Meet Maria Salinger | Filmmaker and Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maria Salinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maria, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
Wow, we’re diving right in but I’m up for it! So, I’m not a parent yet. However, I believe one of the most important choices I’ll make as a future parent is the partner I choose. Someone who values honesty, respect and open communication will naturally shape the environment my future children grow up in. In a world increasingly driven by status, fame, and fleeting “situationships,” choosing someone who prefers a home-cooked meal over a fancy dinner says a lot. I believe that this intentional choice will be my first true act of parenting.

Sadly, unhealthy, co-dependent, and manipulative relationships are often romanticized in film and media. That’s why I’ve made it a personal and artistic mission to highlight the beauty of healthy relationships in my work.

My film BUBBLES (available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/MINMUl2Q8fc?si=jL4oooRwO7Qs4iKC) served as the concept piece for CALL FROM THE 80S (salingerproductions.com/en). In CALL FROM THE 80S, the main character must establish her own boundaries in order for a deeply meaningful relationship to blossom. Her partner has crossed a line by refusing to accept her twin sister as part of their shared life, and she realizes she must find, respect and love herself before the relationship can move forward.

This story is especially close to my heart since it’s inspired by the real experiences of my parents and aunt in a former divided Germany. What an honor it is to bring that world to life: the Fall of the Berlin Wall, 80s music and fashion, squash matches, vintage cars, and a time when dating wasn’t filtered through smartphones.

Through stories like this, I hope to challenge harmful narratives and show that deep, honest love which is built on self-respect and mutual care is not only possible, but cinematic.

What should our readers know about your business?
I write and produce films. My background is in acting and directing, but over time, I ended up founding a film company in Germany and co-founding one in California. I usually divide my time between the two, though I adapt depending on which project requires more attention.

Constantly overcoming challenges is a core part of filmmaking and, more broadly, of running any kind of business I guess. One of the co-producers of my upcoming project CALL FROM THE 80S, Aliena Leonard, is a great example of this. Over the past few years, she has developed the innovative filmmaking software and app DirAct by Relionite that every filmmaker should keep an eye out for. She’s a powerful example of someone who confronts obstacles by reshaping the status quo rather than conforming to it.

Personally, I want to focus more on fostering respect on film sets. In my view, fair pay is a crucial form of respect. The fact that payrolls can vary so drastically between departments (acting vs. grip & electric) is, quite simply, unfair. Of course, changing that is easier said than done but it’s something I care about. I’ll put my mind, time and energy on it, so let’s see what can be achieved here in the next years.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
That’s an exciting question!

I’d start the day with a hike from the Hollywood Reservoir. It’s one of my favorite spots because you get this magical view of the Hollywood sign rising behind the serenity of the lake. From there, I’d hike up to the Wisdom Tree from where you can get a good overview of the city and its neighborhoods. Definitely bring a pen and paper because there’s a letterbox at the top where you can leave a note for others to find. It’s a beautiful way to share a little light with strangers. After the hike, I’d head to Los Feliz for a good coffee. In the evening, I’d make my way to Hotel Café. Walking through that little alley in Hollywood and discovering new artists – whether it’s live music or jam sessions, it’s such a pure part of the Hollywood experience. I was there last week and found out that they’re doing stand-up comedy now too. The addition of comedy was a wonderful surprise. Humor is so important!

Another highlight I wouldn’t miss: a night at the Magic Castle. Dressing up for the evening and wandering through the mysterious, winding halls of that little hilltop castle. A cocktail in hand, watching incredible magic up close, that really makes you believe in wonder and magic again.

That said, I’m more of a country girl at heart, and a day or two of city life is usually enough for me. After those must-do Hollywood moments, I’d plan a day trip to Laguna Beach, where you can hike down to quiet coves and hop from art gallery to gallery along the coast. Or I’d escape to Lake Arrowhead for a peaceful day on a boat. In winter, snowboarding at Big Bear is always a blast. And if it’s superbloom season, I’d head out to Elizabeth Lake. The wildflowers out there are stunning. I’ve made some of my favorite memories in these places!

Argh, L.A. – so many layers to explore!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people! I don’t even know where to begin…

First of all, I truly believe we are the sum of everyone and everything that crosses our path. Each connection, each influence, shapes who we become.

My Anthropology professor, Dr. Bartelt, played a role in shaping how I see the world – through a broader, more empathetic lens. My mother, who lives with infectious optimism and enthusiasm, showed me the way of life I want to be livin’ (Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey is a good read by the way). My father, one of the most caring people I know, taught me the value of reliability and the importance of looking out for one another.

One of my acting professors, Andrew Eisenman, helped me understand how intuition and gut instinct can unfold in real time. My business partner, Surzo, inspires me constantly with his drive to build community and do good in the world. My best friend Mona reminds me how beautiful, trustworthy, and generous people can be. She’s one of the reasons I have such deep faith in humanity. So is my boyfriend – he leads with respect, kindness, and a strong moral compass, which continues to ground and inspire me.

Another person who made a big impact is Christopher Cass, one of my acting coaches. He once told me, “Ninety percent of what’s said in a script – and in life – is a lie.” I resisted that idea at first, but over time I understood what he meant: what we say often doesn’t align with what we feel, mean or do. That realization helped me navigate so many conflicts with more compassion. It taught me the importance of perspective, emotional nuance, and giving others grace.

There are actually a lot more people who deserve recognition, but let’s end with someone who any reader can get in contact with: Eddie Jaku through his book ‘The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor’. That’s definitely media and its use at its best! It inspired me to more gratitude, so let’s end with that. Thank you for taking the time for this.

Website: https://www.salingerproductions.com/en & https://thecraftfilms.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariasalinger/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-salinger-968a00203/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SalingerProductions

Image Credits
David King
Christian Jeczmyk
Ajijul Hasan Surzo
Amy Sanchez