Maura Garnett is a Casting Director, Producer, and Director, with a background that spans both creative and technical aspects of filmmaking. She earned her BFA from the School of Visual Arts, and it was during her time there that she discovered her passion for casting. Working under renowned casting directors such as Mark Saks, Avy Kaufman, Stephanie Klapper, and Jason Styres, Maura honed her skills in both theater and television casting. She currently works as a casting assistant for Ross Meyerson on 'Dexter: Resurrection', further cementing her place in the industry. She is a member of the local 817 as a Casting Assistant and apart of New York Women in Film & Televsion.

Maura’s passion for casting blossomed during her film school years in New York City, where she built strong connections with the local acting community. She was able to tap into her growing network of upcoming talent, creating a database of actors she had met and worked with. This resource proved invaluable as she began casting short films during her undergraduate years. After graduating, Maura continued her involvement in independent projects, including pilots and short films, maintaining her relationships with local talent and helping emerging actors find new opportunities.

Despite her successful career in casting, Maura’s love for directing has never waned. She finds deep fulfillment in working one-on-one with actors and bringing stories to life. Her latest film, 'Disoriented', is currently making the festival rounds and will be screening next at the Garden State Film Festival on March 30th. Her previous directorial works include 'Treading', which is in post-production, and her award-winning short film 'Playtime'.

In addition to casting and directing, Maura also works as a freelance producer. She thrives in the preproduction process, helping filmmakers navigate the challenges of transforming their scripts into reality. Maura is particularly drawn to projects that tackle societal norms, mental health issues, and the representation of America’s youth. Whether she’s casting, directing, or producing, Maura is committed to making the film industry more inclusive and diverse, ensuring that untold stories have a platform and that everyone has a seat at the table.