Biographie
Throughout his career, Joe Lawson has undertaken numerous roles in filmmaking: director, writer, practical and digital visual effects supervisor and artist, storyboard artist, voice-over artist, and actor. He has directed both animated and live-action projects, including five feature films, commercials, Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future, Animal Armageddon, and Roughnecks: The Starship Troopers Chronicles.
He also created the digital effect of an arrow piercing Peter Jackson's chest in The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King while working at Rhythm & Hues studios.
In 1999, Joe relocated to Hollywood to work in visual effects and pursue his lifelong goal of directing, which he achieved in 2012 with his debut film, the sci-fi/horror adventure Nazis at the Center of the Earth. This was soon followed by the epic fantasy Clash of the Empires, filmed in Cambodia. He then directed the dinosaur feature Age of Dinosaurs starring Treat Williams and Ronny Cox. Demonstrating versatility, he also directed Alone for Christmas, a family comedy featuring David DeLuise and Kevin Sorbo, and most recently, the war drama Ardennes Fury.
Along the way, Joe held artist and supervisory roles at Foundation Imaging, Digital Domain, Rhythm and Hues, Zoic Studios, NBC/Universal, UFO Films, Radical 3D, and The Global Asylum. His work includes series such as Star Trek: Enterprise and SyFy Channel’s Caprica. He served as VFX supervisor on the cult hits Sharknado, Sharknado 2, Sharknado 3, and Sharknado 4.
Raised as the son of an Air Force sergeant, Joe moved frequently with his family, living in over 22 homes by the age of 18.
His media career began at a small student radio station in Neah Bay, Washington, progressing to news feature reporter and television commercial director/production department head for nearly 20 years at KRTV-3 in Great Falls, Montana. His accolades include a Rocky Mountain Emmy nomination, multiple Addy Awards, and a 1998 Advertising Federation Silver Medalist award. Joe founded and has operated his own interactive media, animation, and production company, Lawson Digital Arts, since 1992.
As a weather announcer, he had the opportunity to fly with the Blue Angels and has written, directed, and edited numerous documentaries and live specials.
Joe embraces challenges, whether directing in remote locations in a classic David Lean style or blending genres to create powerful, emotive, and memorable visuals that surpass expectations while adhering to budgets and deadlines. He is committed to effective team leadership, fostering efficient and enjoyable work environments on set and within departments.
Joe resides in Southern California with his wife Kelly and their two children.
