Since she was 11 years old, Marama has been writing and directing stage
shows, many of which have been performed around New Zealand. Throughout
her high school years, she taught children's drama, which soon led into
teaching media studies at the University of Waikato.
While completing her graduate degree in Screen and Media, Marama
managed Big TV, a community television station. During this time she
wrote and directed several short films, as well as producing over
twenty television shows.
In 2005, Marama founded Daydreamer Arts, which has so far been involved
with Children's performing arts, but will soon move into the film
sector. Marama has won many awards for services to the arts, and is
about to complete her first feature film.
Marama's birth delayed a stage production of "Joseph and the Amazing
Technicolour Dreamcoat" by 90 minutes as her father Bill Killen (the
musical director) was away. This earned her the nickname 'Jo'.
Produced and Directed the Broadway musical "Chicago" in her small home town Te Aroha in 2007.
Directed "Little Shop of Horrors" at Future Te Aroha in 2008.