Instagram story viewer> @troublejones> Tagged
Melanie Maras(@troublejones)'s profile avatar HD Profile

Melanie Maras

@troublejones

6.7K
followers
1550
following
writer / director
🇮🇩🇺🇸
@ridebackrise Circle Member ‘26
@evokeentertainmentcompany
@mothstories
POSTS STORIES REELS TAGGED
When you have the best, most thoughtful friends…. Can’t imagine doing life without these women. Deb, @wanderlust_design_studio @sarahmeyersimon, Becky, @troublejones thank you for having us @soussous.la wow- what a fabulous night.
17
Download
not for april fool's day
29
Download
Another blur around the sun ☀️ Notes on how to unlock birthday self mode when your entire album is just pics of your child in princess dresses, close-ups of kid skin rashes, and assorted cats you meet on the street: 1. Spend your birthday weekend on set doing what you love 2. Work with friends (old and new) who inspire you, preferably in a magical Martha Stewart-esque lakeside setting 3. Wrap and come home to the people you love; eat late night frozen pizza 4. Take your mom to witness a musical force 5. Remember you are more than a tired mom holding someone else’s half-eaten banana 6. Be grateful grateful grateful Thanks for all the bday wishes. Every text, DM, card, voicemail, and video wishing me a happy one made me feel so incredibly lucky to be surrounded by so much love and friendship💙💜♥️💛💚🧡
37
Download
The words changed. The experience didn’t. Hapa, Mixed, Eurasian, Amerasian, Blasian, Wasian, Hafu Same identity. Different decade. Drop your mix below ↓ I do this for brands too. Link in bio 👆🏻 #wasian #hapa #aapi
80
Download
A little late to the SXSW gratitude but what an honor & joy to be a part of such an amazingly talented film community. Plus, finding new friends always gives me hope! Also, it seems like I only know how to make two faces.
33
Download
Presenting “Rodeo & Juliet” - The official scene for Group 6 from our RomCom & Heartbreak Workshop 1 at the @ladirectorslab! ✨💋 Director Melanie Maras @troublejones Writer Bianca Zhou @bianx.z Actor Katee Shean @kateeshean Actor Omar Muñoz @omar_munoz_la DP Joshua Carrasco @josh__carrasco Intimacy Coordinator Caitlin Norton Wyatt @caitlinnortonwyatt Production Manager: @ryanbarkauskas 1st AC: @skelltron5000 2nd AC: Natalia Hahn Gaffer: @trebetts Key Grip: Danny Power Sound: @hartshornsound Unit Stills/BTS Photographer: @bahareh.co BTS Videographer: @yubitripin DIT: @directorgpayton Production Assistant: @lorecueca, @littlegiant.enb Location: @sotostages Created, produced & run by @latinadirector 👉🏼Want to join our next workshop? Head to the link in bio to sign up for our email list to be notified first of when registration opens up! #LADirectorsLab #DirectorWorkshop #filmworkshop
10
Download
Introducing Group 6 from our RomCom & Heartbreak Workshop 1 through the @ladirectorslab! Director @troublejones Writer @bianx.z Actor @kateeshean Actor @omar_munoz_la DP @josh__carrasco Intimacy Coordinator @caitlinnortonwyatt Actor Omar: “As an actor, the RomCom workshop helped me get out of my head and comfort zone. It really pushed me to take on that challenge by providing amazing Intimacy Coordinators and a safe environment for myself to explore, learn and grow. My scene partner and I were were able to work comfortably and our director and DP helped us as well directing us while we were navigating our characters, scene and connection. Definitely an awesome experience!” 📸 by @bahareh.co 📍 @sotostages 👉🏼 Head to the link in bio to sign up for our email list to find out when our next workshop will be!
8
Download
We’re kicking off with our next 3 directors from RomCom Workshop 1 through the @ladirectorslab! Director @jessicaamento Director @ladygriswold Director @troublejones Actors: @azusena_martinezzz @codysio @krystalnovaa Calvin Picou @kateeshean @omar_munoz_la DPs: @haleygronski_dp @fleureci @josh__carrasco In this workshop, we brought in Intimacy Coordinators as many directors & actors have yet to work with one or even if they have, still are unclear about their responsibilities. We had our IC’s break down what their job really entails and all the ways they are there for the production, not just the actors. While we shot intimate scenes with the safety of IC’s on set, we all learned so much from them! They brought a world of understanding to safety and comfortability on set during intimate interactions and that’s the core of what this workshop focused on. 🙌🏼 Shoutout to our Workshop 1 Intimacy Coordinators: @caitlinnortonwyatt @nikkisyreeta @karenpraxel Thank you to these 3 women for their time, support & education into the world of working Intimacy Coordinators! Keep watching our page to see what each group created for their final short project! 🎬 🎥 Shot & Edited by @yubitripin 🔥
5
Download
My first time pitching a feature to execs and in true fashion couldn’t start with just one. Had to be hundreds 😅🎉 Thank you to @sverhee @carzrugo and the entire @ridebackrise team for giving me the opportunity to pitch my coming-of-age sports movie alongside such amazing stories. I love this project ✨💕
22
Download
Rideback RISE 2025 Fellows & Creators — you absolutely CRUSHED it at our 2nd Annual PITCHFEST! ✨🎉 Watching these creators take the stage—sharing their stories with honesty, heart, and total confidence—was everything. RISE was built on the belief that talent is everywhere; it just needs access and opportunity to shine. PitchFest proved that and more. These storytellers reminded us that authenticity is the future of commercial storytelling. 💫 Huge thanks to our incredible RISE team who bring our vision to life, and to our amazing partners for always keeping us fueled and focused @drinksanzo @diageo @seedlipdrinks @bulleit @the_butchersdaughter @anasfood_taquizas. Special shout out to @dreamhollywood and @ourladyoflorettola for their unparalleled support. And to our RISE community - you’re raising the bar and inspiring us all. 🔥🔥 #RidebackRISE #PitchFest #Storytellers #Creators #POCFilmmakers #Creativity #Community
12
Download
Had so much fun working with these amazing people 🫶🏻 Grateful to have been paired with an awesome team! Directed by : Melanie Maras Written by: Bianca Zhou DP: Joshua Carrasco Intimacy Coordinator : Caitlin Norton Wyatt Actors: Omar Munoz and Me! Filmed at Soto Stages Produced by LA Directors Lab #comedy #reel #actor #instamood
13
Download
Rodeo & Juliet - Coming soon! Had such a great time working with these amazing artists and people. Still having withdrawals from our time on set! CAST Omar Munoz Katee Shean Written by Bianca Zhou Directed by Melanie Maras Produced by LA Director’s Lab Director of Photography Joshua Carrasco Intimacy Coordinator Caitlin Norton Wyatt Filmed at Soto Stages #actor #mexicano #hollywood #latino #ladirectorslab #romcom #sotostages
10
Download
back to up