Natasha Bogutzki

She played in A.J. Gribble’s Dollar Baby Cain Rose Up as Kate Garrish.

SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?

Natasha Bogutzki: Thank you for making time for me today. Well, my name is Natasha Bogutzki. I’m a 24 year old actress/ writer/ director from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?

Natasha Bogutzki: It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do. However I probably realised it when I was four. And everything I’ve done since has been to further that love of the art.

SKSM: How did you become involved in Cain Rose Up Dollar Baby film?

Natasha Bogutzki: I was reached out to by A.J. Gribble after his father recommending me for the role. I had heard a mention of the film, but it wasn’t until A.J. pitched it to me, and I did some background into the original short story by Mr. King that I became interested.

SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?

Natasha Bogutzki: There are times in which a story captures the feeling of the moment.  Speaks to an individual, and haunts an audience based on its subject. From Columbine, to Sandy Hook, and recently Parkland. This resonates with people given our society’s state. It’s not pretty.  It’s not kind. But these acts never are. Art reflects, gives awareness, and even brings awareness. I doubt Mr. King never thought when he wrote it of a time where acts like this become a reality. But what if we could tell a head of time. And that speak to people.

SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?

Natasha Bogutzki: Audition. I remember reading for the role, and was extremely excited to be a part of it. The prep time I did was mentally and emotionally draining before we went into production, but well worth it in the end.

SKSM: You worked with A.J. Gribble on this film, how was that?

Natasha Bogutzki: He was wonderful!  Such an eye for lighting and symbolism. He explained to me beforehand that he wanted to change the role of Curt Garrish into a woman, and after doing some research into the percentage of shooters by gender, I became fascinated with that alteration. A.J.’s vision was crystal clear. He knew what he wanted. Was willing to take suggestion, but at the same time say no. He made the cast feel like a small family for the duration of the filming and it was just an honour to work with him.

SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?

Natasha Bogutzki: When shooting a film this dark, you need to be able to laugh in between takes. Filming can be grueling. It can take its toll on your energy. So, whenever we all had a chance to laugh, we maximized that to the fullest extent. While filming a bit where Kate is heading into the communal showers in the dormitory, I pulled the curtain and couldn’t help myself. Because of the back lighting I decided to do the Psycho noise and slashing arm movement. (Laughs) With all the laughs we had, there’s a probably a blooper reel out there somewhere. But when the camera was rolling, we got serious. And I extremely proud of the work we all did.

SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?

Natasha Bogutzki: I wish I could say that I do. A.J. is probably the one I’ve been the closest to since the filming.

SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?

Natasha Bogutzki: I have been dipping my own feet into directing. I recently bagged my debut and it’s in post. It’s called The Injured Digit. I just started principal photography on my second, with my big one in pre-production for the fall.

SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?

Natasha Bogutzki: I certainly am! The man is a titan. I grew up watching his films, and reading his stories. He has had an influence on my life. Shockingly I would have to say my favourite book of his is Hearts in Atlantis. It’s so monumentally different from the rest of his canon that it stayed with me.

SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Natasha Bogutzki: Probably that I have this bubbly, outgoing character. But I’ve always been drawn to playing these complex, dark personas. As an actor, they give so much meat to work with. I’ve done many years of comedy and musicals. But this, is what I aim to do.

SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?

Natasha Bogutzki: No. Thank you. It’s been an absolute pleasure. A.J. is proud of the film and I’m looking forward to seeing it soon.

SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?

Natasha Bogutzki: Keep your eyes peeled for Cain Rose Up by A.J. Gribble!