Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Natalie Simonov. I’ll be 22 this year and I live and work in Brisbane, Australia. I recently graduated from Griffith University with a Bachelor of Film and Screen Media Production. At the Griffith Film School we did a lot of hands on learning and I was given the opportunity to work with high equipment in realistic film set environments. In my spare time I love to draw and play video games (Yes including horror games).
What is it that attracts you the horror genre for your chosen field of creative work?
I love all sorts of genres in filmmaking. It’s just fun to work on a film set amongst passionate people and creating something special. In terms of Horror, it’s definitely a challenge to create something truly terrifying, but I’m just giddy with excitement at seeing it all come together into one emotional experience for audiences. I also love the on-set aspect of working in horror. Working with fake knives, blood, violent stunt scenes, it’s super fun. Working with actors in horror is also super interesting, as we work together to tap into the psyche of the characters going through such terrifying experiences.
Who inspires you in your work and in life?
My inspiration comes from all sorts of media that have touched me in a certain way or left me with a strong emotional impact from something fictional. I’m inspired by those works to create content that can give other people strong emotional responses. Knowing that I could make something that makes people feel something drives me to make more and more. I also have to thank my family for encouraging me to jump into a Film Degree as they could see my passion and excitement towards filmmaking.
Women in horror have made great strides, but it’s clear that a lot of work is still needed to make it a most inclusive genre. To you, what is the importance of a movement like Women in Horror Month?
I think it’s really important to promote something like Women in Horror because it encourages women who are passionate about filmmaking and the horror genre not to be afraid to jump into the industry and share their ideas. I myself am currently directing a horror project with a female protagonist and I’m proud to say I’m working alongside many women on my crew including my cinematographer and the writer/producer. I hope that with our work, other women can make great strides in horror too.
What would you tell an up-and-coming creative in the world of horror who sees that being a woman/identifying as a women as something that makes it so much more difficult at times?
Each and every man and woman have certain skill sets, that may be better or worse than others. It may matter to some creatives in the world out there, but it shouldn’t matter to you. You are capable of creating something great, and people will see that regardless of your gender. Work hard, be passionate, and enjoy filmmaking above all else.
What are your favorite bits of helpful advice that you have received about your work or your field?
It really depends on your specific field, but throughout Film School, we’ve always been told to brush up on our skills constantly, which I agree. You can forget how to work a camera so easily if you don’t touch it for a few months. I’ve also heard frequently that filmmaking is difficult, and you can only push through it if you’re passionate. Always be passionate about what you do. Sometimes things can get stressful, but if you focus on the end product, everything will be worth it.
In honor of celebrating Women in Horror Month, who do you believe viewers should keep an eye on in terms of the creative ladies in horror?
My cinematographer working on my latest project with me, Chase Brockett is fantastic with the camera and she’s worked in horror plenty times before too. She’s definitely someone to look out for coming up in the industry. Also, the writer/producer of the project, Xanthie Marcelle is absolutely passionate in the horror genre and a fantastic writer (Judging by the disturbing content she wrote for the project we’re currently working on). She’s definitely someone fierce to look out for.
What do you have coming soon that you can talk to us about?
I’m currently directing a horror web-series called Smile, and it will definitely shock you! It’s full of trauma, religion, bathtubs, and blood. Lots of blood. I’m working alongside Xanthie Marcelle who’s the writer and producer of the project, and we’re making fantastic strides. We’re currently in the production stages, soon coming into postproduction with the hopes of distributing the project in the near future.
You can follow us here! Please show us some love:
https://www.facebook.com/smile.theseries
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Pop them links to follow your work here:
My Website: https://nataliesimonov9.wixsite.com/film
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-simonov-8489b1200/
Email: nataliesimonov9@gmail.com