NYWIFT Blog

What’s In Your Toolkit: Maria Miles

Our new column asks our members about their favorite tool, software, article of clothing, shoes on set, favorite scriptwriting software, etc.

Maria Miles – Entertainment Attorney

 

What are your essential tools in your kit on location? 

As a lawyer, it’s pretty simple – my laptop with Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, wifi and my cell phone. I can work anywhere in the world if I have these things. 

What’s in your kit for food on the road or in between meetings?

I always have a bag of almonds in my purse, as well as a snack bar for when I’m really really hungry. While I drink lots water and herbal teas, a cold Diet Coke is such a special treat. That first sip really calls for an “ahhhhh.” It’s also non-negotiable when having pizza and burgers.   

What do you use to help you de-stress?

Napping is really my #1 stress reliever. While I may be lucky to get one in on occasion, I really try to mediate. And as luck would have it, my mediation sessions end in a blissful nap. I’m working on it…. no judgments, please. And a Moscow Mule or a glass or rose never hurts either.  

What’s the most unique or weird thing in your toolkit?

I have a pet peeve about leaving purses on the floor so I bought this strange clip that allows you to hang your bag off the table. It’s a bit heavy. I usually just carry it around forgetting I have it in there until I look through my bag wondering why it’s so heavy…  

 

PUBLISHED BY

Margarita Sophia Cortes

Margarita Sophia Cortes For more than 15 yrs, Margarita has worked on countless PR campaigns including independent feature films, documentaries, foreign language and arthouse indies, not to mention festivals and television, music, art and events. She currently serves on the board of directors for New York Women in Film & Television. See more at www.MSophiaPR.com

View all posts by Margarita Sophia Cortes

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