Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe Heath.
Hi Joe, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My dad drew comic strips and had written a few things when I was growing up.
That creativity rubbed off on me and I started making short films around the age of 14 or so. Shortly after that, I made a feature-length film called “Life with Death” that wasn’t terribly good, but I did finish it! Then I just kept making things: Short films, web series, podcasts, screenplays, novels.
I’ve even worked on a few television series! Now, I write pop culture articles for a living while still making creative work on the side.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s been a very bumpy road with twists, turns, and possibly a few forks thrown in there for good measure.
My family went through a rough patch where my mother was hospitalized and due to a complicated mix of other terrible nonsense, we lost our house and had to move. I was in the middle of making a web series at the time and filming it at my house, so that was effectively canceled.
At another point, I had filmed part of a short film at a friend’s house and had to start over from the very beginning when he lost his house to a tornado! Other than house-related incidents, I’ve struggled to find a way to get my foot in various doors, find a manager, or just find the time and energy to be creative.
I still struggle with those things, actually.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m mostly a writer. I’ve co-written two novels, a bunch of short films, pilots, and screenplays. I also act and direct. I tend to write comedy, horror, or a weird mix of the two.
I don’t know if I’m most known for anything yet, but it’s probably for “Road Trippy” which is a novel I co-wrote with Ray Friesen and Christine Cherry that I then adapted into a screenplay that has been racking up lots of festival laurels. That screenplay is also what I’m most proud of because it’s just so dang good.
Everything came together to make the weird ’80s road trip up-all-night comedy with Murderzebras I’ve always wanted to see. Hopefully one day it will be on the big screen and you can enjoy it too. As for what sets me apart from others, it’s probably just my ability to get things done and done consistently.
I am very persistent. Also, I have cool hair.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Knoxville has so many neat attractions!
The Sunsphere, the giant Rubik’s cube, the free museum. The free museum has an art exhibit of miniatures! I love that it has interesting things, both big and small.
My least favorite thing is that I don’t get to go out there enough and explore!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/mintypineapple
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mintypineapple/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mintypineapple
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MintyPineapple
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JosephHeath
