Maritza Castro’s career is based on authenticity. Growing up in Colombia, her fascination with storytelling began early, sparked by her mother’s love for capturing life on camera. Over the years, she has evolved into a successful producer, connecting cultures and crafting narratives that resonate deeply with audiences around the world. Having worked in some of the most iconic Latin TV productions and Silicon Valley, she has a lot to share on succeeding in the entertainment industry.
A Journey Rooted in Storytelling
Castro grew up surrounded by stories. Her time at Politécnico Grancolombiano cemented her desire to bring stories to life. “From a young age, I was drawn to the way stories transport us to other worlds,” she recalls. A turning point came during her work on La Promesa. “That’s when I truly understood how television can spark meaningful conversations about real-life issues,” she says.
Working on acclaimed Colombian series like La Niña and Comando Élite refined her craft. “La Niña taught me the importance of authenticity, while Comando Élite showed me how to thrive under pressure,” she explains. Both experiences instilled in her a commitment to teamwork and a passion for impactful storytelling.
From Colombia to Silicon Valley
Seeking to push boundaries, Castro moved to Silicon Valley, where she embraced the intersection of traditional storytelling and technological innovation. “I wanted to be part of the transformation in how content is consumed,” she says. At Crazy Maple Studios, she has found a platform to innovate while staying true to her roots. Through platforms like ReelShorts, Castro has helped to reach global audiences in ways she never thought possible.
One of her productions amassed 120 million views in just 15 days. Castro attributes this success to the project’s authenticity. “We recreated a universal story infused with Latin culture, full of emotion that resonated deeply,” she shares. The overwhelming response reinforced her belief in the power of storytelling.
Blending Cultures and Technology
Castro’s diverse academic background has been pivotal in shaping her global perspective. Studying in Colombia, Cuba, Australia, and the United States gave her the tools to connect with audiences across cultures. “In Cuba, I learned to direct actors; in Australia, I deepened my understanding of marketing; and in the U.S., I embraced new communication tools,” she says. These experiences have allowed her to thrive in the everchanging entertainment industry. Allowing her to be successful in classic television shows as well as in social media.
Elevating Spanish-Language Stories
For Castro, Spanish-language content is at the heart of her work. “Latin stories are rich with emotion and universal themes,” she explains. As global audiences seek more diverse narratives, she sees incredible opportunities for Spanish-speaking creators to shine.
Staying true to cultural authenticity is crucial. By listening to communities and conducting thorough research, Castro ensures her work feels genuine while appealing to a global audience. “It’s about finding common threads that connect people everywhere while honoring our roots,” she says.
Looking Ahead
Castro envisions a future where storytelling is more interactive and personalized. “Technology will continue to evolve, but authenticity and emotional connection will remain at the core of great stories,” she predicts.
Her mission is clear: to elevate Latin American culture on a global stage and open doors for emerging voices. To aspiring producers, she offers simple but powerful advice: “Stay true to yourself. Learn from others, but don’t lose your essence. Stories have the power to transform realities—never underestimate that.”
Maritza Castro is bringing Latin storytelling to the forefront of the digital world, blending creativity with cutting-edge innovation to captivate audiences across the globe.