We were lucky to catch up with Maura Garnett recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Maura, thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my latest film, ‘Disoriented’, a deeply personal film that explores the raw emotions of receiving bad news and the challenge of returning to reality amidst tragedy. The story centers on a phone calls that forever alters the lives of three individuals, each grappling with the disorientation that follows a life-changing revelation.
The idea for ‘Disoriented’ stems from my own experiences and observations of how people react when faced with devastating news. Growing up, I noticed how my loved ones, despite his good intentions, often delivered unpleasant news at the most inconvenient times. It made me reflect on how universally uncomfortable receiving bad news can be, and how it leaves us feeling isolated and vulnerable in ways we might not even realize at first. When writing this film, I wanted to capture that feeling of disorientation and the struggle to regain balance when everything you thought you knew about the world shifts in an instant.
The setting of the film in the early 90s was crucial to this vision. Back then, the absence of cell phones and immediate access to the internet meant that when bad news hit, there were no instant coping mechanisms. People had to sit with their feelings and face the silence, and that isolation became a powerful force in the narrative. In a world where today’s first instinct is to immediately search for answers online or text someone for reassurance, the 90s era offered a profound contrast. The lack of immediate support mechanisms gave me the chance to explore how individuals struggle, internally and alone, when faced with the weight of life-altering news. Therefore when directing this film, I prioritized making this film period accurate.
This project is meaningful to me because it’s not just a reflection of a specific time period but also an exploration of something deeply human: the vulnerability and emotional disarray that accompany the worst of news. When working closely with my actors, I had to connect with them emotionally and allow us to feel vulnerable with each other. When asking actors to open their heart and soul to you, it is valuable to offer to the same to them – a mutual exchange that provides comfort in discomfort. Thus when it is time for them to perform on set in front of the camera and crew, you can help pull them back from reality and hone in their emotions and remind them of the safe space between you both. Creating this connection and exploring the emotion before this film was strenuous, but was beyond worth it in the end.
Disoriented captures the emotional complexity of coping with the most disorienting moments of life, something I believe we all face at some point, and it allowed me to tell a story that resonates with real emotions.
Maura, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Maura Garnett is a Casting Director, Producer, and Director, with a background that spans both creative and technical aspects of filmmaking. She earned her BFA from the School of Visual Arts, and it was during her time there that she discovered her passion for casting. Working under renowned casting directors such as Mark Saks, Avy Kaufman, Stephanie Klapper, and Jason Styres, Maura honed her skills in both theater and television casting. She currently works as a casting assistant for Ross Meyerson on ‘Dexter: Resurrection’, further cementing her place in the industry. She is a member of the local 817 as a Casting Assistant and apart of New York Women in Film & Televsion.
Maura’s passion for casting blossomed during her film school years in New York City, where she built strong connections with the local acting community. She was able to tap into her growing network of upcoming talent, creating a database of actors she had met and worked with. This resource proved invaluable as she began casting short films during her undergraduate years. After graduating, Maura continued her involvement in independent projects, including pilots and short films, maintaining her relationships with local talent and helping emerging actors find new opportunities.
Despite her successful career in casting, Maura’s love for directing has never waned. She finds deep fulfillment in working one-on-one with actors and bringing stories to life. Her latest film, ‘Disoriented’, is currently making the festival rounds and will be screening next at the Garden State Film Festival on March 30th. Her previous directorial works include ‘Treading’, which is in post-production, and her award-winning short film ‘Playtime’.
In addition to casting and directing, Maura also works as a freelance producer. She thrives in the preproduction process, helping filmmakers navigate the challenges of transforming their scripts into reality. Maura is particularly drawn to projects that tackle societal norms, mental health issues, and the representation of America’s youth. Whether she’s casting, directing, or producing, Maura is committed to making the film industry more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that untold stories have a platform and that everyone has a seat at the table.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Supporting artists and creatives is crucial for cultivating a thriving creative ecosystem, and society can play a significant role in this. It’s essential to remember that the journey of every successful artist, actor, or filmmaker starts with small, foundational steps—whether it’s creating a short film, performing in an off-Broadway production, or building a following on social media. Without support through these early stages, many would never reach their full potential. So my advice to you is: SHOW UP FOR YOUR CREATIVE FRIENDS!
One of the most powerful things society can do is show up for each other. This doesn’t always require large-scale action; even small gestures can have a profound impact. For example, donating just $20 to a short film project might seem small, but it could help cover basic costs like feeding a crew member. Supporting a filmmaker or artist on social media by following them, sharing their work, or engaging with their posts can help increase their visibility and expand their network, which is invaluable in a highly competitive industry.Attending local performances, like off-Broadway shows or independent film screenings, supports not only the actors but the entire team behind the production, from the crew to the technicians. These contributions, even if they seem minimal on their own, collectively create a ripple effect that nurtures a vibrant, diverse arts community.
At the end of the day, showing up for creatives in any way you can—whether it’s financially, emotionally, or through active engagement—makes a tangible difference. When we support each other, we ensure that the creative industries remain dynamic and inclusive, offering opportunities for everyone to succeed and grow. It’s about lifting one another up at every stage of the process, from the first steps to the final production.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
One story from my journey that illustrates my resilience revolves around the relentless hustle I experienced during my undergrad years. Many people who know me can attest to my work ethic—I’m always working. I lost count of the number of jobs I held, balancing the demands of being a film student with the realities of life.Being on set every weekend while maintaining an unpaid internship is already challenging, but adding a customer service job into the mix made it feel nearly impossible. Yet, somehow, I managed. I worked at a coffee shop, at concert venues, theaters, and took on any event-based gig I could find. My days were packed: I’d go to class, rush to my internship, then work until 1 AM at a bar. Whatever it took to fund my next film project, pay rent, or keep myself afloat, I did it.
This constant juggling of jobs and responsibilities is the reality of being a creative. You’re trying to survive and make art at the same time, often without the luxury of financial support or stability. It’s exhausting, but it fuels you in ways that push you forward, even when you’re running on empty.
Looking back, I think this is what people mean when they say you can’t be sane and an artist—it takes an incredible amount of resilience and passion to navigate this kind of lifestyle. But this experience taught me that if you’re committed enough, you find a way. The grind is part of the journey, and it’s what shapes you into the person you need to become to create meaningful work.
Every internship and job I had has lead me to where I am today. Every boss has been connected in one way or another. My dedication and work ethic is the reason I have gotten to where I am today. I am beyond lucky to currently have a full time job in the industry and do not feel the need to work 3 other jobs at the same time. It is a privilege to be able to be an artist full time and I am grateful for everyone who showed up for me and motivated me to keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mauragarnettfilms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mauragarnettfilms/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauragarnett/
