By Cindy Leigh
Success in creative industries rarely follows a straight line. More often, it’s shaped by risk, resilience, and a willingness to keep showing up long after the easy paths disappear. For many women working in film and television, the journey is not just about mastering craft—it’s about carving out space in an industry that wasn’t built with them in mind.
Independent producer Mariya Miloshevych has created a career that reflects what’s possible when determination meets preparation. Originally from Ukraine, Mariya immigrated to Canada at just 17 years old, leaving behind family support to pursue a future in film. She began her career in front of the camera before discovering her true calling behind the scenes, where storytelling became both her profession and her compass.
Over the past decade, Mariya has worked across nearly every department on set, building a reputation for precision, leadership, and creative clarity. Her work spans narrative film, television development, and high-profile commercial campaigns for global brands. She has contributed to projects associated with major festivals, award-recognized productions, and studio-level pipelines—while continuing to champion stories rooted in identity, family, and social impact.
We recently spoke with Mariya, who shares candid insights about discovering her passion, navigating burnout, building authentic relationships, and staying grounded in an industry known for its volatility.
Why do you do what you do?
I’ve been incredibly lucky to find the film industry, or maybe it found me. I never imagined that an immigrant from Ukraine could end up running sets with dozens of people, creating stories in commercials and films. I’m proud that I’ve carved out this path for myself and earned my place through hard work. And I want to keep growing so I can advocate for people like me – people who don’t always get the chance to pursue their wildest dreams and still choose to go for it.
When did you first discover your passion for producing?
Straight out of college, my friends and I were making YouTube skits and having a blast. But I kept wanting more – can we organize the channel, upload on a schedule, build a media plan, even turn this into a production company? Pretty quickly I realized I was already doing producer work without trying. Those tasks came naturally to me, and that’s when I understood producing was my thing.
What’s been your favorite project and why?
It would be the feature film we completed last spring, Firesky. I had the chance to work with incredible Canadian actors with decades of experience, and it was genuinely a privilege to watch them work. I also loved that we got to make a comedy – independent comedies are rare. It’s a genre audiences love, but it isn’t always the first choice for investors. We were incredibly lucky with our team, and I can’t wait to share it with audiences soon!
What are some of the smartest steps you’ve taken towards pursuing your career?
Consistent networking – especially building relationships with people who aren’t necessarily the “flashiest” or most successful in the room. It’s natural to want to meet the biggest names, and I do think it’s important to surround yourself with people that are more ahead of you. But some of the most valuable relationships are with peers. You’re all growing at the same time and supporting each other is what moves the industry forward. A rising tide lifts all boats.
Did you ever consider giving up and what stopped you?
I’ve burned out in the past. This industry is notorious for its ups and downs, and for curveballs like strikes, protests, or even natural disasters – on top of how hard it is to break through as an indie producer. What brings me back is my love for the craft. There’s nothing like sitting in a theatre and realizing how much creative and technical work went into every single shot. I have a deep respect for this industry, and that’s what keeps me here.
How do you stay positive in an industry notorious for its challenges?
For me it’s about checking in with myself. If I’m not passionate about what I’m doing, there’s no point forcing it. I also remind myself this industry isn’t the be-all and end-all – there are always other paths, and it’s never too late to change direction if I want to. That perspective keeps me positive – I stay because I love it, not because I feel stuck.
If you could share only one piece of advice to other aspiring creatives, what would that be?
Put both feet in. Try a lot, fail often, and keep moving – but just commit fully. Talent matters, but consistency is what actually opens doors.
Tell us one good habit you practice and one bad habit you want to forget.
Good habit: I always follow up. Everyone is busy, and most of the time a missed reply isn’t personal, it’s just poor timing. A thoughtful and timely follow-up keeps things moving and saves opportunities from slipping through the cracks. And here’s my slightly cheeky move – holiday emails. They’re a friendly, non-invasive way to pop back up on someone’s radar without being pushy.
Bad habit: Over-deleting. I have this compulsive need to keep my desktop, downloads, and trash completely empty. If a file isn’t immediately moved into a “proper” folder, it risks getting deleted… And I’ve definitely shot myself in the foot more than once by losing something important.
What inspires you most in your life?
Other than the constant race against myself and the bar I keep raising, I’m most inspired by the idea of setting an example for younger filmmakers. I want them to see that you can build a real career if you keep showing up and putting in the work, even if you hear 10, 50, or 100 NOs. If you keep pushing and persevering, sometimes all it takes is one YES. I want to encourage people to do what they love, because I’m genuinely happy with where I am, and even with room to grow, I’m enjoying the journey every day.
Where do you want to be in five years?
I want to be producing studio-level projects – working with a major studio or top-tier production company on films with a real scale. I’m drawn to that level of complexity and craft, and I’d love to collaborate with studios like Warner Bros. or companies like Legendary or Focus Features. Ultimately, I want to be in rooms where ambitious films get made and be one of the producers helping make them happen.
You can follow Mariya on Instagram and Linkedin, and see more of her producer portfolio on her website.
Cindy Leigh covers entertainment and the inspiring people who create it. She has interviewed actors and filmmakers working in film, TV and streaming projects from blockbuster to small indies seeking to learn what inspires them creatively. Over the last 10 years, her articles have published in a variety of outlets, including FilmAndTVNow, VOCAL, and Medium.
