“Til Death Do Us Part,” is a thrilling tale of a bride seeking revenge on her wedding day. Natalie Burn stars as the jilted bride who leaves her groom (Ser’Darius Blain) at the altar. Seeking solace on her would-be honeymoon, she finds herself confronted by her ex-fiancé’s vengeful groomsmen.
We chat to Natalie about the film, approaching cinema from a global perspective and more
Can you tell us about your latest project,”Til Death Do Us Part” and your role as the runaway bride? What drew you to this character and the storyline?
In “Til Death Do Us Part,” I portray the role of the runaway bride, a character whose journey takes unexpected turns from the moment she flees her own wedding. What initially seems like a romantic comedy or drama quickly morphs into a harrowing tale of survival as she becomes the target of seven vengeful and merciless killer groomsmen.
What drew me to this character and storyline was the complexity of the bride’s situation and the opportunity to explore the depths of her character. The script brilliantly intertwines the main narrative with a compelling subplot that delves into the bride’s past, revealing the reasons behind her flight from the altar and the burdens she has carried for years. This dual narrative structure adds layers to the story, keeping the audience engaged and invested in the bride’s journey.
As the bride, I’m faced with daunting challenges and must summon all my courage and resourcefulness to confront the relentless assailants pursuing me. The blend of romance, suspense, comedy, horror, and action in the film creates a captivating and thrilling experience for viewers. When I read the script, what attracted me was the dual storylines that were interwoven with the bride’s character being the main focal point and the choices she has to make. Her decision to either walk down the aisle for the love of her life or flee was a crucial one that resonated deeply with me as an actor. I understood the importance of finding a strong and compelling motivation for my character’s actions, especially in a situation as significant as leaving the love of her life behind.
Critics have praised your performance in “Til Death Do Us Part”, particularly noting your ability to perform your own stunts. Could you share some insights into how you prepared for the physical demands of the role?
Preparing for the physical demands of portraying a runaway bride in “Til Death Do Us Part” was certainly a thrilling challenge. One of the unique aspects was manoeuvring in a wedding dress, which added an extra layer of complexity to every scene. To ensure I could perform my stunts effectively while wearing the dress, I underwent rigorous physical training focused on agility, flexibility, and strength.
Additionally, facing off against seven distinct personalities among the groomsmen required careful choreography and rehearsal to execute the action sequences convincingly. I worked closely with the stunt coordinator and my fellow cast members to ensure that each fight scene was specially crafted for each of the groomsmen, so that it flowed seamlessly and looked authentic on screen.
Being barefoot throughout the entire movie added another dimension to the physical demands of the role. Luckily I didn’t get hurt, but my toes did get stepped on. It required me to pay close attention to my footing and adapt my movements accordingly, especially during intense action sequences.
The camaraderie on set was invaluable in preparing for these challenges. Working alongside talented cast members and a dedicated crew created a supportive environment where we could push ourselves to new heights. The guidance and vision of the Emmy-winning director Timothy Woodward Jr. were instrumental in shaping our performances and bringing the story to life.
In the end, the physical preparation and teamwork paid off, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the role and deliver a performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike. “Til Death Do Us Part” was truly an unforgettable experience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of such a thrilling cinematic adventure.
What was it like working alongside esteemed actors such as Cam Gigandet and Jason Patric in “Til Death Do Us Part”? Did you face any challenges or memorable experiences during the filming process?
Working alongside esteemed actors like Cam Gigandet and Jason Patric in “Til Death Do Us Part” was truly an enriching experience. Their talent and professionalism elevated the entire filming process, and I learned a great deal from observing and collaborating with them.
One particularly memorable experience was during the filming of a scene involving an intense exchange between the best man and the bride, portrayed by Cam and myself, respectively. This scene presented various challenges, including delivering three and a half pages of dialogue while maintaining high tension, incorporating a knife, and seamlessly integrating a fight sequence.
Despite the constraints of an indie production, such as limited time and resources, the collaborative effort and dedication from the cast and crew made it possible to overcome these challenges. Working with Cam and the rest of the team during this scene was both exhilarating and rewarding. It pushed me to explore new aspects of my acting abilities and creativity, allowing me to deliver a compelling performance that I’m proud of.
You’ve been involved in a variety of notable productions, including Warner Brothers’ DC Comic film “Black Adam” and “The Expendables 3” alongside iconic actors like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. How do these experiences contribute to your growth as an actress?
Being involved in notable productions like Warner Brothers’ DC Comic film “Black Adam” and “The Expendables 3” alongside iconic actors like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger has been incredibly impactful on my growth as an actress. Each of these experiences has offered unique challenges and opportunities for learning and development.
Working on “Black Adam,” a Warner Brothers’ DC Comic film, provided me with exposure to a large-scale production and the intricacies of bringing a beloved comic book character to life on the big screen. Collaborating with talented actors and filmmakers in such a high-profile project allowed me to hone my craft and learn from some of the best in the industry. Additionally, immersing myself in the world of superheroes and larger-than-life characters expanded my range as an actress and challenged me to embody complex and dynamic roles.
Similarly, being a part of “The Expendables 3” alongside iconic actors like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger was an invaluable learning experience. Working alongside these legendary action stars taught me the importance of professionalism, dedication, and commitment to one’s craft. Observing their work ethic and approach to performance inspired me to push myself further and strive for excellence in every role I undertake.
Action and horror films often incorporate elements of suspense and adrenaline. What techniques do you use to tap into these emotions as an actor, and how do you maintain authenticity in high-pressure scenes? In addition to your acting career, you’re also a classically trained ballet dancer and a producer with two production companies. How do you balance these different aspects of your creative pursuits, and how does each role inform the others?
As an actor, particularly in action and horror films, tapping into emotions like suspense and adrenaline requires a combination of techniques and mindset. Drawing from my background as a classically trained ballet dancer, I understand the importance of physical control, emotional expression, and mental discipline.
One technique I use to tap into these emotions is by drawing from my personal and emotional experiences. By staying connected to the environment I’m in and utilizing the energy of the actors I work with, I immerse myself in the character’s mindset before filming intense scenes. This involves vividly imagining the scenario, allowing me to deeply connect with the character’s fear, determination, or urgency. If needed, I may even substitute a person from my own life to enhance the emotional connection. However, the most crucial aspect is relaxation, as it opens my state of mind to emotional and physical connections, ultimately enhancing the authenticity of my performance.
Additionally, I rely on my training as a ballet dancer to maintain physical control and poise during high-pressure scenes. Just as in ballet, where every movement is deliberate and precise, I approach action sequences with focus and precision. This helps me convey the tension and urgency of the moment while maintaining authenticity and avoiding overacting.
To balance these different aspects of my creative pursuits, I prioritize effective time management and clear communication. Each role informs the others in unique ways, enriching my perspective and skill set as a storyteller.
My background in ballet provides me with a deep understanding of physicality and movement, which enhances my performances as an actor, particularly in action-oriented roles. The discipline and dedication instilled by years of ballet training also helps me navigate the demanding schedules and challenges of film production.
As a producer, my commitment to empowering and representing strong female characters stems from my belief in the transformative power of storytelling. By creating opportunities for robust female characters in my productions, I aim to challenge societal norms and promote inclusivity and equality in the entertainment industry.
Overall, each aspect of my creative pursuits informs and enriches the others, allowing me to approach storytelling from a multifaceted perspective and make a meaningful impact both on and off screen.
Your work in television, such as the Amazon Prime Emmy award-winning limited drama series “Studio City,” has earned you recognition and nominations. How does the process of working in television differ from your experience in film, and do you have a preference between the two mediums?
Working on the Amazon Emmy Award-winning Drama Series “Studio City,” was such a cool experience. The process of working in television differs from film in several keyways, primarily in terms of format, pacing, and character development.
One significant difference is the episodic nature of television, where stories unfold over multiple episodes or seasons. This allows for more in-depth exploration of characters and plotlines, as well as the opportunity for ongoing character development and growth. The pace of television production can also differ from film, with tighter deadlines and quicker turnarounds between episodes. This requires adaptability and the ability to deliver consistent performances under pressure.
Despite these differences, both mediums offer unique opportunities for storytelling and artistic expression.
As for whether I have a preference between the two mediums, I appreciate the strengths of each and enjoy the variety and challenges that come with both film and television projects. Ultimately, my preference depends on the specific project and the character I’m portraying.
As someone who is fluent in four languages and has a global perspective, how do you think your diverse background influences your approach to acting and storytelling?
As someone fluent in five languages – English, French, Russian, and with some knowledge of Italian and Spanish – my diverse background deeply influences my approach to acting and storytelling in several ways.
Firstly, my ability to communicate in multiple languages allows me to access a wider range of cultural perspectives and understandings. It enables me to delve into the nuances of characters from various backgrounds and accurately capture their unique voices and experiences.
Moreover, being fluent in multiple languages enhances my versatility as an actor. Additionally, my global perspective shapes the stories I choose to tell and the characters I am drawn to. I am passionate about representing the diversity of human experiences and shedding light on untold stories from around the world.
Your dedication to empowering women in the entertainment industry is evident through your work and achievements. Can you share some insights into your efforts to promote gender equality and representation in Hollywood?
My dedication to empowering women in the entertainment industry is a central focus of my work and achievements. I firmly believe in the importance of promoting gender equality and representation in Hollywood and beyond, and I actively strive to make a positive impact through various efforts.
One of the ways I contribute to promoting gender equality is through my roles as both an actress and a producer. As an actress, I am committed to portraying strong, multidimensional female characters that challenge stereotypes and break barriers. By choosing roles that empower women and highlight their strength, resilience, and complexity.
As a producer, I am deeply invested in creating opportunities for women both in front of and behind the camera. Through my production companies, ‘Born to Burn Films’ and ‘7Heaven Productions,’ I prioritize projects that centre around robust female characters and stories that amplify women’s voices.
Ultimately, my efforts to promote gender equality and representation in Hollywood are driven by a deep-seated commitment to social justice and equality. By leveraging my platform and influence, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable industry where all voices are heard and celebrated.
Til Death Do Us Part is out now on digital (Plaion Pictures)
