Maria is the co-founder of Big Couch, a fintech startup, energising the entertainment industry with a new financial model: Crewfunding. Since 2017, Big Couch has been developing a new product, FilmChain on the blockchain, in partnership with Imperial College London. In 2018, they have been awarded an innovation grant from Innovate UK. She attended the University of Essex.Maria has been a prominent figure at film industry events and festivals worldwide, including Cannes, Berlin, Glasgow etc. She produced and associate produced two feature docs and one drama.