Maria Shantanova

Maria Shantanova was born in Ulan-Ude, Republic of Buryatia, USSR. She is a Russian model, actress and individual entrepreneur. After graduating from the linguistic gymnasium N 3 Ulan-Ude (specialization - English, German and Latin languages), Maria moved to China and was enrolled to the Tsinghua University in Beijing, People's Republic of China, Art and Design Faculty (Department of Design, specialty "Interior Design"). After graduation, Maria ran her own business related to import-export between Russia and China. Her artistic career began accidentally, she was scouted by talent agent in one Beijing's cafes and was offered to try the fashion industry, it was a sharp turn in her life and career. Maria signed her first modeling contract with Nestle (Beijing) and became the face of the coffee Nescafe Gold (2007-2009 yr) in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. After this debut she was noticed by the Hong Kong branch of the international Elite Model Management. In 2008, Maria signed a contract with Elite Hong Kong. During her work in Hong Kong, Maria participated in several projects including: Watson's Stores and their cosmetics line worldwide, Creaser Medical Spa and Beauty Centre Hong Kong, Popular magazines such as Marie Claire, Jessica, Milk Magazine, Face Magazine placed her photo on it's pages, and she appeared on the cover of the East & West magazine in Vietnam. American Digital artist Michael Oswald also used Maria's face on the Photoshop Worldwide Book, and the cover of Galaktika Magazine in Europe. In 2011, Maria signed a contract with one of the leading modeling agencies in Singapore - Diva Model Management. She was watched attentively by public and mass media back home, So in 2012, the Russian film director, artist - Production Solbon Lygdenov (His filmography of more than 30 films including work on the film "Peter the FM," "We're from the future", "Treasure Island", "Antikiller 3" Stalingrad and many others.) and the company "MonUla Films" who offered Maria to try herself on one of the leading roles in the youth drama. She decided to take courses in acting, Teachers of "East Siberian State Institute of Culture" taught her range of acting skills. She then became more famous taking a part in the music video for the song "Temdeg" group "Hathur Zu", and in 2014, Maria appeared in the social short film in support of native Buryat language. In 2015 Maria returned to Hong Kong and took part in movies Lady Bloodfight and by English film director, screenwriter, producer Bey Logan.Next came to Hollywood, with a great desire to move forward. In 2016 Maria was invited as jury member at Asian World Film Festival in Los Angeles. Maria expresses her acting abilities in her work and speaks three different languages, as required by her role in the series.