Joseph Eggleston "Joe" Johnston III (born May 13, 1950) is a well-known American film director, responsible for such films as Hidalgo, Jurassic Park III, October Sky, and Jumanji, amongst others. He was also the author of a book titled The Adventures of Teebo: A Tale of Magic and Suspense.
Johnston was educated at California State University, Long Beach, as well as the Art Center College of Design. Johnston responded to an ad looking for a storyboard artist at college, which turned out to be for George Lucas' Lucasfilm company. Johnston began working at the company, eventually promoted to a head storyboard position which frequently teamed him with Lucas in the editing room. Johnston later referred to working for Lucas as the best film school he could ever have when he watched Lucas do the editing for the Star Wars trilogy. Eventually, Johnston became disillusioned with his job and decided to leave Lucasfilm with his earnings to travel the world. But Lucas had other ideas when Johnston came to leave his notice. Lucas advised Johnston that he move him to the front line of applicants of his alma mater University of Southern California's Film School with Lucas paying for his tuition and keeping him on at half salary. Johnston said he didn't think twice when accepting Lucas' proposal, which he did in 1984.
Attended USC Film School in 1984.
He provided the final designs for "Star Wars" characters Yoda and Boba Fett.
Answered an ad while a student at Cal State-Long Beach, which was looking for employees. That ad was for George Lucas whom Johnston became acquainted with. He was employed a storyboard artist who would watch Lucas do his editing. Eventually, Johnston decided to leave Lucas' company and travel with the money he had saved up. But Lucas suggested that he go to USC film school (his alma mater), which Lucas would get him to the front of the line for applicants, pay for his tuition, and keep Johnston as a part time employee with his salary. Johnston said he would have been crazy not to accept the offer and immediately said yes.
