Hot Shots 2025: Christalleni Michael

Christalleni Michael has quickly made a name for herself within Paramount through her dedication and sensitivity to the subject of the fact-ent titles on which she works.

She brings “creativity, calm leadership and genuine commitment” to her projects, says MTV Productions senior director Seema Nabavi. “She consistently delivers productions on time and on budget, all while maintaining the highest standards and results.”

Michael’s projects include MTV Faces, Dating Horror Stories and Geordies React. She’s also the “driving force” behind Paramount’s output across a slate of complex productions, seamlessly adapting to different formats, demands, workflows and teams, Nabavi says.

Every Woman, the MTV docu-series about the fertility journey of Geordie Shore’s Sophie Kasaei, showed Michael’s production prowess at its best. It was a fast-turnaround programme that needed intricate scheduling, sensitivity and close co-ordination with the many parties involved. According to Amie Parker-Williams, director of commissioning and production at MTV and Comedy Central: “Christa managed the entire process with remarkable clarity and poise, ensuring both creative excellence and a positive working environment for all involved.

“Her ability to anticipate challenges, respond quickly and lead with empathy set the tone for both Paramount and third-party company Dare Pictures, which produced the series.”

Where Michael has really shone is her commitment to welfare. She’s studied welfare protocols, actioned them with empathy, and championed them in thoughtful and practical ways. Parker-Williams says: “She’s become a trusted voice on the topic. Her ability to balance care with delivery has helped build a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.”