PEOPLE OF INTEREST
because of travel limitations. Caragol was working on a new
series entitled SUPER/NATURAL, which premieres later this
summer on Disney+.
It was filmed in more than 80 locations around the world
with 95 percent done during the pandemic. Finding opportunity
in adversity, the team embraced wonderful local talent
who brought diversity to their crew and gave a whole new
perspective to the process.
“One of the silver linings about COVID for me is moving
to Vero,” Caragol said with a smile. “My mother lived here
before she passed in 2015, but my brother, Joe, and cousin,
Liz, still live here. COVID afforded me the opportunity to
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oversee many shows,” she continued. “Right now, I probably
have film crews in more than 11 countries all over the planet.
Every project is different and each one has its own creative vision
tailored to its subject matter and the story we’re telling.
“Some are funny. Some are serious. Some are groundbreaking
because we are telling it in a new way. Some are more
traditional in their approach. Each series or special has its
own point of view. That’s where I come in to help shape that
overall storytelling tone and perspective. They’re the hands
on creatives. I help shape it.”
National Geographic’s Emmy award-winning Disney+
original series, Secrets of the Whales, is the documentary that
brought home the Emmy for Caragol. Secrets of the Whales
plunges viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture
to experience the extraordinary communication skills and intricate
social structures of five different whale species: orcas,
humpbacks, belugas, narwhals and sperm whales. Filmed
over three years in 24 locations, viewers learn that whales are
far more complex and more like humans than ever imagined.
“Working on Secrets of the Whales was inspiring,” Caragol
reflected. “We worked with some of the finest cinematographers
in the world. Our lead executive producer, James
Cameron, brought Sigourney Weaver on board as narrator
and it was magic.”
COVID brought its own set of challenges to filmmaking
PAMELA CARAGOL
Age: 59
Lives in: Vero Beach
Occupation: Executive producer
People
for National Geographic
Family: One son, Nate; two step-
daughters, Margot and Sasha
Education: George Washington
University degree in Journalism
and Communication
Hobbies: Listening and dancing to live music
What inspires you: “Telling stories with emotion that have
impact.”
What most people don’t know about me: “I have a fixation
on old, obsolete technology like typewriters, slide projectors
and old Polaroid film cameras and have collected enough
to fill a few cabinets. The design and hands-on feel of these
objects just draws me in.”
People
People
HAYES BAXLEY
Pam Caragol won an Emmy for her work as an executive producer on
National Geographic’s documentary ‘Secrets of the Whales.’
PAM CARAGOL
Working remotely from her Vero Beach home allows Caragol to spend more
time with her brother, Joe Caragol, and cousin, Liz Bowler.
work remotely and spend time with them. I fell in love with
this town and its lovely arts community. I have friends who
are musicians and sculptors who all live and work here.
“Of course, being able to work remotely and travel back
to DC as needed sealed the deal. Now I live close to family
and can walk my dog, Cooper, on the beach at sunrise. Out
of all the places in the world I’ve visited, Vero is the place I’m
proud to call home.”