Merry May Ma
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Based in LA, I am a writer/director/producer dedicated to exploring the invisible worlds within nature and the human psyche. Drawing on my background in neuroscience and psychology, I create tactile and empowering stories that foster deep human connections.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Script Supervisor
Avia Games
Los Angeles, CA
12.2025 - Current
- Assist director and DP in tracking coverage details, support actors in memorizing lines, enhance performances through constructive feedback
Creative Coordinator
COL Media
Los Angeles, CA
02.2025 - Current
- Coordinate between editors & writers, manage projects and creative alignment to ensure high-quality completion of 90 scripts in 6 months
Co-Founder & Festival Programmer
API Film Night (Film Festival)
Los Angeles, CA
02.2023 - Current
- Curate & organize annual celebrations of inspiring films on AAPI experiences by UCLA AAPI filmmakers
- Recruit members, outreach & market event, book theater space, print posters & program booklets, & cater for 500+ audience
Co-Producer
ReelShort “Miss You After Goodbye” (No.1 on RS & DramaBox)
Los Angeles, CA
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Recruited and led 30 cast & crew through a rapid 39-day (28 pre-pro, 11 days on set) production
- Guided director to ensure strong market appeal for the YA demographic & Troubleshot all challenges on set
TV Development Intern & Writer’s Assistant
COL Media
Los Angeles, CA
01.2025 - 05.2025
- Write weekly coverage on TV IPs, conduct research on adaptation strategies, track & compile potential IPs for future development
- Revise one TV mini-drama script/week, polish pitch-decks & brainstorm with writers
Teaching Assistant
UCLA Asian American Studies Department & Film Department
Los Angeles, CA
09.2023 - 03.2025
- Offered administrative support; graded students’ assignments; led fun and informative weekly workshops on Premiere Pro video-editing
Feature Development Intern
Janet Yang Productions
Los Angeles, CA
10.2024 - 02.2025
- Wrote coverage on AAPI films and scripts, draft emails, polish pitch-decks, update talent tracking grids & compile trades
Education
Certificate - Business & Management of Entertainment
UCLA Extension
Los Angeles, CA06.2026
MFA - Film Production/Directing
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
Los Angeles, CA01.2025
B.A - Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology and Film & Media
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, MO01.2022
Skills
- Proficient: Chinese/Mandarin, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, DSLR, GoPro, Audio Recording, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Airtable, Keynote, Canva, Final Draft, Walkie-Talkies, Production Management, Scheduling, Desk Management, Wrapbook
Websites
Affiliations
Active participant in Group Effort Initiative (GEI) since January 2024
Languages
French
Elementary
English
Full Professional
Chinese (Mandarin)
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Script Supervisor
Avia Games
12.2025 - Current
Co-Producer
ReelShort “Miss You After Goodbye” (No.1 on RS & DramaBox)
05.2025 - 07.2025
Creative Coordinator
COL Media
02.2025 - Current
TV Development Intern & Writer’s Assistant
COL Media
01.2025 - 05.2025
Feature Development Intern
Janet Yang Productions
10.2024 - 02.2025
Teaching Assistant
UCLA Asian American Studies Department & Film Department
09.2023 - 03.2025
Co-Founder & Festival Programmer
API Film Night (Film Festival)
02.2023 - Current
B.A - Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology and Film & Media
Washington University in St. Louis
Certificate - Business & Management of Entertainment
UCLA Extension
MFA - Film Production/Directing
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
HONORS & AWARDS
Alfred P. Sloan Production Award, Panavision New Filmmaker Award, Mary Pickford Award, Motion Picture Association of American Award, Edna & Yu-Shan Han Endowed Award, Lynn Weston Fellowship & Francesco Film Production Award