We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Natalie Hamilton-Joppich a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Natalie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

All of my projects hold significant meaning to me, as they are born from my passion and creative drive. It’s challenging to pinpoint just one project because each has its own unique significance and impact. I’ve had the privilege of working on several collaborative projects, which have also been deeply meaningful, despite the inevitable compromises that come with collaboration.

Collaboration often requires navigating through differing ideas and perspectives, sometimes leading to difficult decisions and occasional rifts. I’ve experienced situations where I had to choose between following my instincts and maintaining harmony within the team, a choice that once led to the end of a valuable friendship. However, these challenges have also taught me the importance of finding the right collaborators who appreciate each other’s strengths and contributions.

Among my recent projects, “Papillion Palace” stands out as particularly meaningful. This project is a collaborative effort involving myself and two other talented individuals, each bringing our unique strengths to the table. Working together, we’ve created something truly remarkable, showcasing our collective creativity and drive to excel. This project embodies the spirit of teamwork and the power of collaboration in achieving outstanding results.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

During my high school years, I received encouraging words from my English teacher who recognized my talent for writing and suggested that I consider pursuing a career as a writer. Although I didn’t immediately act on this suggestion, my passion for storytelling, especially in the realm of film and television scripts, was always alive. I spent countless hours immersing myself in scripts from shows like Friends, deeply fascinated by the art of storytelling and character development.

In 2009, I took a significant step by enrolling in film school in the UK. There, I gained invaluable firsthand experience in the entire production process, from inception to completion. While I experimented with creating short films during my time in film school, I found myself drawn more to the depth and expansiveness of feature-length narratives. This realization taught me the nuances and challenges of storytelling within different formats.

My creative journey led me to write my first and second feature scripts titled “Oceans Apart” and “Azrael.” These projects became a significant part of my creative expression, fueling my passion for storytelling even further. I actively engaged in networking within the film industry, both in the UK and the US, until family responsibilities led me back to Australia.

Despite the challenges and setbacks inherent in the industry, I remained steadfast in my dedication to writing and storytelling. I continued to collaborate with friends and family on various projects and explored diverse music genres that inspired my creative process.

Recently, I parted ways with a company where I had the opportunity to work alongside incredibly talented individuals. While the experience had its share of difficulties with both ethical and moral concerns of the key person involved, I remain hopeful that those still part of the group recognize their own potential and continue to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

Currently, I am fully immersed in my role as a Business Manager in the community sector while also dedicating time to reworking my script “Azrael” with the support of an Executive Production team. Additionally, my writing team, operating under Papillion Wing Studios, has received invitations to collaborate on other exciting projects. There’s a lot happening, and I’m looking forward to the thrilling developments that lie ahead!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

In today’s entertainment landscape, there’s a noticeable absence of emotionally charged, authentic drama in many films and TV shows. Growing up with iconic series like Dawson’s Creek, Buffy, and Charmed, I was inspired by their raw portrayal of emotions and relatable storytelling. Despite occasional ridicule, these shows had a profound impact, showcasing real human experiences and direction.

However, the current media landscape is saturated with pseudo-reality shows that lack genuine emotional depth. I believe it’s time to bring back the heartfelt storytelling that resonates with viewers on a deeper level. I want to see audiences reaching for tissue boxes, moved by stories that inspire a new wave of creatives unafraid to explore and express genuine emotions, a quality often overlooked in today’s industry.

How frequently do we find ourselves merely using shows as background noise while glued to our phones? My goal is to create content that captivates viewers to the extent that they set aside their phones and engage wholeheartedly.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Writing has always served as a therapeutic outlet for me, offering a gateway to experience an alternate reality within my own life. I believe many writers share this sentiment—it’s a gradual process to gain confidence in one’s craft and to find motivation. Despite creativity flowing naturally, self-doubt is a constant companion. It’s interesting to note how others perceive the ability to create stories; similarly, I admire songwriters for their unique skill, finding it incredibly challenging.

The path I’ve traveled to reach this point, where I continue to pursue my passion with a supportive team that brings out my best and provides honest feedback, has been incredibly rewarding. It’s validation that I’m on the right track and fueled by the encouragement to keep pushing forward.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatalieHD/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/natalie-hamilton-joppich

Image Credits
PP image – Steve Nunez and Stephanie Corn