Biography

Marissa grew up in Southeast Iowa and currently resides in Los Angeles. She shares her hometown with Radar O'Reilly, Tom Arnold, and more pigs than people. Most of Marissa's films are rooted in her hometown, or at least the idea of it. She has created most of her work in Iowa with frequent collaborators, DEFT. She loves bringing together crews that turn into friends and keeps a strict "no a******s" policy. She is currently on the festival circuit with her debut feature film, KNEE HIGH, (an adaptation of her short of the same name) while working through post on her most recent short film, GIVEN.

Marissa has spent the last ten years creating compelling stories with unexpected protagonists and moments that tug on your heartstrings. Family dramas, cerebral thrillers, and anything with an authentic lead character are her preferred projects. She has a passion for crafting complex roles that challenge actors and absolutely loves collaborating with cast to find performances that feel authentic and powerful.

Most days Marissa can be found on set working as a First Assistant Director, helping other filmmakers realize their visions. She has worked on countless features, shorts, and series as an AD and loves the energy that can only be found on set. On great days, you can find her at a Barre class, at the beach with a book, or in the Angeles National Forest with her pack on pretending she's not in LA.
- IMDb mini biography by: N/A