Joe Hackett, a talented individual with a rich background in the entertainment industry. He recently earned his Master of Fine Arts in Screenwriting from the University of Riverside, Palm Desert, where he was fortunate to be mentored by Joshua Malkin, program director Tod Goldberg, and esteemed teachers Mickey Birnbaum and Jill Essbaum.
Prior to his academic achievements, Hackett graduated from Villanova University and made his way to New York City, where he landed a role in a production of A Midsummer Night's Dream under the direction of the renowned Gene Feist, founder of the Roundabout Theatre. This early exposure to the world of theatre laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Hackett's professional journey continued with his stint as a series regular on the Fox show Beetleborgs, where he had the opportunity to work with esteemed directors John Putch, Gabe Torres, Bob Hughes, Doug Campbell, Worth Keeter, and Jeff Burr. He soon found himself collaborating with the legendary Dennis Hopper on the film Tycus.
Hackett's experience in television also includes work on the NBC show ER and the TNT show Southland. His passion for storytelling and filmmaking was further ignited when he co-wrote and directed the micro-budget film 818, which premiered on the big screen. This project, in turn, inspired him to return to school to hone his writing skills, thanks to the guidance of Anthony Giacchino and James Hanlon.
Throughout his career, Hackett has been fortunate to have worked alongside talented individuals, including his cohort Joe Hackett, who has gained valuable experience directing Lifetime movies under the guidance of Doug Campbell.
On a personal note, Hackett met his wife while performing in a Robert Anderson one-act play at Playhouse West in North Hollywood. Today, he is a proud father of incredible children and is grateful for the opportunities that have come his way.
