Today we’d like to introduce you to Talita Maia.
Hi Talita, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My passion for film began at an incredibly young age. As a child I loved all forms of art – I played the piano, danced ballet, and sang. I still remember our family movie nights, when I was just a little girl and got to see movies that would transport me to this magical realm like “Labyrinth”, “Edward Scissorhands”, “The Goonies” and many more and that really showed me the power of movies and from there on that was my dream. The combination of my love for film and theater influenced the career path I’m pursuing. I fought against the cultural differences, family expectations, and being away from my loved ones so I could follow this path. My parents lost everything during Brazil’s economic crisis in ‘94; it took years for them to get back on their feet. We went from having a private driver to collecting cans in the street. I didn’t want to disappoint them by pursuing a career they didn’t approve. They are amazing people that had gone through a lot of tragedies in their lives growing up, and I wanted to make them happy and proud. All we went through together as a family helped structure my strong moral compass.
While earning my bachelor’s degree, I began to work as a trainee for a multinational marketing firm. After graduating a year early, I began working at one of the largest advertising agencies in Rio de Janeiro. Although initially alluring and exciting, this kind of work ultimately left me unfulfilled – I knew I had to make some sort of change. I bought a one-way ticket to Los Angeles to pursue what I knew I always wanted to do.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Definitely not! Starting a life from scratch on my own, letting go of a place of comfort where I was surrounded by love to then leave everything behind having to adapting to a different culture, different place and habits alone without anyone to hold on to was really hard but definitely made me grow as a person.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an actor/ director. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Her first film “Tempest Desert” was on the official selection of two Bafta and Oscars qualifying film festivals. It was selected at LA Shorts and screened at festivals including Carmarthen Bay and Fort Lauderdale International. It won an Outstanding excellence award for directing award at WRPN, Best actress, Best actor and Best Audience Award film at IHollywood. I have a background in advertising, working as a junior account manager for one of the biggest agencies in Brazil.
After moving to the US, Talita got a 2-year Certification in Film Studies at UCLA Extension and built a career in voice-over and on-screen acting. Her credits include TV shows like “Community”/NBC, “Why Women Kill” / Paramount+, “ICarly Revival”/ Paramount+, as well as the independent pilot “Blow Me” alongside Tony Shalhoub and Jeremy Sisto, where she played the female lead.
As a voice-over and dubbing actor, Talita has over 12 credits as the lead voice for cartoons, documentaries and series for networks like Netflix, FOX and TV Globo.
Talita has also worked as a Feature film 1st AD, Feature Film Assistant editor and post-production assistant at Sugar Studios before delving into writing, directing and producing.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
I’ve been so lucky when it comes to cast and crew from my projects. I have really only worked with a gem of people. Evan Williams, the star of two of my short films, is one of my biggest supporters and old-time good friend. Robbie Bryan, for trusting and believing in my vision, Rob Brody for trusting me to AD his projects and always push me forward when doubt creeped me, Sascha Saballett for helping me produce my first short, my parents for all the emotional and financial support and many other.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.talitamaia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talitamaia/?hl=en
Image Credits
Lelis Ribeiro Diego Torroija
