We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maria Bata. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maria below.

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Leaving everything behind on a journey to an unfamiliar place was daunting, but the pull of a dream was stronger than the comfort of the known. This is the risk I took when I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting, a decision that forever changed the trajectory of my life.

I was in my early 30s, a time when making new friends and adapting to drastic changes wasn’t as seamless as in my 20s. Luckily, I have always been an open-minded person, someone who thrives on challenges and sees change as an opportunity for growth. The decision to leave Romania, my homeland, wasn’t taken lightly. There, I had a blossoming career and a close-knit circle of family and friends who had been my pillars of support.

The first hurdle was the artist visa, a complicated and expensive process with no guarantee of approval. After months of paperwork, interviews, and anxiously waiting, the approval came through. That moment was a mix of relief and a jolt of reality; the path ahead was clear, but it wasn’t going to be easy.

Arriving in Los Angeles was a sensory overload. The city’s vastness, the cultural diversity, and the hustle of the entertainment industry were both exhilarating and intimidating. I knew only five people in the entire city, a stark contrast to the extensive network I had back in Romania. The still strong accent felt like an immediate barrier in an industry where perfection and polish often outshine authenticity.

The first year was the hardest. Missing my family and friends and the the big cultural discrepancy added more weight to all the uncertainty. There were days when I questioned my decision, wondering if I had been too impulsive or idealistic.

But with every passing day, I learned more about myself.
Professionally, I started to find my footing. I was very happy when i was signed by a great talent agency (CESD Talent Agency) a month after i moved to LA. Small roles came my way, each one a stepping stone, teaching me nuances of the craft and the industry. The accent that I once saw as a limitation became a part of my unique identity (I keep working to soften it, though). I began to meet like-minded people, fellow dreamers who, like me, had left behind their comfort zones in search of something bigger. Personally, the distance from loved ones made me cherish the moments I could connect with them even more, and it taught me the importance of resilience and self-reliance.

Reflecting on this journey, I have no regrets. The risk I took moving to Los Angeles for acting was immense, filled with uncertainty and emotional challenges. Yet, it was in this space of discomfort and challenge that I grew the most. I learned to navigate a new culture, build a new network from scratch, and found a deeper understanding of who I am and what I am capable of.

This risk not only shaped my career but also enriched my life with experiences and lessons that I wouldn’t trade for anything. It is a testament to the fact that sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the unknown can lead to the most profound growth and fulfillment.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi everyone!

First, I would like to express my gratitude for the opportunity to share a part of my life story and to thank the readers in advance for their curiosity and time.

I am a Romanian actress, and I have been living in Los Angeles for over five years. My journey in front of the camera began at the age of 19. I left my hometown in the mystical land of Dracula, the Transylvania region, and moved to Bucharest for my university studies. At that time, I didn’t have a clear career path in mind. But to gain financial independence and avoid relying on my parents, I signed up with modeling and casting agencies. During my free time between classes, I was auditioning and booking commercials and advertising photo campaigns. Encouraged by the professionals I worked with, I decided to pursue my “quiet” childhood dream and enrolled in a second university to study acting.

My focus shifted to castings for film projects, and I landed lead roles in significant Romanian movies such as “Pioneers’ Palace,” which was selected for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival, and “Nothing About Love,” which was nominated for Best Film at the Transylvania Film Festival a few years later or American action/thriller called “Absolution”. The experience at the worldwide premiere of Sundance in 2015 only strengthened my desire to pursue a career in the United States. After my artist visa was approved, I moved to Los Angeles to continue my acting journey.

One of the first projects in the United States, a couple of months after my arrival, was a national TV commercial for Wells Fargo Bank. The casting director informed me that thousands of actresses had auditioned for the role, making my selection a significant achievement. The biggest surprise was the opportunity to collaborate with the talented director of photography, Linus Sandgren, who won the Oscar for Best Cinematography for “La La Land.” Another incredibly talented DP I had the chance to work with on my latest project, a TV ad for Hyundai, is Larry Fong (“300”, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”).

I can’t express my gratitude enough for acting alongside renowned actors like Laurence Fishburne in Hulu’s TV series “Clipped,” and Sandra Oh and Michael Keaton in his upcoming movie. I was able to closely observe their approach to their roles and their interactions with other team members. I was particularly impressed by their professionalism, relaxed demeanor, sense of humor, and lack of superiority. Additionally, attending film industry events and talks with some of my favorites, such as Penelope Cruz, Jessica Chastain, and Quentin Tarantino, has been an amazing learning experience.

What am I proud of? Despite all the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, I have remained humble, grounded, and true to my core values and integrity. Yes, I have been impressed by the accomplished actors I’ve worked with, but more impressed by their achievements and work ethic than their fame. The changes and challenges I’ve experienced have only made me more determined to do my best to become a better person both personally and professionally.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

One thing non-creatives might not understand is that there’s no straight path on a creative journey. There are bursts of inspiration followed by dry spells, and success often comes in unpredictable waves.

And then there’s also the emotional investment. When you create something, you pour a part of yourself into it. Criticism or rejection can feel very personal so it’s important to have some support and empathy from those around you.

Inspiration and experimentation are also integral to the creative process in ways not often key to a typical 9-to-5 job. This makes the process both exciting and exhausting. The pressure to be original can be intense so it’s important to remember that originality is a journey, not a constant state.

With all that, there is often the issue of financial instability. Unlike traditional careers with regular paychecks, creative work can be financially unpredictable.

Although it all sounds challenging to non-creatives, thankfully we are not alone in our journey. Community building is a key part of the process. Relationships with fellow creatives are invaluable for creative, professional and personal growth.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

I would like to share some books and podcasts that I really enjoyed: “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki, “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield, “Master The Game Of Money” by Tony Robbins, for my fellow actors, Acting For The Camera” by Tony Barr and the podcasts “The Diary Of A CEO” with Steven Bartlett, “SmartLess” with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, & Will Arnett.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @mariabata
• Youtube: @MARIABATAweb

Image Credits

Edward Aninaru