Ashley Maria Productions

11/06/2025

The production has worked in close partnership with the Montana Film Office, local and state parks agencies, and community stakeholders.

“The setting is more than a backdrop; it’s a character in the story,” said Berst. “The forests, rivers, and mountain views are integral to the emotional arc of this road trip.”

Filming has taken place in Western Montana for Nearly Departed.

10/22/2025

From our Kickstarter campaign for Pioneers in Skirts in 2015! We gathered these amazing young actors to help us portray “What is a Pioneer?”

At the end of the day, we’re all kids at heart, so I thought it would be fun to use kids to show our goals with the film, and how we should go back to our roots, those early life-lessons, to empower each other. [and yes, we hit our Kickstarter fundraising goal!]

You can stream Pioneers in Skirts right now! (especially this week for National Business Women’s Week in the USA) Click the link in bio to check it out.

10/13/2025

We did it! We've completed principal photography on our short film, ‘Nearly Departed’!! Shot on location in and around Missoula, Montana — we are extremely grateful to the local community for stepping forward to feed us, keep us hydrated and caffeinated, permit us, and make us feel welcome in their great state of Montana!

10/11/2025

Today is International Day of the Girl. Let's celebrate and advocate 💪🏼

October 11 is International Day of the Girl. This global observance shines a light on the challenges girls face and the urgent need to promote their empowerment and human rights. At the Circle of Sisterhood, we’re committed to removing barriers to education for girls globally. When girls learn, communities thrive. Join us in honoring this important day for girls everywhere.

10/06/2025

We believe that when we support and invest in girls, we can make the world a better place.

Celebrate International Day of the Girl with a screening of the film, Pioneers in Skirts!

See how to STREAM the film here: https://www.pioneersinskirts.com/watch/

10/02/2025

After months of planning and almost 2 weeks in the Missoula, Montana area filming Nearly Departed, we're back home! We will be forever thankful to the Montana Department of Commerce for supporting us!

Shooting a road trip movie required several large company moves. We had to pack up gear, people, and food and travel from a small-town store - to woods at night and at day - to a creek with a man who was fly fishing for hours - to an old bridge with wooden flooring - to a barn with sweet horses - to roads with spectacular views - and up a mountain along a narrow dirt road. It was a LOT of work...and we never could have done it without the determination and professionalism of our local crew.

Check out this article from the Clark Fork Valley Press & Mineral Independent. Their article about our Montana crew and the story we're telling appeared on the front page of one newspaper and on the inside pages of another.

Filming has taken place in Western Montana for a new short film backed by the prestigious Montana Big Sky Film Grant, bringing a 20-person crew primarily based in Missoula to shoot a heartfelt road trip drama from Sept. 23–26.

09/23/2025

Day 1 of filming Nearly Departed is about to begin! We're in Alberton, Montana today and it's just incredibly beautiful 🍂 Awesome 2nd day of Fall.

Ashley Maria director
John D. Nilles director of photography

Click over to our Facebook group to see more 📸 and 📹: Ashley Maria Productions movie group

08/26/2025

We celebrate Women’s Equality Day today, and every day 💪🏼

Today on we celebrate women and the environments where they can thrive in all aspects of their lives. We recognize and honor the significant progress that has been made but are also reminded of unfinished business.

IDEAS FOR WHAT YOU CAN DO
- At work -- embrace communication strategies that inspire, educate, and empower by recognizing differences, providing fair opportunities, ensuring employees feel respected
- Support women-owned businesses
- Register to vote. Women and men fought for 72 years for women to win the right to vote. Honor their sacrifices by registering to vote.
- Host virtual screenings of documentaries or films that highlight women’s struggles and achievements
- Be part of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) at work. These groups are specifically focused on women’s advancement; providing community, mentorship opportunities, and a platform for women to share their experiences and challenges.
- Learn about women who have shaped history and helped make the world a better place

As we come together to celebrate and promote an equal world for women, it's important to remember that the push for full equality is not limited to a single day. It’s an ongoing effort that requires continuous commitment.

08/09/2025

HELLO NORTH CAROLINA!!!

Our film "Super Human Anxiety" left San Diego last week (Comic-Con) and headed straight to its Raleigh, NC premiere at the Rialto Theatre on Thursday August 14th!!

The 5 Points Short Film Fest will be jam packed with loads of incredible short films by NC filmmakers, and ours is kicking off the festival! How cool is that??

Executive Producer Wendy McHenry (Wendy Mac) will be there to chat it up with attendees and handing out our limited edition superhero trading cards, too! Stop by, meet Wendy, tell her how much you LOVE the film, and snag those cards!!!!

$16.50 Tix (1-day of awesome films): https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/32508330/five-points-short-film-festival-thursday-only-raleigh-the-rialto

$27.50 Tix (2-days of awesome films):
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/47400466/five-points-short-film-festival-2day-ticket-raleigh-the-rialto