By Norman Joseph: Bridging Bollywood and Hollywood
Norman Joseph, a creative force from Mumbai, has made an inspiring transition from Bollywood to Hollywood. His journey, marked by passion and determination, recently culminated in his role as General Technical Director for the animated blockbuster Moana 2.
Joseph’s love for the arts was kindled during his childhood, spending time on Indian film sets as a child actor. His initial break came in Indian television with PT Sagar on Doordarshan, an experience he fondly recalls as “an incredible opportunity.”
Pioneering Indian Talent in Global Animation
Though acting was his first love, Joseph chose a different path. After four years as a software engineer, he pivoted to study computer graphics, a decision that led to his breakthrough in Hollywood’s animation industry. “Animation is about a community coming together to create something beautiful and impactful,” he explained.
Joseph’s Hollywood journey began with Big Hero 6 in 2014, and since then, he has contributed to several major animated films. For Moana 2, he collaborated with the lighting department to refine workflows and technology, further enhancing the film’s visual impact.
Despite his significant contributions, Joseph acknowledges that off-camera talents often remain underappreciated compared to on-screen stars like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra. However, he embraces this reality, stating, “It’s about making a global impact, whether in America or India.”
Moana 2 features returning voices like Auliʻi Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson, alongside new talent. The film officially hits Indian theatres today, November 29, continuing Joseph’s legacy of contributing to impactful global cinema.
