Rising Stars: Meet Caleb Wiley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caleb Wiley.

Hi Caleb, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a producer and entertainment assistant who grew up in Southern Louisiana where I developed an early interest in movies and filmmaking from a young age with favorites like Jurassic Park, The Matrix, and Batman. Once I was into my college years, I enrolled in the Film Arts program at the University of New Orleans to learn as many elements of the craft as I could covering editing, sound, theory, and more. Those years were also spent creating short films with friends for not only school but 48 hr. film contests and while attending a Summer film production course at UCLA.

To my fortune, the film industry was in full swing in Louisiana following my graduation. After contacting the show via email, I was lucky enough to earn a job as an office production assistant for Jurassic World. That opportunity was a wonderful full-circle moment following so many years of inspiration from the original film. I continued working as an office PA and production secretary in NOLA on productions like Free State of Jones, Scream Queens, Our Brand is Crisis, and Logan (aka Wolverine 3).

It was after that time that I decided to make the move to Los Angeles in hopes of further expanding my career. I was invited by a friend to a temp assignment in the accounting department for Sony Pictures Television, which I accepted happily for a chance to work on a real studio lot! To my surprise, within 48 hours, word of my production background spread to the head of SPT’s own Production department, Ed Lammi, who offered that I become his new assistant. I had the honor of working and learning with Ed and his team for five years, two of which carried me through the pandemic.

Those enjoyable years at SPT prepared me to ultimately return to freelancing in 2022 with the goal of gaining producing experience of my own!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One obstacle that was an additional prompt for my leaving New Orleans to come to Los Angeles was the state of Louisiana putting a cap on the state’s tax incentive for production. This legislative change led to a big loss of work opportunities for an extended period.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am currently working as an assistant to directors and producers in episodic television while also producing projects like music videos and performance videos for local musicians.

I think I am known for being attentive to the task at hand and to other various elements of the projects I am a part of. My goal is always to be a considerate, humorous, and positive collaborator.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One fond memory that I have is of my late grandmother, who was among the first to notice my particular interest in movies. She enjoyed watching me absorb classic films at her homes like Jaws and one of her own favorites; the romantic comedy, You’ve Got Mail. She often shared stories of her own memorable experiences in cinemas during different phases of her life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @duke_wyle
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calebjwiley/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@halowiley 
• Twitch: www.twitch.tv/wileyhxc
• Letterboxd profile:  https://letterboxd.com/wileyhxc/

Image Credits
Isaak Morin, Caleb Wiley