Elettra Gotti

At Frieze, I handle the research, sourcing and purchasing of images and video for the magazine, website and social channels. I work closely with editorial, press and social teams to make sure all visual content is fully cleared and correctly licensed for both print and digital use.

A key part of my role is managing and developing Frieze’s visual archive: I catalogue images with detailed metadata and keep the archive organised and accessible so that different departments can find what they need quickly. I regularly liaise with galleries, artists, rights holders and external archives around the world, often working to very tight deadlines to secure high‑quality material.

I also support the video team by providing archival material and stills for online features and social campaigns, contributing research and visuals that strengthen the storytelling. This mix of image research, acquisitions, archive management and rights clearance has given me solid experience in areas that directly translate into archive producing.

I worked as an archive researcher for an advertising campaign celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Italian Lawyer Association (CNF). My responsibilities included conducting in-depth archival research, identifying historically and visually relevant materials, and liaising with major archives such as Bridgeman Images, Archivio Luce, and the RAI Archive. I managed the selection process, negotiated usage rights, and handled the renewal and purchase of licenses for the chosen content, ensuring legal and editorial compliance for the campaign.

Worked closely with Archive Producer Silvia Protano to source and catalogue historical footage from the 1983 Sail World Cup. This included not only remote archive research but also physically travelling to meet and interview the documentary’s characters and their families, accessing personal archives, photographs, and memorabilia.

Organised and maintained detailed logs and metadata for all footage and documents, ensuring clear traceability and long-term accessibility. Handled rights clearance and licensing paperwork, often liaising in multiple languages with rights holders and international archives.

Managed the export and quality control of all footage, checking picture and audio standards and safeguarding material throughout the production. Provided script support by transcribing archival interviews and synthesising research from literature and contextual sources for the editorial team.

Worked across both pre- and post-production, aligning archive deliveries with the wider production schedule, supporting the team with background information, and contributing to the overall visual narrative of the documentary.

Collaborated closely with Dr. Benedetta Morsiani, Professor of Anthropology at Brunel University, on the research project Black Beauty in Britain Since 1948: Self-Assertion and Collective Empowerment, contributing to the curation and interpretation of visual and oral archives. Conducted extensive reviews of private and institutional footage, systematically logging and cataloguing materials while producing targeted compilations to support editorial and research objectives. Skilled in handling diverse media formats, including Super 8, 16mm, VHS and Mini DV, with a solid foundation in video and audio export workflows. Experienced in recording and preserving oral histories and interviews, ensuring high technical and ethical standards.

Demonstrated strong organisational and project management skills by successfully coordinating multiple initiatives concurrently, from developing production schedules and managing deadlines to preparing comprehensive materials for academic meetings and presentations. Adept at orchestrating internal events, research off-sites and field trips, ensuring smooth delivery and meaningful outcomes. Technically proficient in Adobe Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Excel, with a proven ability to integrate archival, editorial and production workflows effectively.

As a freelance documentary researcher on Going to the Dogs, a documentary by Greg Cruttwell for Parkthebus.uk, I sourced and secured archival material from Sky Sports’ archives and other sources connected to greyhound racing. I supported the director in negotiating economical agreements and contracts for the use of footage, helping to maximise resources and stay within a very limited budget.

I also assisted in the administration of all agreements and deliveries, ensuring that the licensed material was properly documented and ready for the edit. Working closely with the director, I advised on the best archival options to support the story while keeping costs low. This experience strengthened my ability to balance editorial needs with financial constraints in documentary production.

• Serving as the dedicated Assistant Director (AD) for the romantic comedy 'This Time Next Year,' featuring John Hannah and other prominent cast members.
• Assembling pitch decks and treatments, handling logistics from crew sourcing to equipment booking, and managing paperwork such as risk assessments and visa applications
• Playing a central role in location recce activities, evaluating suitability for filming and ensuring the efficient execution of all related activities.
• Maintaining a meticulous focus on tracking daily progress against the film production schedule, fostering order on set and actively participating in developing shot-by-shot storyboards and shooting schedules alongside the Director and Director of Photography (DOP).
• Taking the lead in creating daily call sheets, collaboratively coordinating with various departments, and guaranteeing the smooth flow of production workflows.
• Selecting the most impactful shots, structuring scenes effectively, and maintaining the overall tone and pacing of the documentary.
• Finding archival footage, sourcing relevant interviews or articles, or fact-checking information
• Making significant contributions to budgeting, expense monitoring, and event scheduling, ensuring adherence to financial plans.

Experienced in licensing stills and footage for use in broadcast and publishing, with hands-on experience securing material in the USA, Jamaica, and across Europe. Skilled at visiting archives, collections, and libraries, as well as travelling to uncover new sources such as private home movies and personal collections.

Proficient in sourcing and clearing material under tight deadlines, with strong budgeting, fact-checking, and script annotation skills. Regularly prepare in-depth written interview questions tailored to characters’ biographies, ensuring authentic and detailed contributions to the narrative.

Accustomed to meticulous research processes including making notes, cross-referencing, and maintaining accurate logs. Well-versed in prominent archival libraries such as the BFI Archive, Kino, and various private collections, giving me a nuanced understanding of diverse sources and their use in production.

Extensive experience in logging and transcribing archival material, identifying key moments in close collaboration with editorial teams—skills built through consistent partnerships with editors across documentary projects.

"Stories of a Generation" (Netflix) – Worked closely with archive producer Silvia Protano as archive researcher on the acclaimed documentary series featuring Pope Francis and other individuals over 70. Responsibilities included managing extensive communications between international production teams, directors, editors, and archive providers; anticipating and responding to creative and editorial needs; sourcing, reviewing, and verifying archival footage from sources; negotiating usage rights and licensing agreements; coordinating delivery schedules with production to ensure timely approvals; and ensuring compliance with legal, copyright, and technical standards. This role required strong organisational skills, the ability to prioritise tasks under pressure, and clear communication across multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

"Poco di Tanto" (Rai 2) – Collaborated with archive producer Silvia Protano as archive researcher on the three-episode nostalgic TV show hosted by Maurizio Battista, exploring the 1960s, 70s and 80s through narration, documentary segments and Teche Rai materials. Responsibilities included extensive archival research within Teche Rai and external sources; sourcing and verifying period footage, photography and press clippings; liaising with directors, editors and production to meet creative needs; managing email communications and requests across multiple departments; clearing rights and licenses for archival content; and ensuring accurate metadata and delivery schedules. The role demanded strong attention to detail, organisational skills and the ability to work under tight broadcast deadlines.

• Conducting in several locations: Southbank Centre, V&A, Hayward Gallery, Barbican, Serpentine Gallery
• Managing access to pre-booked timeslots and access lanes, optimizing visitor flow and reducing congestion during peak times.
• Providing exceptional customer service by addressing inquiries, guiding visitors through the entry process, and resolving challenges proactively.
• Collaborating with the entrance team to maintain a smooth and organized entry process, contributing to an enhanced visitor experience.
• Demonstrating strong people management skills in handling large volumes of visitors,ensuring a positive and welcoming environment.
• Adapting to various weather conditions, showcasing a willingness to work in diverse environments.

"Commodo" is an autobiographical short about my friend Fabrizio’s disappearance, exploring memory, identity, love, family and territory. Self-shot, written and edited in Foggia, Italy. Managed full budget. Winner of Best Student Short & Best Soundtrack at Ethnocineca Vienna Festival, selected at RAI Film Festival Bristol.

• Managing Archive Collections and Operations
• Managing the integral archive collections of high-value and irreplaceable assets for a globally renowned fashion brand.
• Ensuring the safeguarding of assets for present and future generations, maintaining the efficiency of archive processes.
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align brand identity with cultural nuances, ensuring effective communication with target audiences. Applied ethnographic research techniques to identify and incorporate cultural trends into brand strategies.
• Contributing to the brand's ongoing success by helping to shape its visual identity. This involved a creative and strategic approach to design, ensuring that Moschino remained a distinctive and influential force in the fashion industry.
• Prepared design layouts into pre-press files for offset, web and digital printing.
• Created storyboards, models,and visual effects to meet design goals.
• Fostered a highly communicative, collaborative team culture on all visual product projects.
• Researched industry trends and evaluated competitive products.
• Designed visual models meeting both aesthetic and technical criteria.
• Built public relations strategies for broadened advertising scope.
• Organised marketing plans and programmes to best support business growth and development.

• Prioritising tasks based on importance and urgency to meet project deadlines.
• Received and interpreted briefs to guide production planning and meet stakeholder requirements.
• Storytelling skills in conveying the brand’s history, values, and mission through various mediums.
• I was in charge of Cultural alignment and visual Identity Shaping, Trend Analysis and Competitive Evaluation.
• Overseeing and managing the integral archive collections of high-value and irreplaceable assets for a globally renowned fashion brand.
• Leding and managing the internal end-to-end handover process, collaborating across functions with critical stakeholders in the showroom, digital samples, and VIP.