Meet Talita Maia | Actor, Director, writer

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

Hi Talita, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?

I wanted more control over my career, as an actor, you’re always waiting to be hired for a role. I got tired of waiting and decided to create my own projects. and also another outlet to express my creativity. I love telling a story through my vision.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’m an actor, writer, director, and producer. Recently, I’ve been dabbling in creative directing, which allows me to utilize my marketing BA.

I’m incredibly proud to share that my latest short film just hit the festival circuit and is premiering at the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts Film Festival on July 22nd at 7:45pm at the Regal Live Theater in DTLA.

The main challenge I’ve faced with my films has been the lack of an investor, so I’ve had to work on a tight budget while wearing many hats.

In terms of lessons, I’ve learned many, but I think the most important one is realizing that we are capable of so much more than we think. I used to believe that because I didn’t go to film school, I didn’t have the skills to be a filmmaker. Not only did I become one, but I also learned that I was resourceful, a good leader, and could envision the complete project.

It hasn’t been an easy path, and it continues to be a challenge. I’m still building my career and always will be. I want to keep learning, growing, and evolving as both a human and filmmaker, and I hope to inspire others with my art.

Are there 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?

Absolutely! I love exploring the city and its outskirts. I would start with breakfast at Republique. They have an amazing selection of pastries and dishes. I have a sweet tooth, so I tend to pick their sweet pastries, but you can’t really go wrong there. From there, I would head downtown to visit some art galleries and check out some cool buildings. Hauser & Wirth is at the top of my gallery list, and the Bradbury Building is a must-see for architecture lovers. Across the street from the Bradbury is the LA Food Market, definitely worth checking out. If you’re in the Arts District, Maru Coffee and Bestia are must-visit places for coffee and dinner.

The Huntington Gardens is my go-to place when I need some tranquility. Tea time at the Rose Garden is delightful.

For a day on the east side, I’d recommend a morning walk or jog at the Silverlake Reservoir, followed by a picnic at Barnsdall Art Park’s Hollyhock House, designed by the renowned 20th-century architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It overlooks the city, and you can also tour the house. Afterwards, grab dinner at Little Dom’s, a classic in Los Feliz, and have a drink at Bar Stella.

On the West Side, I would suggest starting the day in Malibu, driving down the coast and stopping at Leo Carrillo Beach before heading down to Venice. Be sure to stop by Gjusta for a delicious lunch, take a walk along Abbot Kinney, and then head to the skate ramp to watch an amazing sunset and witness some cool moves. Make reservations at Felix for an incredible dinner.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement of others. So, who would you like to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to dedicate my shoutout to my parents, who are my biggest inspiration in life. They are the finest people I know and I will always strive to make them proud. I also want to mention the book The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman. It’s a fantastic daily read and an excellent way to start my mornings.

Website: www.talitamaia.com

Instagram: talitamaia

Image Credits
Jonny Lavallee and Lellis Ribeiro