THE MISSION

NATASHA ROTHWELL founded Big Hattie Productions in 2021, named for boundary breaking actress Hattie McDaniel. Rothwell favors characters and stories that were typically marginalized historically. She wants to make work that changes people's lives and makes them feel less alone.

NATASHA ROTHWELL

NATASHA ROTHWELL created, executive produced, and starred in the critically acclaimed Hulu series HOW TO DIE ALONE, which premiered to widespread praise earlier this year.

Natasha is best known for her Emmy-nominated performance in HBO’s THE WHITE LOTUS and was recently nominated again for her powerful return as Belinda Lindsey in the latest season of the series.

She is also known for her critically acclaimed work as a series regular, writer, director, and producer on HBO’s INSECURE, for which she received a Peabody Award and won the 2022 NAACP Image Award for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy.

A former writer for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, Natasha has also penned screenplays for Netflix, Paramount, and HBO Max. Her original screenplay BLACK COMIC-CON was selected for the 2021 Sundance Screenwriters Lab.

FOUNDER, CEO

Her genre-bending feature, along with several other projects, are in development at her production company, BIG HATTIE PRODUCTIONS—founded in 2020 to focus on creating, producing, and developing projects that champion marginalized voices in subversive ways.

Natasha can be seen as Mommy Shark in BABY SHARK’S BIG SHOW; as Piper Benz in Warner Bros’ WONKA; and as Sakina in Disney’s 100th animated feature, WISH. Additional voice over credits include: SAUSAGE PARTY: FOODTOPIA; ARCHER; AQUA TEEN FOREVER: PLANTASM; BOJACK HORSEMAN; BOB’S BURGERS; AMERICAN DAD; TUCA & BERTIE; and THE SIMPSONS.

Additional acting credits include: BROOKLYN NINE-NINE; NETFLIX PRESENTS: THE CHARACTERS; LOVE, SIMON; A BLACK LADY SKETCH SHOW; SONIC THE HEDGEHOG; SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2; and WONDER WOMAN 1984.

MEET THE TEAM

MARY SAYAMA MCHENRY

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Mary Sayama McHenry is Big Hattie’s Director of Development, driving the rapid growth of the slate as she leads all projects in development and production. Mary previously worked at Get Lifted Film Company where she developed scripted and unscripted television and the launch of the company’s publishing imprint, Get Lifted Books. Prior to that, Mary was with CBS TV Studios where she collaborated with CJ Entertainment, Lawrence Bender and PatMa. Born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and a graduate of UCLA, Mary has been using her varied and international background to bring more cross cultural, diverse and dynamic stories to the screen throughout her career.

VIVI BONOMIE

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Vivi Bonomie functions as Executive Assistant to both Natasha and Mary. She is responsible for all literary submissions while helping advance projects across film and television on the Big Hattie slate. Vivi was born in Venezuela and grew up in Southern California. With a journalism degree from Emerson College, Vivi is interested in filmmaking as a device for truth-telling.

JASMINE STITH

PERSONAL ASSISTANT TO NATASHA

Jasmine Stith is a New Jersey native and graduate of San Diego State University’s film program. Her extensive experience on set includes Producer’s Assistant on Never Have I Ever (Netflix), and a Production Secretary for Better Things (FX) and Twenties (BET). Her diverse experience as both an east and west coaster informs her unique voice as a creative.

LLOYD DOBLER ROTHWELL

CHIEF MORALE OFFICER

Lloyd Dobler Rothwell is the biggest of our three grey poodles. He has the presence of a true leader and the fluff to match. He takes his job seriously: whether it’s greeting the team at the door, leaning in for much-needed hugs, or reminding us all to step away from our screens for a game of fetch. It’s safe to say he’s exceeding expectations every day.

wilson buddy rothwell

CHIEF MISCHIEF OFFICER

Wilson Buddy Rothwell is the medium sized baby of the pack who brings just the right balance of charm and chaos to his role. A natural disruptor, he specializes in “out-of-the-box” thinking, which usually involves stolen socks. mysteriously misplaced pens, or surprise zoomies at exactly the wrong time. Innovation has never been this entertaining.

kuma mchenry

CHIEF BARKETING OFFICER

Kuma McHenry is the smallest but the loudest of them all - don’t let his size fool you! As Chief Barketing Officer he ensures Big Hattie’s message is heard loud and clear. From announcing the mailman’s arrival to interrupting Zoom meetings, his communication strategy is simple and effective: bark first, ask questions later.