Actress and producer Natalie Burn chatted about her two new movies “Chupacabras” and “Foster.” She also opened up about being a filmmaker in the digital age.
How was your experience shooting “Chupacabras”?
“Chupacabras” is a folklore-inspired horror film that dives into one of Latin America’s most iconic legends.
I play Dr. Mia Hunter, a surgeon who’s trying to hold herself together emotionally after loosing her husband to a bad illness as well as a rough goodbye to her daughter, who’s about to leave for college.
They’ve had an argument while returning from a family trip to Mexico, so she’s carrying a lot of guilt and emotional weight when everything starts to unravel.
The story takes place at a remote roadside restaurant where something terrifying happens—what should have been a quiet stop turns into a fight for survival.
What really drew me to this role is that it’s not just about the horror or creature elements—it’s also a story about motherhood, forgiveness, learning when to let go and the things we fear most inside ourselves.
Can you tell us a little about “Foster”?
Haunted by his past and clawing his way through sobriety, Donald “Don” Foster (James Franco) just wants peace — one day at a time.
When June (Natalie Burn), a troubled addict, leaves her young son on his doorstep, Don is dragged back into the violent underworld he thought he left behind.
Hunted by his former boss Brooks (Ron Perlman) — a ruthless crime lord who knows every secret Don swore to bury — Don must fight for redemption, protect the boy, and face the sins of the woman who pulled him back in… one bullet at a time.
What was it like shooting in Guatemala?
Shooting in Guatemala has been incredible. The landscapes are breathtaking—lush jungles, mountains, and these small, timeless villages that really capture the spirit of folklore.
It adds an authenticity you just can’t recreate on a set. We actually lived and shot the film on a farm, so every morning I’d wake up to the sounds of horses and cows right outside my window. The smell of poop was… incredible (haha).
Honestly, it added to the whole experience—it was so real, so raw. The local crew and community have been so welcoming and passionate about bringing this story to life.
Of course, filming in remote locations always comes with challenges—weather, long travels, and sometimes even real wildlife unexpected visitors like snakes, giant spiders, endless mosquitoes, and even traffic jams caused by cows (laughs)—but that rawness is part of what makes the film so powerful.
Guatemala gives “Chupacabras” its soul, it’s definitely a huge character in the film.
As crazy as it sounds I’d go back to filming there again. We created a family I will never forget.
What was it like working with Oscar nominee James Franco?
Working with James Franco and Ron Perlman was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. They are both remarkable actors with decades of experience, acclaimed careers, and a deep understanding of the craft.
Having the chance to work alongside them felt surreal—these are artists who have worked with the best directors and shared the screen with some of the greatest actors in the industry, and suddenly I was standing in scenes with them.
James was incredibly present and generous as a scene partner. He was always open, attentive, and supportive, allowing our scenes to unfold organically.
He helped create an environment where we could fully explore our characters and let emotion lead the moment, which made the work feel honest and alive. James would say, “Just look at me, look into my eyes.”
What was it like working with Ron Perlman?
Ron is a true legend. His voice, gravitas, and commanding presence are undeniable—he’s powerful and intimidating on screen, yet off camera he is warm, kind, and genuinely wonderful to be around. His professionalism and energy are inspiring, and watching him work was a masterclass in itself.
I feel incredibly lucky to be working alongside an Oscar nominee and a legend—two actors whose careers I’ve admired for years. To learn from them, to share scenes with them, and to be part of the same story feels like a dream come true and a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with acting in the first place.
What do your plans for the future include?
From both an actress and producer’s point of view, my future is about continued growth, exploration, and meaningful storytelling.
I’m excited to keep challenging myself creatively and to take on roles that push me emotionally and artistically, while continuing to develop projects that reflect stories I genuinely care about.
I have several passion projects in development that I’m deeply invested in as a producer—stories I want to bring to life with intention, depth, and strong representation.
As an actress, one of my biggest dreams is to transition more into television and become part of a compelling TV series where I can grow with a character over time and reach a wider audience.
Overall, my plans are about building a lasting career—one that balances acting and producing, allows me to collaborate with inspiring creatives, and continues to evolve as I do.
What’s it like making movies with Emmy winner Timothy Woodward Jr.?
Making movies with Timothy Woodward Jr. is a dynamic and creatively fulfilling experience. He is a director who knows exactly what he wants, yet remains open to collaboration, which creates an environment where everyone feels invested in the story being told. His vision is clear and focused, and that confidence sets the tone on set.
Timothy brings a strong sense of discipline and efficiency to filmmaking, while still allowing room for emotional exploration and character development.
As an actress, that balance is incredibly empowering—it gives you structure while trusting you to bring your own instincts and depth to the role.
As a producer, I also appreciate his understanding of the bigger picture and his ability to guide a project from concept to execution with purpose.
Working with him feels grounded, professional, and creatively energizing. There’s a shared commitment to storytelling and to making each project better than the last, which makes the collaboration both inspiring and rewarding.
I get to spend my days next to my husband, doing what we love and growing together. What more could I possibly want?
What motivates you each day?
What motivates me each day is my passion for my craft and the purpose behind it.
As an actress, I’m driven not only by the work itself, but by the opportunity to inspire young girls around the world to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams fearlessly.
I find fulfillment in the process—the long hours, the discipline, the growth, and the constant learning that comes with chasing excellence. I’ve learned to value both success and failure as essential parts of the journey.
Success feels meaningful because of the effort that leads to it, and failure is never something I fear—it’s a teacher. Every setback sharpens my resilience, deepens my understanding, and prepares me for greater achievements.
Embracing failure makes success even more rewarding, because it reminds me how far I’ve come and how much I’ve grown along the way. After all, I’m just an ordinary girl from Ukraine who chose to pursue my dreams instead of merely dreaming about them.
How does it feel to be a filmmaker and actress in the digital age?
Being a filmmaker and actress in the digital age feels empowering, fast-paced, and full of possibility.
The digital era has opened doors that once felt unreachable, allowing stories to be told across borders and voices to be heard without waiting for permission. It’s a space where creativity, persistence, and authenticity truly matter, and where dreams can begin anywhere in the world.
As a Ukrainian who once only dreamed of Hollywood, the journey feels especially meaningful. What started as a distant vision has become a career I actively pursue, proving that background, geography, or circumstance don’t define the limits of ambition.
The digital age made it possible to learn, create, and share my work globally, turning dreams into tangible steps forward. It’s inspiring to know that my path can encourage others—especially girls from all over the world —to believe in their own potential.
If my journey shows anything, it’s that dreams are valid no matter where you come from, and with passion, resilience, and courage, they can become reality. These days, you have the freedom to create your own path without anyone’s permission. So, take advantage of this opportunity and embark on your own journey.
What would you like to tell our readers about your new projects? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
What I’d love readers to take away from my new projects is a sense of honesty, resilience, and possibility.
Each project I’m working on comes from a very personal place and is driven by the idea that growth often comes through challenge. Whether the story explores ambition, vulnerability, or transformation, the heart of the work is about embracing the journey—both the triumphs and the setbacks.
I hope audiences feel inspired to believe in themselves, to take risks, and to understand that failure isn’t the end of the story, but part of becoming who you’re meant to be.
If my projects spark emotion, connection, leaving them with a lasting impact that encourages them to discuss and share my projects years after the movie ends or even the courage to keep going after a dream, then I’ve done what I set out to do.
To learn more about Natalie Burn, follow her on Instagram.
