Paulette Caletti, Super Person

Executive Producer at Prettybird

When Prettybird Executive Producer, Paulette Caletti, returned to the industry after a seven-year hiatus to raise her two children and focus on filmmaking, the changes were very clear. There was a shift in the barriers to entry and career progression. As a writer-director, Paulette has been commissioned by B3 Media and ventured into 360 filmmaking with an immersive film on disabled patient care for King’s College London that screened at Cannes XR in 2019. Her short film Enter The Preacher was also an early screen appearance for popular UK comedian, Jamali Maddix.

Is there any overlap between filmmaking and motherhood? It all comes together in a set of super abilities, being organised, forward-thinking, and caring. The qualities combine to form a work ethic. “It’s about how you do things as well as what you’re doing. You have to set your stall out, what kind of person you want to be and what kind of atmosphere you want to create on set as the Producer. I want to make sure we have a good time in a safe environment. When your children are small parenting is a 24hr job, with film you can sign off!”

Paulette’s ethic was the motivation behind Prettybird Co-founder Juliette Larthe’s nomination. “From the get-go, Juliette has supported young talent and people from different backgrounds. She’s a colleague and a friend. Juliette looks beyond and with experience. Prettybird is a unique space where you are permitted to just go for it.”

The award-winning writer-director hit the ground running, returning to produce the iconic Preen London Fashion Week show, Sindha Agha’s BBC 3 series Body Language, and a range of commercials and short films in Prettybird’s signature style. Time away allowed Paulette to sharpen her abilities. During that time, she hit a big milestone by completing her first feature The Cake Maker, a gangster film shot in Brixton. “I’d just got married, was pregnant, and my brother passed away. It was a difficult time with mixed emotions. The film gave me focus. Even though it was small and we had no money, it fulfilled a lifelong ambition.”

For Paulette, her greatest career achievements are yet to come. She also raises important questions about how and what we consider achievement. Small wins like completing a tough project or acknowledging moments where you’ve worked well as a team are also valid. “Achievement seems to be all about gain. I’ve realised we often want things quickly but everything happens at the right time. There is time to get to where you want to be. It works better to enjoy the experience you’re in.”

Pitch Super People are people who get things done, are super creative, and want good for the world. Paulette sweeps away any great mystery to attaining this. “Just get them done. Some things are harder than others because of the emotional attachment to the task. Like writing. There is a fear of failure. But once I’ve decided on something, it’s happening. I focus on the practical task and trust my instincts.”

Interview by: Tega Okiti

PITCH SUPER ALUMNI 2023