Check out our interview with actress and producer Natalie Burn who can be seen in a supporting role in Warner Brothers new DC Comic movie Black Adam starring Dwayne Johnson and with Antonio Banderas in The Enforcer, which she also produced. On the television side, Natalie co-stars on Emmy Award Winning short-form drama Series “Studio City,” which can be found on Amazon Prime. She also recently co-starred in a Lifetime Original movie for A&E networks “Vanished: Searching for my Sister.”
An efficient martial arts who can perform her own stunts, Burn has showcased her skills in films working opposite Bruce Willis and Mel Gibson to name a few. In 2019 Natalie starred as the lead role in the action thriller “Acceleration” opposite Dolph Lungren and Sean Patrick Flanery.
Follow Natalie @natalie_burn
Please tell us a little about you?
I was born in the city of Kiev which is the capital of Ukraine. As a child my family and I lived in a small apartment that was provided to us by the government. At that time flats were not available to buy, only receive for free at your place of work if you fall under the right category. Due to the economy of Ukraine and our own economical situation we were constantly struggling to survive. We were given food coupons by the government but unfortunately the shelves at many of the local grocery marts were barely stocked due to a national food shortage. At the age of 7 I was admitted to the famous Bolshoi Ballet Academy located in Moscow. After attending the academy for 4 years, we moved to London where I spent my teenage years growing up while studying at The Royal Ballet School. There were many challenges along the way, for one I didn’t speak very good English at first which sometimes led me to feel like an outsider. I wasn’t going to let these challenges stand in the way of pursuing my dream of becoming a professional Ballerina. I continued to work hard and sacrificed while using the same determination that led me on stage under the lights in front of hundreds of people. After hearing the applause of the crowd I knew this is where I belonged. I was my mother’s child and I was born to be an entertainer. It wasn’t until later in life that I would realize that my dream of being an entertainer would bring me all the way to Hollywood.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Determined, Funny, Unique
How did you get started into acting?
I have always considered myself as an artistic human being. I love creating. Fortunately, from a young age, I’ve been privy to theatre as a ballerina, not an actress. This has given me a strong foundation as an artist, thriving on the discipline & the competitive nature of the ballet world. Years down the road, when I experienced an unexpected injury, it was undeniable that I would move on to acting. Acting has been my dream since I was a little girl. One day I was riding on the subway with my mother across town when we looked down and saw a newspaper that was left on the ground by another traveler. When we picked up the paper and looked inside we realized that there was an ad Advertising that they were holding acting auditions in London for a summer program at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts school in Los Angeles. That’s when I knew I had to audition and I got in. Later on I continued my studies at the Lee Strasberg Film and Theater Institute and even became a proud Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio.
How has this changed your life?
I realized there is no accidental success. I never considered myself as a talented dancer but I put in hundreds of hours training and that’s what got me to become a professional ballerina. I was not born as an actress either. But to become a successful actress, on top of work ethic it also takes opportunity and strong will power. Luckily the rites of passage that I earned in the ballet profession prepared me to take on the relentless and a lot of the times what seems to be an unfair acting/film industry. However I truly believe that when we recognize talented people in the world excelling in their respective professions, we are acknowledging their dedicated hours of work that they have put in and not just their luck.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
Each and every one of us has different, personal reasons for choosing to become an actor. But there is one thing that keeps all of us actors in it: passion. The best part of being an actress for me is being able to become different people, it’s like playing dress up but more serious. I love learning new characteristics and not being judged on my reactions or my look when I act, that freedom to be a different person is what keeps me excited about getting my next job. Of course the annoying part we have to deal with, rejection over and over and over again, but the desire to act will always be there. It is our strength, a light that never flickers out and burns incessantly. Then one day you get that call and you hear your agent say these words that change your life ‘You booked it’. And all the uncertainties and fears just go away and you are ready to do it all over again. Until the next time. That passion and the hope to one day succeed is the best part of our career.
The worst part is by far waiting between jobs.
How do you prepare for a role?
Being present and making sure my preparation is as sharp as it can be. That’s my main goal. I don’t know how the other actors find what they need that will serve their instruments but when we come together, it is truly exciting. I read the script several times underlying some important factors about my character. I create life and try my best to understand relationships with each character in the script. I personalize each part and make it important to me. Then I try to find similarities and differences between my character and me. And I either emphasize them or change them completely. Finally when I get to set I throw all my work away and trust my instincts and just allow myself to be present in the moment. The script comes alive and characters clash while as actors we bond. Another huge component for me is when I’m working on Action movies is to be prepared physically and be able to memorize any fight choreography sequences that gets thrown my way. I spend hours upon hours in the fight/stunt gym, training with the fight coordinators/trainers. They are instrumental in getting me ready for the demands of the fight scenes as well as helping me deliver some of the best fighting I have done to date.
Tell us about your work as a producer and actress in the new film “The Enforcer?”
It took me five years to see “The Enforcer” to begin to take shape. When I read Peter Iliff’s script, it took me a year to convince him to give me the rights. I then had to overcome a series of challenges, but I never gave up. Eventually I collaborated with the company Millenium Media, and suggested to Antonio Banderas’s manager that he would be a perfect protagonist in the film. Once Antonio agreed to do the movie everything started to roll. I knew he was perfect for the part, with all of his acting experience he brings a multi-layered performance to his character that is both gracious and edgy. The Enforcer at its core is a film that has to do mainly with the realization of the protagonist (Banderas) for the precious time he has lost, especially regarding his relationship with his daughter. Kate Bosworth was also incredible to work with. I loved watching her bring her Femme Fatale character to life.
As an actress I play ‘Olivia’ . She is a strong and independent entrepreneur who runs her own business and represents herself as ‘Cuda’s’ (Antonio’s) ally for whenever he needs her.
How was working alongside big names like Antonio Banderas in “The Enforcer,” and Dwayne Johnson in the DC Comic movie “Black Adam?”
Watching Antonio work is like watching Picasso paint. He is a true artist and visionary who brings depth and life to all of his characters. I have nothing but admiration for him. He is one of the few actors today who can really do it all. He does theater, he knows how to play instruments, how to dance, how to sing and how to develop a character.
Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to share any scenes with Dwayne but I’m super grateful to be a part of Black Adam. To be working on the set of such a massive DC production feels like an achievement on its own.
What other projects you have been part of?
My film credits include wide range of genres: Action, Western, Medieval, Horror, Comedy and Drama. On the television side, I co-starred on Emmy Award Winning Limited Drama Series “Studio City,” which can be found on Amazon Prime. I also recently co-starred in a Lifetime Original movie for A&E networks “Vanished: Searching for my Sister.” I starred and produced motion pictures like “Acceleration” opposite Dolph Lundgren, Sean Patrick Flanery, Danny Trejo, “Awaken”, with Darryl Hannah, Vinnie Jones, Edward Furlong. I’ve appeared in movies like “Expendables 3″ with Sylvester Stallone where I played the wife of Mel Gibson, “Fortress” opposite Bruce Willis, “Fast Vengeance” with DMX, “Hollow Point”, “Hard Night Falling”, “Killer Mermaid” with Franco Nero,”Mothers and Daughters,” starring Sharon Stone and Selma Blair, as well as “The Executioners”, “Downhill” and “No Name and Dynamite Davenport” etc.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I am so grateful for the roles and opportunities I have been given so far. Some of my favorite parts that I hope one day to fortunately play are roles like Cleopatra, Joan of Ark, any of Chekhov’s work and/or something in the vein of “Black Swan.” I’d love to portray and embody strong female characters that will give hope to less fortunate girls around the world. Hopefully, by watching my movies, they will find their strength and powerful voices to live in these challenging times.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The main rewards of course are accolades. But you can’t let these awards dictate your career. I enjoy telling stories and for the past few years I have been asking myself “what really draws me to this industry?” I’ve come to the realization that it’s not the final outcome, but the journey itself. I enjoy the development stage and the process of making the film. Anybody that’s living towards a result has not found their true calling yet. At heart, I’m still an actor that loves to work with people, submit auditions and live through a character. Seeing my projects on the big screen is the most rewarding feeling for me as a producer or an actress.
What’s your advice for the newer actors?
I guess the main thing is to ask yourself “why do I want to be an actor?” Truly be honest with yourself and dig deep. If you’re in it for the fame and money, this industry can be deceiving. When you look at your favorite movies and your favorite actors and all of the award shows, it is just one side to a story. The other side is very raw, hard, demanding and full of sacrifice. If you’re willing to work through hot, cold, wet, dry, weight loss, weight gain, injuries, waiting on set, waiting for roles, waiting in general then maybe you’ll be cut out for acting. There is no blueprint for this career, just a recognition of the truth behind what it is. Stay true to yourself and if you really believe you have something to say. Then say it. And don’t let anyone stop you.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you learned so far in this business?
I got to broaden my perspective about our industry. I had to open up my tunnel vision of how much i believed acting served in a movie. Being an actress it’s ignorant to only think my way is the only one that matters because there are so many other moving parts that go into creating a film. For instance, when I audition for a project and I don’t book it I don’t take it as personal as I used to because I understand that there are other elements involved in casting a film or TV series that I don’t have control over. Sometimes there are things that actors/actresses don’t understand that producers have to deal with when going down these avenues of creation. It taught me a great deal of how to differentiate being an actress and a producer.
How would your best friend describe you?
I guess something like this: Goofy, Smart, Mysterious.
If you are a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
The book would be called: “I can do that too one day.” I find it tremendously rewarding to be in roles that younger ladies & girls would see and become inspired by. For them to see and think “I can do that too one day.” I myself have been greatly inspired by the greats that came before me like Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry etc. They carved a path for me and I only wish to continue to push that boundary they created further and find more paths to create for others to follow in my footsteps. Anyone can become anything if they truly want it. I want to become a role model by inspiring other women to say “if you can do it I can too”.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I try to live my life with no regrets. I strongly believe “Whatever happens, happens for a reason”. And I’m happy and proud of my achievements. But if there were a couple of things I could suggest to a younger me. I’d say: ‘Just do it. Stop thinking about HOW.’ ‘Don’t wait for tomorrow, start today.’
What book should every entrepreneur read?
‘Be Fear-Less’ Book by Jean Case. It’s a great book talks about topics such as: Make a big bet, Be bold, take risks, Make failure matter, Reach beyond your bubble, Let urgency conquer fear.
It anyone feels like they have something to say in order to change the world. Or if you need to find courage, I definitely recommend this book. It’s full of optimism, moral support and gives you a perfect example of how to layout your path to success.
What’s next for Natalie Burn in the last months of 2022?
I’ll be finishing filming a Medieval movie called ‘The Last Redemption’ in Sicily, Italy. I play the lead character Diana opposite Stephen Lang, Hal Yamanouchi and James Cosmo. Diana is a bandit who has to sacrifice everything in order to save a young girl. Even if her life and the lives of her two brothers depend on it. The film is scheduled to be released next year 2023.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Brussel Sprouts
And your favorite cheat food?
French Fries
What is your own definition of happiness?
Working on set, traveling the world with my family, spending time with my boyfriend by the fireplace and watching some horror movie while it’s raining outside.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I have a few people I’d love to be able to get to know. One of the top people I really want to meet with is Ted Sarandos the CEO of Netflix. If I had a chance to sit down one on one with him I think I’d ask him to make a deal with me as a producer/actress to be able to make movies or shows for Netflix without having to worry about selling my projects. I think it’s every Indi Producer’s dream to have an output deal and be able to make whatever their heart desires, without having to worry about the distribution aspect.
Best advice ever given?
For as long as I can remember my mother has always been my champion. She encouraged me, pushed me and stood behind me and gave me the advice ever. One afternoon, she was stretching me as she used to do a lot when I was younger. Since I was trying to be a ballerina with a very bad turnout. I remember telling my mother while being in tears that I couldn’t do it anymore and ‘I just I can’t’ is what I said. My mother looked at me with a stern look and she said “I’m gonna tell you something and I want you to remember this forever. ‘Can’t’ is the cancer of can. ‘Can’t’ is a word that is used by people who are willing to give up. People who are ready to give up. You can do it and you will do it no matter how hard it is or how impossible it may seem. Always remember you can do it.” So if someone ask me now if I can do something I always say yes and then I go and I learn it if I don’t know how to do it. 🙂
Do you support any charity?
There are a few organizations I supported in the past: The Children’s Diabetes Foundation, Unesco, RedCross, Race To Erase MC.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
My dreams are endless, so it seems. Every time I achieve a dream I find myself wanting more and more. I’m just grateful to be working and I hope that’s the case in 5 years. With that being said, I’d love to be working on some HBO or Netflix TV Series as a regular. That’s my goal. On top of that, my dream is to work with actors such as Gary Oldman, Meryl Streep, Javier Bardem, Benico Del Toro, Al Pacino, Leonardo DiCaprio, Viola Davis and Keanu Reeves to name a few. I like a variety of actors and their individualities. I’m drawn to their unique characters that they have created throughout their careers and it would be an honor to share a screen with them one day. I feel like my instrument and my craft would get better working with the likes of them.
Favorite song? Why?
‘Show must go on’ by Queen. It always makes me feel energized and uplifting. I also love Bohemian Rhapsody (film) and I think the lead actor Rami Malek gave an absolutely incredible and inspiring performance.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s a great way of connecting Billions of people all around the world through social media so they can share information and make connections.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / IMDb
Website: natalieburn.com
Book: ‘Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus’ by John Gray
Also here are my favorite plays: ‘The Seagull’ by Anton Chekhov, ‘Cowboy Mouth’ by Sam Shepard and ‘Burn This’ by Lanford Wilson.
Quote: ‘Never Give Up’
Movie: Aliens, King Kong, Gone with The Wind, Whiplash
Tv Series: Games Of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Squid Games, Dark
Favorite Food: Ice Cream, French Fries with Ketchup
Travel Destination: London, Italy
Sports Team: F1, LA Lakers
