Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Marciano.
Hi Natalie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Growing up in Montreal and on shows like “Night at The Improv” I was captivated by the allure of the entertainment industry. I, like many others, envisioned pursuing my dream of being a performer, only to discover an unexpected talent for comedy and writing. Upon arriving in Los Angeles, I dove headfirst into the world of acting. Auditions, casting calls, and countless rejections became a part of my daily routine. However, fate had a different plan in store for me. While working at various networks and agencies, I discovered my knack for storytelling and the ability to captivate an audience with my words. Influenced by comedic legends like Eddie Murphy and Robin Williams, I’ve always found solace in the power of laughter. I learned early on from my challenging childhood that there is no greater gift I can offer the world than the ability to bring joy through humor. It provided temporary relief from the hardships I faced, giving me moments of pure joy and escape.
Through my words, I discovered the immense joy and solace I could bring to those experiencing their own difficulties. Armed with this knowledge, I embarked on a mission to share the gift of laughter with the world. As time went on, I wrote scripts, crafted stand-up routines, and created humorous content. Soon after, I realized that I had another gift, one of recognizing great projects. I could always pinpoint which movies and series would win awards. It was during this time I immersed myself in the development space. As I grew as a writer and development exec, I began to understand my potential as a producer as well. I find all parts of the filmmaking process so gratifying, and seeing it from inception to completion made that transition seamless.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My personal journey in the entertainment industry has been filled with unique challenges stemming from societal expectations, the responsibilities of being a single mom, and the expectations of the industry itself. As a woman, I faced obstacles related to looks and gender bias while also balancing the demands of parenthood. This business, unfortunately, places a significant emphasis on physical appearance, or at least it did when I was starting out. As a woman, I encountered unrealistic beauty standards that often seemed unattainable. The constant pressure to conform to a specific image created self-doubt and made it challenging to break through traditional expectations. They would tell me I wasn’t pretty enough to be the lead and too pretty to be the sidekick. Honing my skills in writing helped me feel confident about what I could contribute based on the pain of the rejection. Being a single mom in the industry added another layer of complexity to my journey.
The entertainment world has historically favored men in positions of power, leaving women with limited opportunities for advancement. Breaking through the glass ceiling required me to work twice as hard, proving my worth and talent every step of the way. While progress has been made, gender inequality remains an ongoing battle that women like me continue to face. When you add single mother to the mix, it intensifies as it is assumed that once you are a mother, you magically lose your abilities, when in fact, parenthood enhanced my determination to provide a better life for my children and fueled my motivation, pushing me to find creative solutions and seek out opportunities that aligned. Through this resilience, I have managed to overcome these hurdles and thrive in an industry that often overlooks women in similar situations.
As you know, we’re big fans of Rebel Entertainment. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The entertainment industry’s biases and expectations can be daunting for any woman, especially those who are single moms. However, by embracing our uniqueness, challenging societal norms, and forming supportive networks, we can overcome these obstacles. As I continue my journey, I am committed to breaking down barriers, creating opportunities for women, and paving the way for a more inclusive and supportive industry. As such, I am thrilled to announce my new professional partnership and co-founding of Rebel Entertainment alongside Director and Producer Rock Jacobs. Together, we are determined to transform the entertainment industry. At Rebel Entertainment, our mission is clear: is to make a revolutionary impact in the entertainment sphere, championing inclusion, radicalism, and creative disruption. Our team, composed of underdogs, minorities, scholars, and trendsetters, is dedicated to crafting high-quality content that empowers and pushes boundaries, bringing fresh perspectives to the forefront.
We understand the urgent need for a major shift in workplace culture within the industry. Rebel Entertainment is leading the charge for positive change in Hollywood. Rebel Entertainment is not just a production company; it’s a movement. We take pride in being rebels who bring forth new voices and perspectives. Our goal is to empower storytellers and create content that disrupts the industry in positive and transformative ways. Together, let us embark on this journey of creative revolution.
As the founder of Rebel Entertainment, I bring with me a wealth of experience. I am an acclaimed writer and producer, currently serving as executive producer on Freud’s Last Session, Anthony Hopkins’ latest feature. My most recent producing credit can be seen in The Clean Up Crew, a film starring Antonio Banderas and Jonathan Rhys Meyers. In 2022, I had the privilege of co-executive producing The Donor Party, which features Malin Akerman, Jerry O’Connell, and Rob Cordry. It was number 5 in the top-streamed movies on Hulu in August 2023. Prior to this, I had the opportunity to work in development, producing, and writing for esteemed production companies and TV studios like Showtime Networks, contributing to hit shows such as Dexter, Californication, Weeds, and Tudors. My creative edge stems from collaborating with top names in the industry and ghostwriting for high-profile projects, fostering strong relationships with fellow showrunners.
I currently reside in Los Angeles, California, and I am excited to share the several other TV and film projects that I have in development with audiences around the world. Together with Rock Jacobs and the rest of the Rebel Entertainment team, we are honored to invite audiences and industry creatives to join us as we break through barriers, redefine the industry, and continue to rebel against the norm.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I currently reside in Beverly Hills, California, and I am excited to share the several other TV and film projects that I have in development with audiences around the world. Together with Rock Jacobs and the rest of the Rebel Entertainment team, we are honored to invite audiences and industry creatives to join us as we break through barriers, redefine the industry, and continue to rebel against the norm.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebelentertainment.media
- Instagram: @alotlikenat
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-marciano-786359/
- Other: https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm2513145?ref_=nm_nv_usr_profile
Image Credits
@redimageprod
