Episode 63: Maria Mantia

Starting as a set production assistant, Maria gained invaluable experience on film and TV sets which led to the development of a keen eye for detail and organization. Maria Mantia is a 1st AD known for “Star Trek: Picard”, “Westworld”, “Welcome To Chippendales”, and “Interior Chinatown”, an upcoming Hulu series. In this episode, Maria sits down with Pete to discuss the responsibilities of the PA, 1st AD, and 2nd AD, the art of setting background, sticking to the agenda while still supporting the Director’s vision, the importance of ensuring “two minutes of goodwill”, gaining respect as an AD, and more…

(00:00:00 - 00:08:50) -- Podcast Intro 
(00:08:50 - 00:10:45) -- Marc Kelly Crew Call
(00:10:45 - 00:12:15) -- Maria Mantia Credits  
(00:12:15 - 00:15:10) -- Reel Talk
(00:15:10 - 00:19:50) -- Finding Her Connection To Storytelling
(00:19:50 - 00:23:25) -- Seeking Stories That Interest You
(00:23:25 - 00:25:50) -- First Set Experience
(00:25:50 - 00:29:30) -- Working As A Set PA On “Fight Club”
(00:29:30 - 00:33:00) -- The Technique Of The Craft And Getting Into The DGA
(00:33:00 - 00:35:35) -- The Journey To Assistant Director
(00:35:35 - 00:38:10) -- Production Assistant Responsibilities
(00:38:10 - 00:41:45) -- Setting Background
(00:41:45 - 00:46:10) -- Second AD Responsibilities
(00:46:10 - 00:47:19) -- “Transitions: A Director’s Journey And Motivational Handbook” Promo
(00:47:19 - 00:48:10) -- Scriptation Promo
(00:48:10 - 00:54:45) -- Assisting Directors And Executing Their Vision
(00:54:45 - 01:01:00) -- Preparing For An Episodic Shoot
(01:01:00 - 01:07:02) -- Two Minutes Of Goodwill
(01:07:02 - 01:14:40) -- Setting Times For Scene Coverage
(01:14:40 - 01:18:25) -- Making The Day And Staying Flexible
(01:18:25 - 01:24:24) -- Gaining Respect As An AD
(01:24:24 - 01:30:35) -- On Set With Maria And Pete
(01:30:35 - 01:33:10) -- Podcast Outro