Hailing originally from North Carolina, Joel has spent 23 years in Television Production. He currently serves as the Head of Physical Production at Lionsgate TV. He currently resides in Thousand Oaks with his wife and two daughters.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What are your responsibilities in your current role and what do you love most about your job?
I oversee worldwide physical production for all television. I manage the logistical and budgetary challenges of all production, with the help of my team. I love the complex problem solving and high stakes.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
I grew up in the arts. The movies of the 80s and 90s made me fall in love with cinema. Once I got to Hollywood, the fast pace of TV production made me fall in love with Television.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
I worked on a backyard landscaping reality TV show. I learned quickly to volunteer for the worst job on set – digging holes, or installing a sprinkler system. People remembered me, and it led to more jobs!
What excites you about judging for the Telly Awards?
Seeing new talent and what people can accomplish in today’s new landscape.
