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A bit late, but thank you to everyone who has watched, shared, and engaged with Dumpster Fire. We are incredibly grateful for all of the support!

A special thank you as well to all of the festivals, festival programmers, and events that showcased the film. We truly appreciate your support.

If you have not seen it yet, visit the Extraordinary Pictures YouTube channel to watch the full short film.

🔗 Link in bio or visit: youtube.com/extraordinarypictures2875

Be sure to subscribe!

During a smoke break behind a rundown bar, a burned-out aspiring actress on the verge of giving up her dreams strikes up an unlikely conversation with a streetwise drifter scavenging the dumpsters nearby. As frustration, failure, and dark humor spill between them, their brief encounter becomes an unexpected moment of clarity.

Starring:
Alexandra Almendarez
Taylor Rusch Box

Written, Directed, and Produced by Natalie Rodriguez

Director of Photography & Colorist: Jonathan Na
Editor & Sound Designer: Max Bellamy

Now available to watch on the Extraordinary Pictures YouTube channel.

Visit our official website and follow us on social media: https://linktr.ee/dumpsterfiremovie

For inquiries, please email Olga at Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#DarkComedy #ShortFilm #IndependentFilm #LatinaDirector #WomenInFilm

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Every story is its own journey.

The origins of Inner Child began in 2014 as a short screenplay after writer, director, producer, and author Natalie Rodriguez took an online Skillshare writing class. Inspired by her own experiences with sleep paralysis, that class introduced her to Cassie and the psychological horror story that would stay with her for years.

Rodriguez later adapted the story into a novella, and in 2017, an earlier edition was featured in SEZ Publishing’s Whispers in the Dark: A Glorious Collective Work. In 2019, an excerpt of the novella was read by Shelby Scott on an episode of the Scare You To Sleep podcast.

After directing her first feature film in 2018, Rodriguez revisited Inner Child and expanded the short into a feature screenplay as a writing exercise, with no intention of ever directing or producing it. Later that year, the short screenplay was a finalist at the Hollyshorts Film Festival.

A table read for the short screenplay was held in January 2020, with production scheduled to begin in May. Then the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

During the shutdown, Rodriguez returned to the feature screenplay after a two-year hiatus and wrote the novel adaptation, expanding Cassie’s story and the world of Inner Child. What began as a short screenplay ultimately evolved into both a novel and the upcoming feature film, which Rodriguez wrote and will direct and produce.

📖✨ Inner Child, the novel adaptation, releases on September 22, 2026!

In the meantime, visit nataliecrodriguez.com to explore Natalie’s other novels, the Elephant series, The Extraordinary Ordinary book adaptation, and her film work.

Follow for updates:
@extraordpictures
@natchristinerod

For inquiries regarding the Inner Child novel adaptation or feature film, please contact Olga of Dapper Bird Entertainment at olga2.dbe@gmail.com.

#BookToMovie #Author #Horror #Thriller

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Repost by @wordhavenpress:

I’m so excited to share that Natalie Rodriguez’s psychological horror, Inner Child, will be coming out with Wordhaven Press. I could not put this book down - and the raw emotions it stirred in me. Wow!

#psychologicalhorror

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🌼 July is Social Wellness Month — a reminder that healing often begins with connection. Stories have the power to shine a light on experiences that are often left unspoken, encouraging empathy, understanding, and conversations that matter.

Elephant is one such story, exploring anxiety, depression, family trauma, and the courage it takes to confront the “elephant in the room” 🐘

Here is a snippet from Elephant (Book 1 of The Elephant Series), narrated by Shannon Liam 🎙️

A story by Natalie Rodriguez (@natchristinerod) 👩🏻‍💻

Social media video courtesy of Skylar Gutberlet (@looktotheskie) 🎞️

Summer of 2006. Four childhood best friends. A family secret.

After a strange encounter leaves timid teen Matt “Matty” Smith hospitalized, he returns home to anxiety, depression, and unspoken truths about his family—the elephant in the room.

A heartfelt thank you to the bookstores, readers, reviewers, and supporters who have championed this independently published series over the years 📚💛 Your support continues to mean so much.

Book 2, Skeletons, is also available now, and the author is currently seeking a publishing home for a wider release of the complete series, including the unreleased third and final installment.

Like Matty learns throughout the series, the cycle can always be broken. There is always hope ❤️

📚 Available in ebook and paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

🔗 Link in bio, or visit: https://linktr.ee/elephantbooks

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains themes involving anxiety, depression, trauma, and mental health struggles.

📩 For inquiries, contact Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#SocialWellnessMonth #ElephantSeries #MentalHealthMatters #YoungAdultBooks #BookCommunity

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June may be over, but the conversation about mental health does not end when the calendar changes. 💚

We will continue to highlight stories that encourage honest conversations about mental health, especially for boys and men, because those conversations matter every day of the year.

This excerpt is from Skeletons (Book 2 of The Elephant Series), narrated by Felicia Faye (@felish7505)🎙️

Written by Natalie Rodriguez (@natchristinerod) 👩🏻‍💻

Social media video courtesy of Skylar Gutberlet (@looktotheskie) 🎞️

⚠️ Content Advisory: This clip contains strong language, including profanity, as well as themes involving mental health and trauma.

After surviving a traumatic event, fourteen-year-old Matty Smith continues to navigate anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the lasting effects of generational trauma. As long-hidden family secrets begin to unravel, Matty and his childhood best friends confront love, loss, and the emotional weight of the past. To move forward, Matty must find the courage to face the skeletons that have haunted his family for years.

A heartfelt thank you to the bookstores, readers, reviewers, and supporters who have championed this independently published series over the years. 📚💛 Your support continues to mean so much.

Elephant and Skeletons are available now, and the author is currently seeking a publishing home for a wider release of the complete trilogy, including the unreleased third and final installment.

Like Matty learns throughout the series, the cycle can always be broken. There is always hope. ❤️

📚 Available in ebook and paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

🔗 Link in bio: https://linktr.ee/elephantbooks

📩 For inquiries, contact Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#ElephantSeries #SkeletonsBook #MensMentalHealth #MentalHealthMatters #BookCommunity

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June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and stories can help start conversations that are often difficult to have. 💚

Here is a snippet from Skeletons (Book 2 of The Elephant Series), narrated by Charlie Jimenez (@latebloomeradventures) 🎙️

A story by Natalie Rodriguez (@natchristinerod) 👩🏻‍💻

Social media video courtesy of Skylar Gutberlet (@looktotheskie) 🎞️

After surviving a traumatic event, fourteen-year-old Matty Smith continues navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the lasting impact of generational trauma. As long-buried family secrets come to light, Matty and his childhood best friends confront love, loss, and the emotional weight of the past. To move forward, Matty must find the courage to face the skeletons that have haunted his family for years.

A heartfelt thank you to the bookstores, readers, reviewers, and supporters who have championed this independently published series over the years 📚💛 Your support continues to mean so much.

Elephant and Skeletons are available now, and the author is currently seeking a publishing home for a wider release of the complete series, including the unreleased third and final installment.

Like Matty learns throughout the series, the cycle can always be broken. There is always hope. ❤️

📚 Available in ebook and paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

🔗 Link in bio, or visit: https://linktr.ee/elephantbooks

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains themes involving anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, grief, and mental health struggles.

📩 For inquiries, contact Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#ElephantSeries #SkeletonsBook #MensMentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #BookCommunity

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As June comes to a close, we continue recognizing Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💚

Stories have the power to shine a light on experiences that are often left unspoken. Elephant is one such story, exploring anxiety, depression, family trauma, and the courage it takes to confront the “elephant in the room” 🐘

Here is a snippet from Elephant (Book 1 of The Elephant Series), narrated by Charlie Jimenez (@latebloomeradventures) 🎙️

A story by Natalie Rodriguez (@natchristinerod).

Social media video courtesy of Skylar Gutberlet (@looktotheskie) 🎞️

Summer of 2006. Four childhood best friends. A family secret.

After a strange encounter leaves timid teen Matt “Matty” Smith hospitalized, he returns home to anxiety, depression, and unspoken truths about his family — the elephant in the room.

A heartfelt thank you to the bookstores, readers, reviewers, and supporters who have championed this independently published series over the years 📚💛 Your support continues to mean so much.

Book 2, Skeletons, is also available now, and the author is currently seeking a publishing home for a wider release of the complete series, including the unreleased third and final installment.

Like Matty learns throughout the series, the cycle can always be broken. There is always hope ❤️

📚 Available in ebook and paperback on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and wherever books are sold.

🔗 Link in bio, or visit: https://linktr.ee/elephantbooks

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains themes involving anxiety, depression, trauma, and mental health struggles.

📩 For inquiries, contact Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#ElephantSeries #MensMentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #YoungAdultBooks #BookCommunity

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With June wrapping up, let us continue to forever reflect on Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month 💚 and the importance of creating space for honesty, healing, and conversation around mental health 🧠✨

Here is a snippet from The Extraordinary Ordinary, read by Taylor Hurst (@taylorkhurst) 🎙️, featuring an excerpt from Alex’s perspective in the book adaptation.

Also, Taylor’s song “Redline” is featured in the feature film adaptation of The Extraordinary Ordinary. Check it out now on Spotify 🎧🔥

The book adaptation was written by the film’s director, writer, and producer Natalie Rodriguez (@natchristinerod).

A heartfelt thank you to the bookstores, readers, and reviewers who have supported this independently published novel over the years 📚💛 That support continues to mean so much.

“Three college students learn to cope with their mental health when one experiences panic attacks. After a traumatic past, Erica moves from New York to Southern California for a fresh start, where she meets Bianca and Alex and realizes she is not alone in her struggles.”

Get your ebook or paperback (link in bio):
https://linktr.ee/extraordinarybook 🔗

The feature film adaptation is also available to watch on Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, Tubi, and Indie Rights Movies’ YouTube channel 🎬 Be sure to check out the two short films that inspired it as well.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains sensitive mental health themes.

Social media video courtesy of Skylar Gutberlet (@looktotheskie) 🎞️

📩 For business inquiries, contact Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#TheExtraordinaryOrdinary #BookToFilm #MentalHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealthAwareness #IndieFilm

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We are honored to announce that Beyond the Moonlight has been named a finalist at the Royale Film Festival. 🌙✨

Thank you so much to the festival programmers and judges for recognizing our film. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support as Beyond the Moonlight continues its festival journey.

Check out the official teaser trailer by visiting our website (link in bio too): https://linktr.ee/beyondmoonlightfilm

Until then,
Natalie Rodriguez
Director, Writer, Executive Producer & Producer

#BeyondTheMoonlight #FilmFestival #Horror #ShortFilm #PsychologicalThriller

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It is almost the four-year book release anniversary of “The Extraordinary Ordinary,” written by the feature film’s director, writer, and producer!

Shoutout to all the bookstores, readers, and book reviewers who supported this independently published novel in 2022. Your support means everything.

“Three college students learn to cope with their mental health when one experiences panic attacks. After a traumatic past, Erica moves from New York to Southern California for a fresh start, where she meets Bianca and Alex and realizes she is not alone in her struggles.”

Get your ebook or paperback (link in bio too): https://linktr.ee/extraordinarybook

You can also watch the feature film of the same title on Amazon, Apple TV, Roku, Tubi, and Indie Rights Movies’ YouTube channel. Check out the two short films that inspired the feature, too!

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains sensitive mental health themes.

Picture: Author, director, screenwriter, and producer of The Extraordinary Ordinary, Natalie Rodriguez (@natchristinerod)

For all business inquiries, please contact Dapper Bird Entertainment: olga2.dbe@gmail.com

#TheExtraordinaryOrdinary #BookToFilm #MentalHealthAwareness #WomenInFilm #IndieFilm

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Throwback Tuesday to The Extraordinary Ordinary book signing with author, Natalie Rodriguez, at Half Off Books in Fullerton, CA last year. 📚✨

Natalie not only wrote the novel, but also wrote, directed, and produced the feature film and two short films for this project — bringing this story to life across multiple mediums.

Logline:
A college freshman moves across the country to heal from a traumatic high school incident while balancing her mental health and an art project, forming bonds with a classmate and co-worker, each carrying their own struggles.

Follow Erica’s heartfelt journey as she navigates life in a new city for college while facing past traumas. The book adaptation explores the story through three perspectives, offering a deeper look into each character’s experience.

The book is available in eBook and paperback on Amazon Prime and where books are sold. You can watch the feature film of the same title on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and stream it for FREE on the Indie Rights Movies YouTube channel, Roku, and Tubi. The short films are also available on the Extraordinary Pictures YouTube channel.

🎬 Links in bio, or search us!
Visit our website: https://linktr.ee/extraordinarybook

A huge thank you to the awesome team behind the book adaptation, the entire cast, crew, and the incredible film festivals that screened The Extraordinary Ordinary and helped share its message. Your support means the world. And a massive shoutout to Indie Rights Movies for making the feature film accessible to audiences everywhere.

⚠️ Trigger Warning: This story contains sensitive content related to mental health. Viewer discretion is advised. If you or a loved one is in crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or text HELLO to the Crisis Text Line.

Show your support by leaving a star rating on Amazon, IMDb, and Rotten Tomatoes — every little bit helps this story reach more viewers.

📸 Photo credit: Sandra (Natalie’s cousin)

For book events, press, or outreach inquiries, please contact Olga Aldama at olga2.dbe@gmail.com.

#TheExtraordinaryOrdinary #IndieFilm #MentalHealthAwareness #WomenInFilm #BookToScreen

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