Joseph Jerard Catalanotto

Joseph “Little Joe” Catalanotto, 82, died at home in New Orleans on September 25, 2021. He was a friend and mentor; a father, husband, and uncle-to-all; a trouble-maker and problem solver; a gaffer, genie op, cameraman, director, and fixer; an agent of chaos; and, some say, the godfather of film in New Orleans.
Little Joe was in the room when Little Richard recorded "Tutti Frutti,” he drove a purple school bus to Woodstock, he was a pioneer in the rise of Hollywood South, and he could get you backstage anywhere. For half a century, he planted the seeds of New Orleans’ movie industry, growing it into one of the largest film-production hubs in the world.
Born on April 15, 1939, Little Joe, affectionately known as “Lil Joe,” grew up impoverished in the Iberville projects behind the French Quarter. As a sandwich-delivery boy, he frequented Cosimo Matassa’s recording studio, where early rock-and-roll greats such as Fats Domino, Irma Thomas, Professor Longhair, The Neville Brothers, and Little Richard recorded hits. As a teenager, Joe became the microphone and cable boy for Cosimo, learning that, despite his humble upbringing, he could be a part of big things.
With the skills he learned at Cosimo’s, Little Joe travelled to Jamaica, building a movie studio and learning the crafts of filmmaking. Returning home, he worked on films like “Easy Rider” and “Live and Let Die.” Joe’s work ethic attracted the attention of Charles Pierce, one of the first modern independent filmmakers. Joe became Charles’s right-hand man, doing casting, location scouting, shooting, gripping, special effects, set decorating, editing, and distribution for independent Southern films like “The Town that Dreaded Sundown.”
After five years on the road with Charles Pierce, Little Joe returned to New Orleans, bringing with him the extensive knowledge and skills to become an entrepreneur and driving force in the city’s nascent movie industry. In 1980, he opened Independent Studios, a complete production service headquartered in the 9th Ward. He rented equipment and studio space–and worked on set–for hundreds of movies and commercials, as well as countless music videos for the newly launched MTV. Throughout the 80s and 90s–until it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina–Lil Joe’s studio was frequented by greats such as ACDC, Journey, The Neville Brothers, Better Than Ezra, and Whitney Houston.

Joe was a great cheerleader for New Orleans, beckoning more and more producers to film here. A charter member of the IATSE Local 478 film union in New Orleans, Joe hosted early union meetings in his studio. In 2014, the union awarded him their first Gold Card in recognition of 50 years of service.

Lil Joe’s most enduring legacy, however, is how passionately he recruited and trained other New Orleanians to work in film. A champion of the underdog, Joe always sought racial and gender equality in the workplace, long before it was popular to do so. Over the years, he mentored hundreds of crew members, offering opportunities and training to become part of the new Hollywood South. Today, if you work in film in New Orleans and weren’t trained by Lil Joe, he probably trained the person who did train you.

Last but not least, Joe was a loving husband to Betty Gondrella and a devoted father to his daughter, Cassie, whose childhood growing up in a movie warehouse inspired her own career in the business.
A much beloved character, Little Joe brought laughter and joy to many. One former mentee wrote, “His creative energy was surpassed only by his infectious humor, his endearing personality, and the passion he exhibited in taking on any type of challenge.” An admiring friend proclaimed, “Lil Joe is a New Orleans institution… and probably belongs in one!”
Joe is survived by his daughter, Cassie Catalanotto, and her husband, Carl Denooyer; his grandson, Case Denooyer; and many siblings, sisters- and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gondrella Catalanotto; his mother, Cecile Marchese; his stepfather, Joe Marchese; and many siblings and in-laws. Family members who have joined him in film work are sister-in-law Jacklyn Gondrella- secretary at Independent Studios and teamster for films, niece Donna Chance (Winston)- wardrobe, brother Carlo Catalanotto- teamster, brother-in-law Peter Gondrella (Noreen)- teamster.

A visitation will be observed at Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home, 3827 Canal Street, New Orleans on Friday, Oct. 22, 2021 from 4-8 PM and on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 beginning at 8:30 AM. A Funeral Service will be held at the J. Garic Schoen Chapel of Jacob Schoen and Son Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021 at 1:30 PM. Following the funeral, at 4 PM there will be a 2nd Line forming in front of St. Louis Cathedral proceeding to the river. Private burial will be at a later date at Westlawn Memorial Park in Gretna.
A GoFundMe account has been launched to raise funds for a documentary of Lil Joe’s life. Donations for “Lil Joe: The Movie” may be made at https://gofund.me/073c3e7f. 

Due to the current COVID-19 mandates, please wear a mask and practice social distancing. 

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