MARIA LO ORZEL, p.g.a. – Founder and Producer, Studio Strada

A Hong Kong and Los Angeles based independent producer, MARIA LO ORZEL shot two English-language films in Hong Kong over the course of 24 months. The award–winning crime thriller “Four Assassins” stars Hollywood actors Will Yun Lee and Miguel Ferrer. “Lost for Words”, a cross-cultural romance features American star Sean Faris and Hong Kong actors Terence Yin and Grace Huang.

Ms. Orzel founded the production and creative consultancy company Studio Strada in 2001. The company has collaborated closely with Oscar-winning producer Bill Kong on many of his projects and served as Creative Consultant to high-profile directors like Zhang Yimou on “HERO”, ”House of Flying Daggers” and “Curse of the Golden Flower”.

Studio Strada is in active production on “Vanishing: ASIA” – a 12-part documentary series focusing on the endangered cultural heritage and disappearing traditions in Asia. “Blackout”, a non-stop Hong Kong-style action film is currently in pre-production.

Ms. Orzel began her entertainment career as an executive holding several high level positions first at Home Box Office in the United States, then as Regional Vice President at United International Pictures (a Paramount, Universal and MGM/UA company). She was the first woman to head an international operation of any U.S. studio, and the first woman to Chair a chapter of the MPEAA.

Ms. Orzel graduated Bachelor of Arts, Magna cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin and received an MBA from Syracuse University, New York. She is a member of the Producers Guild of America.