Meet Natalie Rodriguez | Director, Screenwriter, Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Natalie Rodriguez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natalie, what makes you happy? Why?
What makes me the happiest is creating. There is no better feeling than waking up in the morning, brewing a fresh cup of coffee, and opening my laptop to write. I also find immense joy in being on set when directing. Those long hours never truly feel long because I am completely immersed in the work.

Another source of happiness is having my three fur babies—my male cats—by my side while I work from home. With music or a podcast playing in the background, it sets the perfect creative atmosphere.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply rooted in storytelling that explores healing, identity, and mental health. As a Latina female writer and director, I often draw from personal experiences and real emotions that come with navigating spaces where representation has historically been limited. Much of my work focuses on human resilience—characters who confront pain, trauma, or isolation and find their own form of light through it.

What sets my work apart is my commitment to honest, character-driven stories that highlight the emotional truths often left unseen. I am most proud of the projects that have started conversations around topics such as mental health and self-acceptance—subjects that remain stigmatized, especially within communities of color.

The path to where I am today has not been easy. There are many moments where being both a Latina and a woman in film has felt like walking into a room with a blindfold on—whether pitching, writing, or meeting with executives. Not everyone believes in the dream, and that can be one of the loneliest feelings in the world. However, having a strong support system—whether a friend, family member, or therapist—has helped me tune out the negativity and stay grounded in purpose rather than fear.

The biggest lesson I have learned is that perseverance and authenticity matter more than immediate validation. Every challenge has shaped my voice as a filmmaker and storyteller. I want the world to know that my goal is not only to create meaningful films, but also to open doors for other storytellers who feel unseen or unheard. My brand is built on empathy, courage, and representation—because every story deserves to be told, and every creator deserves to be seen.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, I would show them the best time ever. We would spend the days visiting cozy coffee shops and exploring spooky places like haunted houses, historic cemeteries, and old, mysterious streets. We would drink amazing coffee, soak in the creepy vibes, and maybe watch a few horror movies. The whole trip would be all about coffee and spooky adventures.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
In all honesty, I want to dedicate my shoutout to my therapist. These past few months have been difficult, trying to navigate the balance of work, projects, relationships, and even self-care and rest. Therapy is a forever, day-by-day process, but in the end, I know how important it is to have someone “outside the circle” to go to. I am a big therapy advocate and highly recommend that people give it a try at least once to see if it is right for them. At my lowest, my therapist helped me get out of the darkness, and their guidance and support have been invaluable.

Website: https://linktr.ee/extraordpictures

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natchristinerod/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliechristinerodriguez/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/extraordpicturesllc/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtmpj_3hfiO5jJHTsTjjlaw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Headshots by Natasha Santana Photography