In 1988, Nettelbeck began formally studying film at San Francisco State University.
[1] Following her education, Nettelbeck worked for Spiegel TV and as a freelance editor for Premiere television between 1993 and 1994.
In 1996, Nettelbeck made her feature debut with Loose Ends.
In 2001, Nettelbeck wrote and directed the multiple-award winning film, Mostly Martha.
Her original screenplay was remade in 2007 by Warner Brothers, Castle Rock, and Village Roadshow, and renamed No Reservations.