2023 was a year of creating. After years of feeling dependent on others for my success in the industry, I am proud to say I wrote, produced, and starred in an award-winning indie film, The Coven! I started the year with the goal to film a short based on an original pilot I had written a few months prior. Amid pre-production meetings and crowdfunding I was shocked to discover I was also pregnant!
indieactivity: Tell us about the improved career you have?
Adriana Natale (AN): When I first moved to LA, I thought I would be swamped with auditions for commercials and television roles. I had a BA in theater performance, and I was motivated. The truth is, it took years before I started getting auditions regularly, and even then, most of the time they led to crickets. During the pandemic, I decided to take my career into my own hands and focus on developing my writing skills. It was interesting to see how my acting knowledge informed my writing and vice versa. By the time the world opened up again, I had completed the TV Comedy Writing Certificate program at Writing Pad and four original comedy pilots, which were recognized in multiple screenwriting contests.
The Official Trailer for The Coven by Adriana Natale
How did you prepare for the demands of producing and acting while pregnant?
Adriana Natale (AN): Lots of help. Although I am a hyphenated creator, there’s no way I could have done it on my own. I had mentors and teachers who helped me as I wrote, crowdfunded, produced, and worked on keeping my acting chops sharp. The next most influential aspect that led to the success of The Coven was my team: Melissa Vitello, Bryan Ricke, Elizabeth Allen, and Stacy Snyder. Each of whose expertise enhanced what I brought to the table.
What was the most challenging aspect of producing and filming The Coven while pregnant?
Adriana Natale (AN): It was a lot of work, even overwhelming at times between morning sickness, indigestion, and general exhaustion, but I was determined to not let my pregnancy stop me. Hell, if it was going to be hard while pregnant, it was going to be even harder with a little one running around. So, I continued with the timeline I had set. There were delays, but a timeline motivated my team and me to get things done even if it was later than expected.
How does the work you do as an actor compare when it’s on a project you wrote/produced?
Adriana Natale (AN): It’s way more fulfilling. When you are cast in something there is so much that’s not in your control. But acting in The Coven was a different story. I chose my costume and cast my co-stars. I improvised freely, and I had the final cut- so no fear of my favorite take getting left on the cutting room floor. There was more pressure during production because I had so many decisions I had to make and, the success or failure ultimately fell on me. But with great support, I completed something I was really proud of, which has entertained many people already.
How did you get into character on the day of filming?
Adriana Natale (AN): I started with maternity pants and inspiring music. I set the mood with a witchy playlist while in hair and makeup. My bright yellow polka dot cardigan and butterfly clips were in stark contrast to the Victorian couches, vintage chandeliers, and giant cauldron on set. I felt out of place, a little nervous, but also excited. All of which helped ground me deeper into the character of Frances.
Explain one creative choice you took on the set?
Adriana Natale (AN): My favorite part of creating films is the collaboration. I remember being so inspired by the props my production designer, Elizabeth Allen, had created. Specifically, the scrapbooks. Snacks and My Favorite Cats were two of my favorites. Watching the film you wouldn’t be able to read the titles, but they influenced much of my improv. My favorite was the monologue about the names I had picked out for my future cat, which perfectly juxtaposed the nefarious acts Frances’s roommates were committing in the background.
What was post-production like?
Adriana Natale (AN): Well, it was harder than expected. I thought that once we were done filming the hard part was over. Boy was I wrong. Post-production meetings, film festival submissions, and press kept me busy for months. And honestly, as the pregnancy continued, it was getting even tougher. Plus, I was still juggling auditions and getting through the last of the baby books. But you take things one day at a time. Some days it was a struggle to force myself to do anything, but I tried to keep that momentum even if it was just a little bit at a time, because eventually, that’s what gets you to the finish line.
How has working on The Coven impacted your work as an actor and your career?
Adriana Natale (AN): It has tested every aspect of self-doubt that I had served as a reminder of what I am capable of. Could I write a funny script that I’d want to watch? Or could I produce and successfully fundraise for it? Could I lead a team to fulfill my vision? Could I handle the pressure of doing all this while pregnant? While hindsight provides me with much confidence now, in the moment it was unknown and scary. In the end, I was reminded that I could do hard things, like birthing a baby and creating a short film in the same year. And now looking back I see how this whole process has been a leveling up for me both personally and professionally.
Talk about how you balance the industry and being a mother?
Adriana Natale (AN): I put off being a mom for a long time believing the two worlds couldn’t exist in harmony. But since the pandemic has changed the industry so much, I don’t think that’s the case anymore. I can audition on my time (more like my baby’s nap time) with self-tapes at home. Plus, I look forward to having a creative break from the monotony of changing diapers, burping, and feeding the baby all day long. Sure, it’s exhausting, but I’d do it all over again the same way.
Where can we watch The Coven?
Adriana Natale (AN): Currently, The Coven is running the festival circuit, but I expect it to premiere on YouTube in the coming months. In the meantime, you can watch the trailer above and give me a follow there and on Instagram below for the most up-to-date news on The Coven and future projects.
Any final thoughts?
Adriana Natale (AN): Persistence is key. Some days you’re not going to feel motivated, some days you may even be pregnant! But if you want to build a career in this industry you need to keep going. Keep taking those classes, keep challenging yourself, and stepping out of your comfort zone. Make something! It doesn’t have to be great, but it should make you feel excited.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Adriana Natale. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
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