5 Questions for Maria Theresa D’Alessandro
About Maria
Maria was born and raised in southwest Los Angeles, and attended Pitzer College. She has one adult son, Xavier Stafford, and is patiently awaiting grandchildren (although she is too young for them). She currently works in Legal Affairs at New Regency Productions, the company behind, 12 Years A Slave, Birdman and The Revenant; having worked in entertainment law and finance for over 25 years, 20 of those as a Certified Paralegal.
In 2014, she founded First Mind Management, LLC, a boutique production and management company focused on developing talent for film, television and the stage. She is also an active member of Film Independent.
1. What is at the top of your DVR List?
Mr. Robot, Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown to Off The Wall, Downton Abbey, Lip Sync Battle and Animals.
2. What is your favorite project so far?
My first and second “short shorts” – First Mind Presents: The End of the Date and First Mind Presents: Black Best Friends.
3. What’s currently at the top of your “To Do” list?
Write.
4. Favorite Professor at Claremont?
Just one? C’mon.
Bob Albert – Psychology
Laud Humphreys – Sociology
Jacqueline Levering Sullivan – English
Clyde Eriksen – Biology
5. What is a lesson that you learned the hard way?
To have more than one reliable, committed editor available and willing to work on your project until you have a final cut BEFORE you wrap the shoot.
