Behind the Scenes With a Film Director

Joe Johnston puts his daughter Lottie on the spot when he asks her which of his films was her least favorite!

Academy Award-winning film director and Anacapa parent Joe Johnston is probably best known for his directing work on such effects-driven hits as “Jumanji,” “Jurassic Park III,” and “Captain America: The First Avenger” as well as the critically acclaimed drama “October Sky.”  Joe took time out of his busy schedule to speak at the First Thursday Open Breakfast Club in March with his director’s reel in hand.  After seeing his work, students seized the opportunity to ask Joe all about the filmmaking business.  Students and parents alike were thrilled by Joe’s serendipitous story of stumbling upon his first Hollywood job which turned into the now famous Star Wars franchise!

Joe said that working in show business has its triumphs and its challenges. “If anything, it has taught me to be resilient,” he said.

When asked how he judges his own work, Joe said that it is ultimately about telling a good story. “Making money and winning awards is nice,” he explained. “But, if you start a film with that as your goal, as opposed to telling a story, you won’t make a good film.”

This entry was posted on March 1, 2012.