MARIA SKAKUN

Maria Skakun is a Los Angeles-based director, producer, creative director, choreographer, and movement specialist whose work sits at the intersection of film, music, performance, live entertainment, and immersive experiences.

Born and raised in Chernogolovka, Moscow region, Russia, Maria began her artistic training in rhythmic gymnastics before moving into dance and choreography. She holds a Master's degree in Directing and Producing Theatrical Performances and Festivities from the Russian State University of Physical Education, Sport, Youth and Tourism, as well as a musical education in piano. She later picked up bass guitar and became deeply involved in the music world - an experience that continues to influence the way she approaches rhythm, performance, artists, and visual storytelling.

Maria built the first part of her career in Russia as a professional dancer, choreographer, director, educator, and creative producer. She co-founded Art City Studio of Modern Arts and became Director of its Dance Department, training dancers who went on to become champions at national competitions throughout Russia. She founded Carpe Diem Project, one of the country's early commercial dance communities, and became one of the organizers creating educational events, workshops, and professional platforms for dancers and teachers. She also began directing her own choreography films and visual concepts, developing a cinematic approach to movement long before transitioning fully into filmmaking.

In 2018, Maria moved to Los Angeles and rebuilt her career in a new country, expanding from choreography into directing and producing. Since then, she has worked across music videos, commercials, branded content, film, live shows, theme-park entertainment, and immersive productions.

Her music and visual credits include work with Westside Boogie, CJ Green, Carly Lind, BUSH, Against The Current and Evil Island (ex. Blood Brothers). Her branded work includes Istanbul Agop, Chapter 8, and other commercial and creative campaigns.

In live and immersive entertainment, Maria has directed and produced projects for major entertainment environments. She was brought on by RWS Global to direct IP-based mazes for Six Flags Fright Fest, overseeing productions at Magic Mountain, Chicago, and Atlanta. Her work has involved translating recognizable entertainment properties into physical, theatrical worlds and directing the performers, creative teams, and production elements that bring those environments to life.

She has continued developing this specialty through her work with the Museum of Illusions Hollywood, where she has served as Executive Producer and Creative Director on large-scale Halloween transformations and immersive experiences. Her work has included creative concept development, production design, scenic transformations, projections, practical effects, performers, visual effects, fabrication, budgeting, scheduling, crew management, installation, and on-site execution.

Through Magic Forest Media LLC, Maria produces and develops projects across film, commercials, music, branded content, and live entertainment. Her recent commercial productions include the TAO Halloween commercial and other branded shoots, while her film work includes producing and developing original projects such as HOODWINK and the one-woman show MANIC. She has also produced and co-directed promotional and experiential content for events including Midsummer Scream and worked across productions ranging from highly controlled commercial shoots to large public-facing immersive environments.

Maria's directing and producing process is deeply informed by her 16+ years as a choreographer, educator, and movement professional. She has taught internationally in the United States, Italy, Estonia, and Mexico and has worked with dancers, actors, musicians, and performers on movement, physical storytelling, mobility, choreography, and performance.