Building action films, creative communities, and new pathways for independent storytellers through Phoenix Eye Films and the Echo 8 Trilogy. Maria Tran is a passionate advocate for community-powered filmmaking and occasionally shares her thoughts on creativity, independent cinema, and the future of storytelling through her blog, The Indie Rebel.
Maria Tran is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, producer, action specialist, and live host with over 15 years of experience across film, events, education, and entertainment. Originally from Australia and now based in Las Vegas, she is the founder of Phoenix Eye Films, a female-led production company focused on bold, community-driven genre storytelling and DIY action cinema.
Holding a Bachelor of Psychology, Maria has built an unconventional career spanning acting, directing, producing, hosting, and teaching. She developed and directed the internationally recognised Echo 8 Trilogy — an independent action feature film series produced outside traditional industry systems and released on platforms including Amazon Prime. Rooted in microbudget filmmaking, her work blends physical storytelling, emotional grit, and practical execution while championing female-led narratives and greater representation both on and off screen.
Her early career included work alongside legendary figures such as Jackie Chan and Roger Corman, helping shape her foundation in action filmmaking and independent cinema. Beyond the Echo 8 Trilogy, Maria has directed projects including Operation Kung Flu, Obsidian, Hit Girls, and the award-winning horror film Midnight Never Sleeps, which earned her Best Director and starred Ana Thu Nguyen.
Alongside filmmaking, Maria is also a high-energy game show host for Family Feud Live at the MGM Grand, where she brings crowd-engaging charisma, fast improvisation, and live performance skills to audiences from around the world.
Passionate about mentorship and creative empowerment, Maria has delivered more than 100 acting and filmmaking workshops internationally and currently teaches at the Actor’s Academy in Las Vegas, specialising in screen performance, movement, confidence-building, and practical acting skills. She has also been featured as a TEDx speaker and serves as a Community Leader with the Sundance Institute Collab program (2025–2026).
Outside of entertainment, Maria works across business and creative consulting within the Las Vegas community and leads initiatives including the Vegas Asian Network. Whether hosting live events, directing action cinema, or mentoring emerging creatives, Maria’s work is driven by integrity, fearless storytelling, and building opportunities beyond traditional gatekeeping systems.
Finalising feature films 'Five By Five' & 'Echo 8 Beyond'
Directing all female crew Las Vegas based film 'Pole Kisses'
Director of Photography & Producer of documentary 'Consent Culture' in Nevada
Teaching at Actors Academy Las Vegas
Hosting Family Feud Live in Las Vegas
Hosting on Live Play Bingo
Developing new indie action projects
