Maria Soccor’s journey from dancing and stage acting to directing acclaimed feature documentaries is not just a story of perseverance, it’s a masterclass in navigating the modern film industry.
With budgets tightening and distribution channels evolving rapidly, the award-winning filmmaker behind Lords of BSV has made a career out of turning constraints into creative and commercial opportunities. Her secret? A balance of artistry and strategy, and a commitment to telling
“Given the cutbacks in public funding from sources like the NEA, it’s more important than ever to optimize budgets to ensure projects get distribution, which is ultimately my goal as a filmmaker,” Soccor explains. “That starts with a realistic budget and identifying creative ways to enhance production value.”
Shooting Beyond Borders
As U.S. production costs soar, Soccor has become a firm advocate for international filmmaking. “Filming abroad in places with generous rebates and strong infrastructure like the UK, Ireland, Canada, Eastern Europe, and the Caribbean—can be a smart and sustainable solution,” she says. “It doesn’t mean you lose the connections you built at home. In fact, it expands your network.”
She encourages fellow filmmakers to explore co-productions and partner with foreign production companies to navigate local logistics. “They know their markets better than we ever could. Over time, building a global co-production network becomes a huge asset,” she adds. “Maria Soccor Productions knows this all too well.”
Climbing the Ranks with Clarity and Commitment
Soccor’s own climb up the production ladder taught her more than technical skills. While discipline was foundational, she emphasizes that clarity of vision has been her guiding principle. “Filmmaking is collaborative, but every film needs a captain. My stylized, high-production-value approach wouldn’t be possible without a team that trusts my vision.”
That vision, she notes, doesn’t just appear overnight it’s refined through experience. “I’ve always gravitated toward ensemble casts and documentary storytelling, even from my first feature, Lords of BSV. When your narrative is sincere and visually rich, it resonates and lasts.”
Knowing When to Walk Away
Even with passion and preparation, not every project is meant to be. Soccor is candid about knowing when to step back. “If a film doesn’t meet certain standards in development, it’s better to walk away. But once I commit, I don’t turn back. I owe that to the team and the story.”
Selling Smart in a Saturated Market
Navigating the vast distribution landscape requires precision. Soccor and her executive producers tailor their pitch to fit the right platforms and sales agents. “Each network has different needs. We identify the right partners early, sometimes even securing pre-sales, which makes the financing process smoother.”
Her toolkit always includes a polished pitch deck, a sizzle reel or proof of concept, and a director’s vision statement. “These aren’t just marketing tools they’re conversation starters. They show you’re serious, prepared, and creatively invested.”
Alternative Avenues and Independent Allies
With major studios scaling back, Soccor advises exploring a broader funding ecosystem. “Grants, equity, contests, and even crowdfunding there are many paths. You just have to match your project to the right one.”
She sees value in independent agencies, too. “They may not offer the same scale as studios, but their passion and personal attention often result in stronger alignment with your creative goals.”
To Incorporate or Not?
While some filmmakers rush to start a production company, Soccor cautions against doing so prematurely. “If it distracts from your creative work, it’s not worth it. But if you’re at a point where you can facilitate your own distribution, it becomes an asset.”
For her, Maria Soccor Productions provides structure and legitimacy. “It supports my films all the way through to distribution even theatrical releases.”
Empowering a New Generation
As her company grows, Soccor is committed to mentorship and inclusion. She sees enormous value in hiring Gen Z for their digital fluency and adaptive thinking. But she’s just as enthusiastic about welcoming returning mothers and older creatives. “Everyone has a role. Our goal is to create an environment where fresh perspectives and lived experiences collide to make better films.”
Labels and Legacy
Soccor is thoughtful when discussing how the industry labels creators. “You never hear ‘male filmmaker.’ These labels can unintentionally divide. Especially for women of color, or women over 40 it can create barriers.”
She believes in transcending these categories. “At the end of the day, our work will be remembered by its genre, its impact, its quality not the gender of its creator.”
The Bigger Picture
For Soccor, filmmaking is not just about getting a project sold it’s about creating something lasting. “A good idea is one that stays with you. And you know you’re the right person to tell it when you can’t imagine walking away from it. That’s when you fight for it.”
Whether she’s developing stylized documentaries or empowering her next-gen team, Maria Soccor proves that building films that sell and stories that last isn’t a contradiction it’s a formula for enduring success.
For more on Maria Soccor and her award-winning work, visit www.LordsofBSVFilm.com.
