From first working on productions together as Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts students to producing multimillion-dollar films in Los Angeles, David Midell ’06 and Enrico Natale ’05 are Redbirds soaring to new heights in the film industry.

Midell and Natale, along with fellow Illinois State University alum Jeff Blum ’06, founded LA-based Redbird Entertainment in 2017, with a mission to tell bold and purposeful stories. Born out of a shared creative vision and a name that honors the founders’ alma mater, Redbird Entertainment has produced a slate of films, including critically acclaimed The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain and Catalyst. Their latest project, The Ritual, which premiered in June, features a stacked cast including Al Pacino, Abigail Cowen, Ashley Greene, and Dan Stevens. Midell directed the film, and Natale served as a producer.

We interviewed Midell and Natale about their production company’s roots that extend from Illinois State to LA, the making of The Ritual, and the advice they’d give to fellow Redbirds hoping to break into the film industry.

The Ritual has a huge cast and scale. What was it like directing and producing a film of this size?

Midell: It was a huge opportunity—and a challenge. We had actors like Pacino and Stevens, who brought a different level of intensity to the process. But at its core, I saw The Ritual as a story about people coming together to help someone in need. Despite the horror elements and the exorcism theme, it’s really about compassion and sacrifice. Working with Pacino was surreal, but he was collaborative, kind, and deeply committed to the character. That made the experience even more rewarding.

Natale: Surreal is the best way to describe it. I’ll never forget sitting on Pacino’s couch, talking through the script with David. That was a bucket list moment. But with bigger budgets come more people and more opinions, which challenged us in new ways. It was a big learning curve—balancing our vision with studio input—but it made us stronger as filmmakers.

You’ve also worked on emotional and social conscious films like The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain. What draws you to a project?

Midell: I realized recently that many of the stories I gravitate toward explore how vulnerable people are treated in society—people with mental health challenges, disabilities, and those in marginalized communities. That’s the thread that connects my work. Even The Ritual touches on this, in how others risk themselves to help someone they don’t fully understand. Those themes keep me grounded and creatively engaged.

Natale: For me, it’s about two things: Is the story strong and marketable, and does it serve a purpose? Whether it’s making people laugh or pushing important conversations, the story has to matter. It has to land. If we’re going to invest our time and energy, it needs to make an impact.

How did your time at Illinois State shape your careers and your company, Redbird Entertainment?

Natale: Illinois State University was where I started directing and producing. I wrote and starred in two feature films there that I’ll never show anyone, but they were huge learning experiences. The campus gave me the freedom to try everything. My mentors pushed me. One of my professors gave me a challenging role that I didn’t want to take at first, but I ended up getting an Irene Ryan nomination for it. That changed my trajectory. The name Redbird Entertainment was a no-brainer. It’s inspired by ISU, but also the phoenix—rebirth, strength, and rising from the ashes. It reflects who we are and what we’re building.

Midell: Same. ISU gave me a deep understanding of emotional authenticity—how to communicate with actors, how to build stories that feel true. That foundation has guided every project since. I was listening to Jane Lynch ’82 talk about ISU recently, and she said it perfectly: We were taught really well.

What’s it like running Redbird Entertainment together and balancing business with creative work?

Natale: It’s not always easy. The business side is harsh. Some projects take years to get off the ground. But David and I share a strong vision and deep respect. We knew of each other in college, but we didn’t become close until we started working together. Now we’re creative partners, business partners, and close friends. We talk every day and are constantly collaborating and adjusting.

Midell: I’m always amazed at how often we’re thinking the same thing. We’re both passionate about projects that ask difficult questions and carry emotional weight, but we also love thrillers and genre work. The trick is finding stories that let us do both. It’s a partnership that works because we’re aligned on what we want our films to say.

What advice would you give to current Redbirds who dream of making it in the film industry?

Midell: Define what success means to you because this industry is not linear. There will be years in between projects. It’s brutal and full of rejection, but if you hold onto your voice and keep exercising your creative muscles, it’s worth it. ISU prepared me well, but nothing teaches you like persistence.

Natale: Don’t rely on talent alone. At ISU, I felt like a big fish in a small pond, but when I got to LA, I had to start over in an ocean of talent. You have to be committed 100%. Not 98. Not 99. This industry is tough, but if you put in the work and love what you do, it can be the most rewarding career out there.