Award-Winning Director, Screenwriter, and Author
Mental Health and Trauma Recovery Advocate
About Natalie Rodriguez
NATALIE RODRIGUEZ is an award-winning director, screenwriter, author, and mental health advocate based in Los Angeles. She graduated from California State University, Fullerton, in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television-Film. Her early entertainment experience includes internships at the Conan O'Brien show and Mandalay Pictures, where she worked with producers Matthew Rhodes and Cathy Schulman.
Natalie has been a featured panelist at events hosted by Google, Hispanicize, L.A. Comic Con, Ontario Revolution Con, and YouTube, where she shared her experiences as a female writer and filmmaker. Her writing has been published in outlets like HuffPost, Thrive Global, Anxiety Resource Center, NowThis News, Hello Giggles, and The Mighty.
In 2017, Natalie founded Extraordinary Pictures, a production company focused on creating films, television, digital series, and projects centered on social issues. Her first feature films, "The Extraordinary Ordinary" and "Howard Original," began as short films and have been showcased at various festivals. Natalie directed, wrote, and produced both films, which are now available on streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Roku, and Tubi.
Natalie's screenplays and films have been recognized at festivals including the HollyShorts Film Festival, Newport Beach Film Festival, NALIP: Latino Lens Film Festival, Shorts TV, Stage 32 Comedy Screenplay Contest, Beverly Hills Film Festival, Hollywood Screenplay Contest, and Table Read My Screenplay - Austin Film Festival.
During the pandemic, Natalie published her young adult thriller book series, "Elephant," which was a finalist in Clare Books' The Binge-Watching Cure II contest for 'Best Novel,' along with its sequel, "Skeletons." She is currently pitching several books, including the final installment of the "Elephant" series, titled "Dysfunctional," and the children's book series "Matty Cat," which has been adapted into short films. Additionally, Natalie adapted her directorial feature film, "The Extraordinary Ordinary," into a New Adult novel, available in both eBook and paperback formats.
Currently, Natalie is actively seeking literary representation for her novels. Her latest projects, "Matty Cat" and "Merry Christmas, Matty Cat," are making their rounds in the film festival circuit. She has just wrapped production on her newest directorial short, "Dumpster Fire," a project she both wrote and produced, inspired by FX's acclaimed series "The Bear." Additionally, she is in early pre-production on her third directorial feature film, "Inner Child," which she also wrote and will be producing.
In her free time, Natalie enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and indulging in horror films. She remains a vibrant presence in the comic and horror convention communities. For updates on her latest work, visit her social media at linktr.ee/extraordpictures.
Education
2010 - 2014
Bachelor of Arts
California State University, Fullerton
Received a Bachelor of Arts in Radio-Television-Film, a sub-department of Communications.
In 2012, placed fourth place at the California Media Arts Film Festival for Best Short Screenplay - "Wilson"
In 2011, placed third place at the California Media Arts Film Festival for Best Short Screenplay - "Code Red"
2006 - 2010
Diploma
Diamond Bar High
Received a California Legislature award from Assemblyman Curt Hagman of the sixtieth district for Young Adult novel, "Elephant"
For Upcoming Author/Book Meet and Greet and Signing Events, please visit the links below.