A note from the founder
Peter Castagnetti
I am a filmmaker and photographer. In 2022 I founded WorkLikeHell as a purpose-forward branded content studio in Los Angeles. I’ve spent the last twenty years in Los Angeles building a network of passionate creative professionals, and I’ve spent the last decade seeing what is possible with purpose-driven business.
As a Director, I've been fortunate enough to collaborate with organizations such as Amazon, lululemon, The Nature Conservancy, Gates Foundation, 21C Museum Hotels, YETI Coolers, Sage, Paypal, Pinterest, DO Lectures, GOOD/Upworthy and the Institute of Imagination.
When I am not collaborating directly with brands, I also work as a Cinematographer. Recent feature documentary projects include Netflix Original Doc Series, The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping, and SXSW Grand Jury Award winner, Accidental Courtesy: Daryl Davis Race and America, also available on Netflix.
Narrative features include Don’t Talk to Strangers, an arthouse suspense picture shot on location across Ireland, as well as 2023 dark comedy, Adventures of the Naked Umbrella, starring Jeremy Davies, Taryn Manning and Tom Arnold, and the upcoming comedy, Got Daddy Issues, written and directed by Maria Bertrand and Meghan McCaig. See more cinematography work at petercastagnetti.com.
My photographic work can be found at kidatthecircus.com.
I’ve worked with rockstars, shepherds, CEO’s, global thought leaders, tech innovators, comedians and street poets. I’ve worked with ultra high-speed, animation, stop-motion, technical-directing live visuals for high profile concerts, lecturing and leading workshops on creativity and storytelling.
Creative problem solving is my happy place. Collaboration is my idea of fun, and there’s just nothing like creating cinematic experiences that energize the human spirit.
“Work like hell, tell everyone everything you know, close a deal with a handshake, and have fun.”
- Harold Edgerton
in 2024, I spoke at the DO Lectures in Cardigan, Wales, about the dance between ‘don’t fuck it up’ and ‘how do we make it special’.
Cinematography Reels
The Program: Cons, Cults and Kidnapping
Director of Photography
Years after being sent to a disciplinary school, a woman still haunted by her experiences exposes the corruption and abuse of the troubled teen industry.
Adventures of the Naked Umbrella
Director of Photography/Executive Producer
A conspiracy theorist with a pyromania disorder suffers a relapse when his trailer home suddenly explodes, igniting a search for truth that could burn his world to the ground.
Also, there’s this…
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