NYWIFT Blog

By Katie Chambers

Welcome to NYWIFT, Maura Garnett! Fresh out of NYWIFT’s internship program, where she played a crucial role on our Muse Awards volunteer team, Maura now joins the NYWIFT community in our Next Wave program.

Maura Garnett is a writer/director who is a recent School of Visual Arts graduate. She specializes in directing and casting. Currently, she’s in post-production on Treading (9 mins), about a young woman’s quest for belonging in the city, leading to a series of bad dates. Her film Disoriented (8 mins), about a life-altering phone call, is on the festival circuit. Playtime (5 mins), addressing date rape and sexual assault, has earned acclaim at over 30 festivals, including Global Indie Film Festival and New York Movie Awards.

Aspiring casting director Maura has interned with Stephanie Klapper Casting and Emmy-winning Avy Kaufman. Now, she’s a casting assistant for 5-time Emmy nominated Mark Saks.

Maura shares what she has learned working alongside some of NYC’s top casting directors, how she creatively approaches tough subject matter, and what’s coming up on her professional horizon. 

NYWIFT Member Maura Garnett (Photo Credit: Nir Arieli)

Describe yourself. Give us your elevator pitch!

Maura Garnett is a visionary writer and director dedicated to tackling the most meaningful issues of our time through film. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts with a specialization in directing and casting, Maura is currently in post-production on Treading, a poignant short about a young woman navigating loneliness in the city. Her previous work, Disoriented, is making waves on the festival circuit with its gripping tale of a life-changing phone call.  Maura’s critically acclaimed short Playtime has been celebrated at over 30 film festivals, shedding light on the harrowing issue of date rape and sexual assault.

In addition to her directorial endeavors, Maura is a passionate and skilled casting director, having worked with esteemed professionals like Stephanie Klapper, Avy Kaufman, and currently, Mark Saks. She brings a unique understanding of character and an unparalleled eye for talent to every project she undertakes.

Beyond directing and casting, Maura occasionally steps in as an assistant director and producer, contributing to projects like Good Enough (dir. Sabrina Geffner) and Heads Up (dir. Anja Huang). Her multifaceted expertise and dedication to storytelling make her a standout talent in the film industry. 

Maura directing her extremely talented leading actress, Pëtra Denison on the set of her latest film Disoriented (2024) (Photo courtesy of Maura Garnett)

A lot of your work as a writer/director focuses on issues that are particularly relevant to modern women today – themes tackling everything from belonging to dating to assault and more. How do you, as an artist, approach topics that some might find painful or uncomfortable?

As a young woman director, my approach to tackling sensitive and relevant topics in my work stems from a deep belief in the power of storytelling to provoke thought and inspire change. Issues like belonging, dating, and assault are central to the modern female experience, and I see it as my responsibility to bring these narratives to light with authenticity and sensitivity. When approaching topics that can be painful or uncomfortable, I prioritize empathy and research. I aim to understand the diverse perspectives and experiences surrounding these issues, ensuring that my storytelling is nuanced and respectful. Collaboration with actors, writers, and other creatives who share a passion for these themes allows me to explore complex emotions and narratives with depth and authenticity.

Ultimately, I believe that art has the ability to initiate conversations, challenge societal norms, and foster empathy. By portraying these topics in my films, I hope to contribute to a broader dialogue that promotes understanding, empowerment, and positive change for women and marginalized communities.

Maura Garnett is a casting assistant for 5 time Emmy Nominee, Mark Saks (Photo Courtesy of Maura Garnett)

You’ve worked for several major NYC casting offices – Stephanie Klapper, Avy Kaufman, and Mark Saks. What interests you in the casting process? What is your advice to actors looking to make an impression in a casting session?

Working with major NYC casting offices like Stephanie Klapper, Avy Kaufman, and Mark Saks has given me a profound appreciation for the casting process. What fascinates me most is the transformative moment when an actor brings a character to life, adding depth and nuance that elevates the script — this is the most rewarding moment in casting. Each and every casting office operates differently, and it was interesting to see how each one I have worked in runs and creates lists, giving me a unique perspective on the diverse approaches to casting for theater, film, and television.

My advice to actors looking to make an impression in a casting session is to be authentic and prepared. Know your material well, but also be ready to adapt and take direction. We are looking for someone who makes choices for the character and immerses himself in the role.

By showing a genuine connection to the character and bringing your unique perspective to the role — it gives the creative team the impunity to picture you in the role.

Confidence and professionalism go a long way, but remember, it’s equally important to be open and collaborative.

Finally, trust in your abilities and let your passion for the craft shine through; that’s what truly makes an actor stand out. As Mark has always told me, “Talent rises to the top!” Best of luck to you all!

Maura Garnett and her classmates at the SVA Alumni Award Event. Maura won two awards & grants from SVA for her thesis film (Pictured Left to right: Mina Huang, Anja Huang, Sabrina Geffner, Maura Garnett, & Hsi Cheng) (Photo Courtesy of Maura Garnett)

What kinds of projects excite you? 

Projects that excite me are those that delve into meaningful and thought-provoking themes, especially those relevant to contemporary women’s experiences. I’m passionate about stories that explore issues of identity, belonging, and empowerment, particularly from diverse perspectives. Diversity in casting and storytelling is crucial to me; I’m committed to portraying a range of voices and experiences authentically on screen.

I am also drawn to collaborative projects where I can work with diverse teams of actors, writers, and filmmakers who share a commitment to authenticity and storytelling excellence. Whether it’s through film, television, or new media, I am eager to contribute to projects that spark dialogue, provoke thought, and resonate with audiences on a deep emotional level.

Maura Garnett & Hsi Cheng on set of ‘Hobby’, directed by Miana Huang. (2024) (Photo Courtesy of Maura Garnett)

We were so glad to have you intern with us at NYWIFT! What was your favorite thing about working here? 

Thank you for granting me this amazing opportunity to intern here! I would recommend this internship to all the young women in the industry looking to get involved in the industry!

My favorite part of interning at NYWIFT was being the Muse Awards Raffle Captain. This role allowed me to connect with the NYWIFT community and board members on a deeper level, which was incredibly rewarding. I loved working at NYWIFT because of the supportive and inspiring environment that fosters creativity and growth.

Being part of such a dynamic organization, I learned so much about the intricacies of the film and television industry. I gained valuable insights into the importance of networking, collaboration, and advocacy for women in the industry. The experience not only enhanced my professional skills but also fueled my passion for storytelling and commitment to championing diverse voices in film.

Interns Maura Garnett (right) & Sofiya Saykovska at the 2024 NYWIFT Muse Awards (Photo Courtesy of Maura Garnett)

What’s the best advice you ever received? And the worst?

The best advice I ever received emphasized the importance of nurturing every connection I make. In filmmaking, networking isn’t just about exchanging business cards; it’s about forging genuine relationships that can lead to creative collaborations, mentorships, and opportunities to grow professionally. These connections have been instrumental in opening doors and expanding my perspective within the industry.

Conversely, I encountered advice suggesting that film school might not be necessary—a viewpoint I respectfully disagree with. For me, attending film school was not just about acquiring technical skills; it was about immersing myself in a community of like-minded creatives, learning from experienced faculty, and gaining hands-on experience that I wouldn’t have accessed otherwise. The friendships and professional relationships I formed during those years have been invaluable, shaping not only my career trajectory but also my artistic vision and approach to storytelling.

Choosing to pursue a formal education in film has enriched my understanding of cinematic history, theory, and production techniques. It provided a structured environment where I could experiment, fail, and learn from my mistakes—all of which have been essential in shaping my growth as a writer and director. Ultimately, the decision to attend film school has been pivotal in my journey, affirming my passion for filmmaking and equipping me with the skills and confidence to pursue my creative ambitions with purpose and dedication.

Maura Garnett & the cast and crew of ‘Disoriented’ 2024 premiere at the SVA Theatre (Photo Courtesy of Maura Garnett)

What are three fun facts about you that might surprise us? 

Oh, this is a tough question, let me try to think!

• Concert Enthusiast: I’m a passionate concert enthusiast who thrives on the energy of live music. I love discovering new artists across all genres and used to keep track of every show I attended, aiming to break my own record each year. From 2016 to 2020, I went to about 60 concerts, and I definitely miss the pre-pandemic concert scene!
• Bartending Adventures: One of my many college jobs was bartending at live events and festivals. I worked at venues like Electric Zoo, Firefly, Ultra, and Twilight Harbor Lights to fund my films and tuition. I even spent a summer scooping ice cream at the Stranger Things Experience’s Scoops Ahoy, adding a fun twist to my bartending gigs!
• Non-Profit Film Coordinator: I’ve been a long-time collaborator with the NJ-based non-profit ARTS by the People. Starting as an intern during my freshman year of college, I am now the Film Coordinator for the Moving Words film festival. This project fosters dialogue between writers and filmmakers, bringing diverse voices together to create experimental short films that premiere at a local film festival each year.

Maura Garnett and Stephanie Klapper Casting Team at a 2024 Jimmy Awards Event! (Pictured Left to Right: Emma Balk, Stephanie Klapper, Hershey V. Millner) (Photo Courtesy of Maura Garnett)

What’s next for you?

I recently completed my role as a casting assistant for Mark Saks on the AMC series The Terror: Devil in Silver. Working alongside the book’s author, Victor LaValle, the talented Christopher Cantwell, and the iconic director Karyn Kusama was an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a creative team.

With the casting for this project wrapped up, I now have some time before our next television endeavor. I’m using this period to cast freelance films and focus on the festival run of my latest film, Disoriented. Additionally, I plan to connect with my NYWIFT mentor, Bess Fifer, to learn more about her journey in the industry and gain valuable insights into the art of casting.

Connect with Maura Garnett on her website www.mauragarnettfilms.com, follow her on Instagram at @MauraGarnettFilms, and connect on LinkedIn.