its essence, is a collaborative art form,” she says. “Each role is unique and vital… As an independent filmmaker, I have learned that the vision has to be clear in order to sustain my stylized films.”
Photo Courtesy: Leonardo Puccini for Campari
Soccor is adamant that a good idea isn’t just about the script, it’s about who’s telling the story. “I believe in making films with high production value, sincere storytelling, coupled with stylized visual storytelling that takes an audience on a cinematic journey.”
Even in the face of development fatigue, Soccor is unwavering. “If a film does not meet the requirements, it’s better to walk away in the development phase. But once I commit, I commit and there is no turning back. I owe that to everyone involved and the work.”
On the business side of filmmaking, she emphasizes thoughtful distribution strategy. “It is crucial to acknowledge the distinct nature of each network and platform when undertaking the sale of a film,” she explains. “Our executive producers strategically identify suitable distributors or sales agents to secure pre-sales and ensure appropriate platform placement.”
And yes, she’s all about the deck. “A pitch deck is always essential, as well as a sizzle or at least a proof of concept to accompany the material,” she notes. “Also, when possible, a ‘director’s vision’ is a valuable tool to get a conversation going over Zoom.”
When it comes to the age-old question of starting a production company, Soccor is measured. “I would advise against starting a production company unless you have a very solid foundation to support it,” she says. “For me personally, anything that pulls my focus away from the core work of acting and filmmaking feels like a distraction.”
Still, for Maria, her company has become more than just a business, it’s a platform. “My production company serves as a vital structure to support my projects through to platforms and even highly anticipated theatrical releases.”
A champion of emerging voices, she’s particularly invested in mentoring Gen Z creatives. “I highly value the fresh perspectives and unique skill sets that younger individuals bring to our team,” she says. “We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment and warmly welcome people of all ages and backgrounds. In particular, we encourage mothers who are re-entering the workforce after raising children to explore opportunities with our company.”
That commitment to inclusivity also informs her perspective on the industry’s use of labels. “I’ve been reflecting on how the emphasis on specific labels like ‘female filmmaker’ can sometimes create division rather than foster unity,” she says. “It’s interesting to note that you rarely hear the term ‘male filmmaker,’ and this highlights a significant issue.”
As a woman of color over 40, Soccor is well aware of the industry’s limitations, but also its potential. “I believe it’s crucial for us to prioritize inclusivity and recognize that ultimately, our work will be categorized by genre, making these other distinctions less significant.”
Whether it’s through documentaries, narrative films, or building a pipeline for diverse creatives, Maria Soccor is here to tell bold, necessary stories—and she’s doing it on her own terms.
