Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Natalie Denise Sperl. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Natalie Denise , appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
I’m always thinking of ways to get in front of some of my fav filmmakers. I’ve tried many things including writing handwritten letters and mailing to them (usually to their agents so I assume it gets tossed and never read).
Nonetheless after watching Todd Haynes’ Dylan biopic “I’m Not There” I was so floored by the performances and story I wrote him a letter expressing my admiration for his film and if I ever got a chance to act in, let alone sweep up the floors on his set, I’d be forever grateful. I left my phone number, signed and sealed and hoped it would reach him.
I’ve written to George Hinkenlooper when I heard about the Edie Sedgwick bio pic “Factory Girl” practically begging for the part of the tortured heiress. I’ve been obsessed with Edie since I can remember and knew I could bring my own magic to that part if given the chance. I never got a reply.
I’ve also written songs for directors I admire and revere including Quentin Tarantino. To try and get his attention I wrote a pop song “Put Me in Your Movie Quentin Tarantino” basically telling him to cast me. I released the song with my band Kill My Coquette on the day “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” came out. I quickly made the video calling on my bandmate to join in the fun. My tiny garage was converted into a green screen studio and away we went complete with all the wigs and accessories of the iconic Tarantino characters. Just like with Todd Haynes and George Hinkenloopers letter, I mailed his agent cassette copies of my song (I heard he listens to cassettes) and for good measure dropped them off at his movie theater and left copies for the manager to give to him.
I’ve heard through a very credible source that Quentin has heard my song and said it’s “very catchy.” Wow he’s heard it! Now it’s up to fate to see if it works. As far as Todd Haynes goes, I’m still waiting for a call;)
Nothing may come of it, but everything could. Take the chance anyway.
Natalie Denise , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I started acting professionally at age 15. I was a model for Aveda and was cast in a commercial. I was hooked! Although I started in the theater I really enjoyed the process of acting on camera and to date have acted in over 55 films and television shows. Starred in horror films (Succubus Hell Bent, Rock Monster, Night of the Caregiver and the yet to be released Death Border) television credits include Two And a Half Men, How I Met Your Mother, CSI Miami, NCIS, Cory in The House, and Unhitched among others. Principal On Camera (industry term for Lead) in commercials include Coors Light, Captain Morgan, Toyota, Audi, Suzuki, GameStop, Fearnet, Goldberg & Osborne, Samsung and Miller Lite to name a few. I continue to work on my craft and recently have started private coaching for aspiring and working actors who want to continue learning and growing. I offer ongoing character development and in-depth self tape prep for auditions. I share the techniques and tips that get me booked.
Next up for me? 5 upcoming films! Garden State Goddess (Rocky Horror meets 30 Rock musical) That Day on 101st Street (dark comedy dramatic ensemble) St. Peter Street (jazzy Vampire musical) and the action/slasher film Death Border (inspired by real life militias patrolling the Arizona/Mexico border.)
The fifth film, Broken Brothers, is still in development. A film about homeless veterans who team together to survive the aftermath of war. I look forward to playing the role of Francine, a role I can’t wait to sink my teeth into and definitely a departure from my usual roles.
When I’m not acting or coaching actors, I make music with my band Kill My Coquette . We write rock songs and play all over SoCal and get steady airplay on The Underground Garage on Sirius XM channel 21. Our first single, Post Teenage Angst, features Richie Ramone (The Ramones) Cherie Currie (The Runaways) and DJ Rodney Bingenheimer in the music video directed by Kansas Bowling.
Check out my YouTube channel Natalie Denise Sperl for all my videos and original music and follow me on socials. Thanks so much Rebel Canvas!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
You can help musicians by listening/sharing their music and buying their merch. Purchasing just one tee shirt can help go towards their studio time or recording sessions. It’s no secret musicians and bands are only making the platforms money and are getting the short end of the stick being taking advantage of and somehow those platforms get away with it. Buy a sticker even. Something. Music is the heartbeat of our lives, show your appreciation to your favorite artists. It goes such a long way.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I’ve been strung along, promised roles that never came to fruition, been razor-thin close to getting some life changing roles but even though I didn’t get the call “you got the part” on those, I continue working towards them and absolutely never giving up. I may need to take matters in my own hands and write that great part for myself if luck should choose not to land in my lap. In the meantime I’ll continue to write those letters… xo NDS
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nataliedenisesperl.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalie_denise_sperl?igsh=MWxocmwyYXB2bGRiMw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nataliedenisesperl?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/nataliedsperl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@natalie_denise_sperl?si=CHkNQN7OyIxawzWY
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/gkAfU9K1Dh7TcCy56
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0912420/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1https://www.instagram.com/killmycoquette/profilecard/?igsh=YzV4YWNjbHB4MHN1
Image Credits
Jose Luis