Meet Maria Bata
I was raised in Transylvania, a “mystical” region of Romania, by wonderful parents who encouraged me to pursue my passion as an actress, especially my mom after my father, unfortunately passed way at an early age. As a child, I very much enjoyed reciting poetry, dancing or simply “performing” before audiences during festive events. Most of all, I loved watching movies as I was fascinated by the emotional impact actors had on our hearts and minds and I developed my craft to the point where I began making movies in my homeland. However, it was always my dream to follow my career path and move from the land of Dracula (Transylvania) to the City of Angels (Hollywood).
Despite this dream, I was always somewhat “pragmatic” about the odds of becoming a successful actor so after graduating from a Mathematics-Informatics high school I enrolled at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies in Faculty Management; however, I never abandoned my passion to become a meaningful actor and I continued to take as many acting classes as possible in addition to my regular college curriculum. Eventually, casting agencies in Bucharest brought me offers for commercials and advertising photo campaigns during my free time between classes.
I loved working before the camera so much that after obtaining my university degree, I enrolled at Spiru Haret University, a prestigious drama academy in Bucharest. Soon, thereafter, I landed my first lead role as “Mona” in Bobby Paunescu’s “Pioneer Palace” which was selected for the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. After attending the Festival, I knew that the United States of America was the place I hoped to be for the rest of my life, and I’ve been working here as an actor since then on a 01 Visa.
As with any journey, there were both smooth stretches and bumps along the way.
The film industry is neither as easy nor as glamorous as some people may believe. Things seldom go according to plan and there is no “second place” even if you believe you truly mastered your audition. If your ego is such that you cannot tolerate “No” then the acting industry is simply not for you. Rather, one needs to learn from the many rejections and improve their craft to emerge as an even better actor the next go around. (Also, meditation and a little therapy could go a long way, as well.)
My name is Maria Bata. I am a Romanian film and commercial actress with 10+ years of experience in the industry who hopes and prays to, one day, obtain her Green Card.
I have worked in international markets such as Madrid, Mexico City, Cape Town, Milan, Bucharest and Los Angeles, having shot over 100 TV commercial campaigns (please see YouTube channel @MARIABATAweb) and have had the opportunity to work in films with many incredible actors such as Laurence Fishbourne, Michael Keaton, Steven Seagal, Byron Mann and the cinematographer, Linus Sangren, to name a few.
Having the opportunity to observe how these talented people approached their roles and work and especially their behavior towards other members of the team: very professional, relaxed, funny, and a lot of respect, it had a huge positive impact on me, as a performer but also as a human being.
Regarding the question “What sets you apart from others”, I would have to answer my “versatility.” First, I believe my versatile looks helped me a lot (Thank you, Mom and Dad!) Also, I am a student of people’s various personalities and I’m able to channel what I have observed into whatever is required by the script whether it be to make people laugh or demonstrate a unique vulnerability. This awareness has allowed me to engage in the script with the utmost confidence. Even things that maybe could be considered as “flaws, like my accents and/or culture, can be embraced and utilized as something uniquely special, i.e., it can be the ace up my sleeve to both capture what the director wants while simultaneously separating me apart from everyone else.
Personally, success to me is about continuously learning and growing, while also positively impacting the lives of others.
In acting, it is subjective and varies from person to person.
Several common indicators of success include consistent work, critical acclaim, financial stability, and personal satisfaction. A successful actor is one who regularly auditions and hopefully books roles and collaborates with notable professionals, receives recognition for their performances, is financially stable, and finds fulfillment in their work.
While some prioritize fame and recognition, others may value creative expression and personal growth.
