Joel, a native of the state of Wisconsin, holds a Bachelor's degree in Cinematic Arts from the prestigious University of Southern California, a renowned institution that has produced some of the most talented minds in the film industry. He is a 2002 graduate of the esteemed School of Cinematic Arts, where he honed his skills and nurtured his passion for storytelling.
Growing up, Joel was deeply influenced by the imaginative and humorous world of Calvin & Hobbes, a beloved comic strip that sparked his creativity and fueled his imagination. Simultaneously, he was drawn to the art of filmmaking, spending countless hours crafting his own movies and experimenting with different techniques and styles.
Today, Joel continues to pursue both of these passions, driven by a sense of curiosity and a desire to create work that resonates with audiences. His first feature film, Dear Mr. Watterson, was a labor of love that spanned six years, from concept to completion. This ambitious project was made possible through the support of Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform that has enabled countless creative endeavors to come to life.
When not working on his next project, Joel can be found in Los Angeles, where he resides with his loving wife and their two adorable greyhounds.