Maria Capp

Maria Capp is an award-winning Director, Producer (PGA and SAG AFTRA member.), and Writer known for her versatile expertise across the full production lifecycle and her commitment to fostering the next generation of filmmakers. A veteran of the entertainment and arts space for over 20 years, Maria’s career exemplifies that age and gender are assets in leadership. She consistently takes projects from development through post-production and sales in multiple roles.

​

As a university-level instructor in Directing, Screenwriting, and Advanced Production Workshops, Maria trains the multi-hyphenate director required for the modern independent film world.

​

Maria has directed two features: Four Cousins and a Christmas, which was acquired by MarVista Entertainment Studios and successfully trended on Hulu’s top 20 holiday favorites for three consecutive years; and the psychological thriller The Lady of the Lake: The Legend of Lake Ronkonkoma (2023), which she also wrote.

​

Through her company, Cappricielli Productions, Inc., Maria provides a vital pipeline, leading teams of students, alumni, and emerging filmmakers during pre-production and on set, including her recent directorial work on the web series, Schmidti’s Circuit (LA, 2025). Her work includes the award-winning feature Reach and multiple award-winning music videos, such as HURRICANE (featuring Emmy winner Chris Redd) and videos starring Broadway veterans. Maria is also the founder of the Sayville International Film Festival (SIFF), bridging a decade of market relationships and industry advocacy, including service as an industry panelist, speaker and advocate, directly to the Long Island community.