Elettra Pizzi is an award winning producer behind an array of films including The Act, Harry’s Heroes, and Good Boy starring Ben Whishaw.
She also enjoyed a period working on long-running series Hollyoaks, with her episode nominated for Best Episode of the Year at the Soap Awards 2022.
Elettra’s latest short film Good Boy starring BAFTA winner Ben Whishaw and SAG-winner Marion Bailey and directed by Tom Stuart, has been shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards.
Alongside alumnus Samuel Mansell, she was one of the SAE Induction week guests, sharing her industry experiences and insights with our students.
Learn more about her career in our new interview and contact our team now if you’d like to embark on your own journey within the creative industries.
How did you start your creative career, and what kinds of projects are you working on now?
I started my career in film distribution and then moved into film and television production in the UK about 12 years ago.
Through television production, I began working on short films, documentaries, and various other mediums, from advertising to long-form content. I’m currently working in television production, specifically in an editorial role, and I’m producing season two of Ten Pound Poms for BBC One, which is a period drama about Brits moving to Australia in the 1960s.
Can you share a bit about your experience working on Hollyoaks?
Yes, I’ve worked on 83 episodes of Hollyoaks, and it was a great experience.
Working in continuous drama is a lot of fun but also very fast-paced. The show has five episodes per week, which means stories need to be written, shot, and produced constantly. We had four crews working simultaneously, and it’s a huge effort that always comes together in the end. It was a brilliant learning experience.
You’ve also worked on your own short films. Can you talk about the experience of fully leading your creativity on a short film?
Short films are an art form in themselves and don’t get enough recognition.
They are often seen as a starting point, but they are incredibly hard to make well. Recently, I worked on a short film called Good Boy, directed by Tom Stuart. It was my fourteenth short film, and we were shortlisted for an Oscar, which was an incredible journey. Short films are pure because they don’t have the influence of commissioners or big bosses, and they’re done out of love for the craft, often with no money involved.
What was your favorite part of working on Good Boy?
My favourite part was seeing the hard work of so many people getting recognized.
It’s why people do short films – they want to step up and try something new. We shot in Glastonbury, and we had our premiere at Glastonbury Festival. It was an early cut of the film, but the audience’s response was amazing. That was the first time we really felt the love for the project, and it was priceless.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career that could help our students who are just entering the industry?
The most valuable lesson is to do your research on the role you want to pursue. That means meeting people who are already in that role because the career paths in this industry aren’t well-defined.
Understanding the path early on will save you time and energy, and it will lead to quicker satisfaction with what you’re doing.
Are there any specific skills or qualities for someone trying to break into the industry?
Yes, one of the best skills for someone starting in the industry is to stay positive and be open to conversations with people who are more experienced.
There can be a fear of reaching out to senior people for advice, but most people are open to helping if given the chance. Everyone, no matter how senior, is looking for their next step, so asking for advice is key.
How do you stay inspired and motivated in your creative work, especially when faced with creative blocks or challenges?
I stay motivated by meeting new artists and exploring different art forms. Personally, I love period drama, but I also find inspiration from comic books, short films, and other genres.
Going to film festivals and keeping my ears open to new, upcoming work helps a lot. It’s about being inspired by what’s around you rather than actively searching for inspiration.
STUDY FILM Production at SAE
If you want to work in film production in the film industry, get to grips with the latest video editing software and hone your skills in a uniquely collaborative environment, then our Film Production degree could be for you.
With high-end digital cinema cameras and production suites, our facilities and expert tutors are well placed to give your career the best possible start in this fast-paced and dynamic industry.
