Meet Caitlin Carleton of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Carleton.

Hi Caitlin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Ohio, and I was always performing and directing imaginary movies in my backyard, forcing my little sister to be my camerawoman, and writing dramatic monologues for my dolls (they were very talented). I moved to LA to chase the dream and go to theater school after graduating high school. I started as an actor but quickly fell in love with filmmaking as a whole- producing, writing, directing, all of it. I’ve worked in every aspect of the industry, from waiting tables to running sets and producing indie films, and I’ve made a lot of scrappy projects on my own along the way. My latest short, Are You There?, just played at the Sedona International Film Festival, which was a full-circle moment.

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?
Absolutely not. If it had been smooth, I’d probably think I was doing something wrong. It’s been a mix of hustle, heartbreak, breakthroughs, and burnout. I’ve balanced three jobs at a time to fund my own films. I’ve had scripts rejected and actors drop out. I’ve had to navigate the industry as a woman with big creative ambitions and not a lot of money, which can be a lonely, uphill battle. But those struggles have made me resourceful, scrappy, and very clear about why I do this.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a filmmaker. I write, direct, act, and produce depending on the project. My work leans into character-driven storytelling, often blending comedy and drama in unexpected ways. I like taking ideas that seem absurd on the surface and grounding them in emotional truth. I’m most proud of the community I’ve built around my work. I often collaborate with the same actors and crew across projects, and there’s something beautiful about making movies with people who trust you. I think what sets me apart is that I come at this with the soul of an artist and the brain of a producer. I can hold the creative vision and also figure out how to feed 30 people a delicious, nutritious breakfast for under $200.

What were you like growing up?
I was a very intense child in the best and weirdest way. I had a big imagination and a lot of energy. I was always putting on shows, writing stories, bossing my little sister around like a stage manager, and casting my parents in productions they didn’t exactly sign up for. I was sensitive, curious, and obsessed with movies and books. I wanted to understand people and feelings and why we do what we do. That curiosity is still the heart of everything I make.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.caitlincarleton.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bubblegal1234