MAIA 

TASSALINI

COMEDY WRITER AND STAND-UP

Just a chubby half Italian girl trying to make it in the big city!

Maia Tassalini is an award winning comedy writer and stand-up, regularly gigging across London and writing sketches and one liners featured on TV and radio. She is a graduate of the NFTS Comedy Writing and Producing programme, run in partnership with BBC Comedy.

Upcoming gigs!

Super secret special televised gig (slay), Rivoli Ballrom - September 26th

Watch Maia’s Set at Silly Goose!

Maia has just finished Soho Theatre’s prestigious Comedy Lab: Plus, an intensive mentoring and workshopping program for comedians run by Elf Lyons and Archie Maddocks, and was the opening act for the sold out showcase at Soho Downstairs.

news!

Maia has been awarded the esteemed Creative Access x McLaren Racing Bursary. She’s been awarded funds to support the festival run for 'GUTS' and as an acknowledgement of creative excellence.

Maia’s latest film project is GUTS, a short film she wrote and produced starring Jan Ravens

GUTS centres on a meeting between Isla, an aspiring plus-size model, and Bev, her potential new agent who came of age in the 'nothing tastes as good as skinny feels' era and is drowning under the changing tides of the industry.

The film is inspired by Maia’s real-life experiences as a plus size model, and at its core GUTS interrogates the way in which the intersection of power and humiliation manifests itself in women's bodies. GUTS is also the basis of a 30-minute pilot, which is in development.

GUTS is executive produced by Lara Singer of Big Talk Productions (The Outlaws, Peacock), directed Florence Winter Hill, whose previous short The Gospel According to Gail with Harriet Webb made the official selection for BAFTA and Oscar-qualifying film festivals, and shot by Carmen Pellon Brussosa.

GUTS news!

GUTS has been awarded Best Comedy at London Independent Film Festival

GUTS has won the Gold Medal for Best Student Comedy short at the London Comedy Short Film Festival

GUTS has been selected as a semi-finalist for the Best Comedy at Big Fridge Festival London Independent Film Festival

This what Big Fridge had to say about GUTS…

‘"GUTS" brings a refreshing perspective to the world of fashion and body image, focusing its narrative around Isla, an aspiring plus-size model, and Bev, her potential agent navigating the evolving landscape of the industry. This insightful film, starring the comedy legend Jan Ravens, is inspired by real-life experiences, offering a humorous yet thought-provoking exploration of power dynamics and societal expectations concerning women's bodies.

The comedic brilliance of "GUTS" shines through with a delightful commentary that runs consistently throughout the film. The writing is sharp, cleverly crafting a narrative that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the industry's shifting standards. The film sets the stage for a hilarious twist, keeping the audience engaged and eager to see how the story unfolds.

The performances from the leads are compelling. From the start, they breathe life into their characters, portraying the complexities of navigating an industry that has historically been rigid in its standards. The clash of wit between Isla and Bev adds layers to the story, creating a dynamic that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

The cinematography by Carmen Pellon Brussosa adds a layer of sophistication to the storytelling, complementing the sharp dialogue and enhancing the overall viewing experience.

At its core, "GUTS" successfully navigates the intersection of power and humiliation in women's bodies, offering a comedic lens through which to examine societal expectations. With its great writing, compelling performances, and a clever twist, "GUTS" stands out as a film that not only entertains but also sparks important conversations. It's a must-watch for those seeking a blend of humour and insightful commentary on the challenges faced by individuals in the ever-evolving world of fashion.’

Links

Watch ‘GUTShere

Watch Maia open at Soho Theatre here

Watch Maia’s micro film ‘Nurseyhere

Watch Maia’s showreel here

Watch Maia in in ‘Tea Time’ Directed by Dominic Brigstocke (I'm Alan Partridge, Green Wing, Smack the Pony, Horrible Histories) here

Writing Samples

I CAN WRITE SOMETHING FUNNY FOR YOU

I CAN WRITE SOMETHING FUNNY FOR YOU