We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Maria Norris Scaffido a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maria, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
There were two strategies that have worked for me when it comes to writer’s block. If I can’t figure out where I want a story to go, I write a little placeholder – or simple idea I might not necessarily use – and try to come back to it later and work on another part of the story in the meantime. The other strategy is just to listen to my brain and body – and rest when I need to. Taking some time to read books and comics, or watch my favorite shows and films helps keep me inspired too.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a filmmaker and stop-motion animator who specializes in cut-paper and collage art. I’ve worked as an end-to-end video producer and I have experience with a variety of different areas of production. I’ve been commissioned to create a variety of videos from scratch, video edits, stop-motion sequences, claymation sequences and illustrations as well as producing, directing and editing music videos, social media videos and other projects.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three skills I think have been the most impactful throughout my professional career are communication, collaboration and adaptability. These skills are crucial for any production job where information and situations change quickly. The best advice I can give is to not be afraid to ask questions, try your best but don’t take things too seriously, look out for your peers, and focus on what you can control. Having a calm mindset works wonders in fast-paced productions.
Okay, so before we go, we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
I’m always looking to collaborate with other filmmakers, artists, musicians and creatives. I have a variety of experience in production which includes full-stack video producing, set design & art department work, and experimental animation and art video creation.
I’ve produced music videos, short films, social-first videos, and animated sequences for a variety of clients and companies. I thrive in a team environment, and love helping get productions across the finish line. I offer sliding-scale commission fees for smaller productions and individuals.
If you need some animated loops for your Spotify songs, strange and beautiful visuals for your film or even a full-scale music video, please reach out to me!
Portfolio: https://vimeo.com/trashcatsanimation
Contact: https://www.mar-an-films.com/contact
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mar-an-films.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mar_an_films/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trashcatsanimation/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trashcatsanimation/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/deeppocketsful
- Other: https://vimeo.com/trashcatsanimation
