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Bio

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One part mentor, 2 parts manager and three parts creative.

My career in film started in 1999 and I’ve been consistently designing, art directing and set decorating since 2010. Over the last 24 years, I’ve learnt from phenomenal production designers and art directors in the industry and have honed my skills while working beside world-renowned directors on both local and international productions.

I am intuitive and quick to visualize a director’s brief and translate it seamlessly to the sets and backdrops that becomes the visual story book for commercials and films alike. I am respected for my down-to-earth hands on approach, natural sense for aesthetics and proficiency with managing budgets and creating systems that work. I love to learn new things and techniques from all the talented people I meet on every new project. It is great to know that we can never stop learning.

Longform

Long Form Projects

Commercials

Commercials

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Testimonials

Maria is a total joy to work with.

Her amazing team blew me away with their skills, dedication and good humour.

It’s always nerve wracking working with a new team, especially on a technically and creatively demanding job. Maria and her team stepped up to the occasion and surpassed expectations.

I adore them and cannot wait to get to work with them again.

Caroline Story, Production Designer, United Kingdom

Working with Maria Labuschagne as my Set Decorator on the project “Measures of Men", directed by Lars Kraume in Summer and Autumn 2021 in Namibia has been a true pleasure. From the very beginning Maria quickly became one of the strong supportive forces of this challenging project and she and her warmhearted, excellent and talented team contributed to the production design being incredibly successful. Our collaboration turned out to be very enjoyable and fulfilling for all involved and subsequently we all turned out to be kindred spirits, which I believe will definitely lead future projects together. We stay closely in touch, as we have formed a wonderful friendship. Maria! & your team: It has been a really marvelous experience and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sebastian Soukup, Production Designer, Berlin, April 2022

As someone who works extensively on the road, one of the biggest hurdles is coming into a difficult project with a team you have never worked with and then puling off the impossible forthwith. This can go many ways but with Maria, it was clear instantly which way it was to go. Never have I experienced starting a project and feeling so immediately confident, supported and capable. Maria and her team are incredibly strong and competent filmmakers but more than that they each, lead by Maria, exhibit an unmatched care and consideration that is entirely unique.  It was a true honor to work with Maria and I very much look forward to doing it again soon should I be lucky enough!

Jason Hougaard, Production Designer, Los Angeles 

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