Meet Maya Marzuki Peters | Director & Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Marzuki Peters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya Marzuki, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creativity has been in my DNA since I can remember! I was sketching, crafting, and building before I even knew what those words meant. Growing up, there was never really a moment where I thought about doing something else. It wasn’t a conscious decision as much as it was an instinctual pull as I was always the kid with paint-stained fingers or glue stuck to their hands.

As a kid, my artistic streak was my secret weapon; I’d create projects not just for fun, but also to earn a little pocket money. I still laugh thinking about selling my hand-drawn comics at school! One of my most ambitious projects was designing phone-compatible VR headsets shaped like animal masks to introduce other kids to technology. I didn’t see limits to what I could try; I just followed my curiosity, and somehow, it always led me to something exciting.

I was so relentless about nurturing my creative side that I practically begged my dad to let me take extra art classes and acting lessons because that’s where I felt most alive. Though I dipped my toes into acting and even landed a few productions as a child actor, I found my heart pulling me behind the scenes. One day, while modeling for an agency, I asked if I could try photographing for them. To my surprise, they said yes, and that opened a whole new world for me. Soon I was art directing a handful of photo series with my friends, and it was exhilarating.

Now, when I think about my career in directing and production design, it feels like the perfect culmination of every experience I’ve had—from those scrappy, self-made childhood projects to leading creative teams!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I primarily work as a director and production designer, and these two roles deeply inform each other in my practice. Both allow me to shape the worlds I create, ensuring every detail feels intentional, bold and gutsy. I have also produced, which inevitably influences my directing process. The type of work I do often requires creative producing—both in pre-production, to lay the groundwork for ambitious creative concepts, and in post-production, to ensure those ideas come to life cohesively.

One thing that I think sets me apart is my love for building intricate, immersive worlds. I approach each project with an interdisciplinary mindset, pulling from my background in the arts. My work often incorporates elements like movement/dance, VFX, animation, and fashion-forward aesthetics. Each new element I introduce to a project requires extensive planning, research, and sometimes learning entirely new skills. That process excites me. It’s where the magic happens.

I also find so much inspiration in collaboration. My work is heavily influenced by other creatives, particularly in fashion. I love being reactive and bouncing off someone else’s artistry to create something even greater together. To me, creative partnerships are the lifeblood of innovation, and I thrive in those dynamic exchanges.

Looking back, the journey hasn’t been easy. Each step has come with challenges, but every setback taught me something valuable. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to always stay humble and open to learning. In this industry, ego can be your greatest enemy. I’ve worked under directors and seen firsthand how detrimental it is when someone refuses to listen or adapt. That experience shaped my own approach to directing. I prioritize giving my team the tools they need to succeed. At the end of the day, they’re the ones who bring my vision to life, so clear communication, thorough planning, and mutual respect are my guiding principles.

If there’s one thing I’d want the world to know about my work and my story, it’s that it’s rooted in curiosity and collaboration. Every project I take on is an opportunity to push boundaries, take risks, and grow. I’m proud of the worlds I’ve built and the partnerships I’ve fostered, and I’m excited to keep learning, experimenting, and creating alongside other talented people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Honestly, I’m usually the best friend visiting and getting shown around—especially when I’m in LA! But now that I live in New York City, I’d love to play tour guide and show someone all the spots that make this place so special.

If we had a week together, I’d start with some flea markets because NYC does them like no other. Brooklyn Flea in Williamsburg is always a vibe, and Artists & Fleas in Chelsea is great for finding unique pieces and getting inspired by local creators.

One evening would definitely be dedicated to jazz. I’d take them to Ornithology in Bushwick. It’s such a gem—not touristy at all, just pure jazz with an audience that really appreciates the music. The cocktails are incredible too, and it’s one of those places where you can feel the soul of the city through the music. A lot of jazz musicians I know love playing there, and if we’re lucky, we might catch a friend performing.

I’d also make sure we visit Mercer Labs. It’s this amazing experimental exhibition space where art and technology collide. They specialize in immersive installations that heighten all five senses, it’s like stepping into a different world. It’s the kind of space that really inspires me creatively, and it’s definitely something I’d love to explore more in my own work someday.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
If I could dedicate my shoutout to anyone, it would be my longtime friend Sharon Zhang. Sharon and I met during high school in Changshu, China, and from the start, we bonded over our mutual obsession with the arts. I have such fond memories of us pulling all-nighters in the school’s art room, surrounded by canvases, paints, and a shared determination. We’d keep each other going with snacks and pep talks, knowing that the sacrifices were all part of pursuing our dreams.

When I began shifting my focus from painting to filmmaking, Sharon was my biggest supporter. She was the first person who believed in me as a filmmaker and didn’t hesitate to jump in and help. She even translated the script for my first film, Wo Ai Ni Mama, into Mandarin—a deeply personal story about coming out and despite having little acting experience ended up playing the lead role. Without her help, I don’t think that project would have ever made it beyond a dream.

Now Sharon lives in Chicago, but our friendship remains as strong as ever. She’s coming to visit me for Thanksgiving this year, and I can’t wait to catch up and reflect on how far we’ve come since those late nights in the art room.

Website: https://www.maya-peters.com

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