Maria Mendez likes everything about filmmaking. She should. She's done every job there is to do -- in front, beside, and behind the camera.

Born in Havana, Cuba, and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Maria began as an actor, and has worked as a script supervisor, editor, writer, and producer on her way to becoming one of the hottest up-and-coming directors in the country. Or, more appropriately, on two continents.

Working in two languages, Maria is constantly mixing it up. One week, you'll find her at the helm of a spot for clients like AT&T, Esprit, Lincoln Mercury, J Crew, or Honduras Tourism. The next, she might be directing a promo with J-Lo,or a music video for Jennifer Pena or MC Nas-d. Still, the next, she could be finishing up a documentary for HBO Latino.

Maria's visual style transcends language, filling the screen with elegant, fashion-inspired compositions and layers. Her personable approach to directing brings out a confidence in onscreen talent that shows in her work. Be it kids, celebrities, seasoned adult actors, or documentary-style real people, Maria is able to capture genuine performances and moments that engage the viewer, no matter what the subject matter.

Maria encourages everyone to get involved in the process. Clients call her creative, imaginative, charming, and easy to work with. Her experience as talent helps her understand how to elicit special performances from her subjects.

Her knowledge of the editorial process gives her insight into many possible combinations of images, and how to choose the best ones. And her production savvy helps her consistently put the production budget where it belongs: on the screen.