Joseph Micallef
Los Angeles
Summary
MFA-trained animation educator and creative technologist with over 15 years in teaching and production. Founded World Model Research to investigate AI and ML in creative workflows, integrating innovative tools into storytelling and education. Expertise in translating complex AI concepts into engaging course content for diverse audiences.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder & Research Lead
World Model Research
Los Angeles
01.2024 - Current
- Founded World Model Research to explore world models as the next foundation for AI and ML beyond LLMs, using synthetic worlds, simulation, and machine imagination as core training paradigms.
- Developed Dreamer / JEPA-compatible training pipeline, enhancing capabilities in latent dynamics, multi-view logging, and offline reinforcement learning approaches including PPO, A2C, and BC.
- Create WorldSpec, a domain-specific language for defining synthetic worlds, physics regimes, tasks, and anomaly triggers, streamlining world model development.
- Built a world-model-native simulation engine using Three.js + Blender supporting custom physics, portals, magical environments, NPCs, and hybrid 2D/3D worlds.
- Introduced Authored Anomalies: narrative-driven, artist-created surprises that improved teaching of causal reasoning and adaptability over traditional procedural noise.
- Conduct independent AI/ML research on world models, generalization, curriculum learning, causal abstraction, and hybrid visual representation.
- Translate advanced technical ideas into talks, workshops, and educational materials relevant to media, entertainment, and future creative production.
Founder / Creative Technology Lead
Cognitive Space Consulting
Los Angeles
01.2024 - Current
- Advised on AI-enhanced creative workflows and prototype development for emerging media and storytelling applications, improving project outcomes.
- Guided collaborators in leveraging AI to identify business opportunities and optimize content formats and production workflows.
- Utilized vibe coding and rapid prototyping to develop demos and tools, enhancing understanding of complex systems through educational experiences.
Workshop Leader / Public Program Educator
Independent Programs and Creative Technology Workshops
Los Angeles
01.2020 - Current
- Lead workshops focused on AI-assisted creativity, world building, digital storytelling, and next-generation creative workflows.
- Designed presentations and hands-on exercises to simplify complex AI and media concepts for students, artists, and early-career creatives.
- Connected emerging technologies with practical applications in entertainment, design, and media industries.
Instructor / Curriculum Designer
Pasadena City College and OTIS Extension
Los Angeles
01.2013 - Current
- Teach college-level and extension courses in animation, digital art, Photoshop, web design, AI art, storytelling, and creative technology.
- Develop syllabi, lectures, assignments, and critiques that translate complex technical ideas into accessible, engaging learning experiences.
- Integrated AI tools and current production workflows into classroom instruction, enhancing students' understanding of practical and critical dimensions of creative technology.
- Guided students in media literacy, visual storytelling, and emerging tools, illustrating how creative industries evolve with new production technologies.
- Provided detailed feedback and graded student work while supporting project development and professional preparation.
Director of Multimedia / Innovation Studio Lead
Motorcar Parts of America
Los Angeles
01.2013 - 11.2025
- Built and led an internal innovation studio focused on video, animation, interactive media, AI-enhanced production, and branded storytelling.
- Integrated AI-assisted workflows into production and content development, streamlining processes to enhance creative ideation and iteration.
- Translated complex technical subject matter into clear visual stories, improving understanding in manufacturing, product education, and communication.
- Developed insights on how automation, metadata, content reuse, and new creative tools transform labor dynamics and media workflows.
Animation Instructor
Loyola Marymount University
Los Angeles
01.2007 - 01.2010
- Instructed undergraduate students in Maya, After Effects, and Flash, enhancing their technical skills in animation software.
- Guided students through animation workflows, emphasizing motion, timing, and visual storytelling to develop their production capabilities.
- Facilitated engaging classroom discussions to enhance student understanding and participation.
- Developed curriculum for diverse student populations at a leading private university.
- Assessed student performance through innovative evaluation methods and feedback.
Teaching Assistant
University of Southern California
Los Angeles
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Served as first teaching assistant for USC's inaugural undergraduate animation course, establishing foundational support for students.
- Provided instruction, critique, and technical guidance to enhance student development in a rigorous studio environment.
- Facilitated classroom discussions, promoting engagement among diverse student groups.
- Graded assignments and provided constructive feedback to enhance student learning.
- Assisted professors in preparing course materials and resources for students.
Education
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Animation
University of Southern California
01-2008
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Graphic Design with an emphasis on Painting and Computer Graphics
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI01-1995
Skills
- AI image generation
- World modeling
- Synthetic design
- Multimodal prototyping
- Rapid experimentation
- Simulation systems
- Photoshop
- Illustrator
- After Effects
- Premiere Pro
- Unity
- Unreal Engine
- Research presentations
- Critique
- Team leadership
- Public speaking
- Workshop facilitation
- Presentation development
- Remote collaboration tools
- Course communication
- Industry networking
- Course administration
- Academic systems familiarity
Websites
Locations
Los Angeles, CA
Why Fit This Role
- Strong fit for a USC course on AI and the future of media, cinematic arts, and entertainment business
- Able to connect technical AI concepts with storytelling, production workflows, labor shifts, monetization, and critical/ethical discussion
- Brings current hands-on research in world models, simulation, and creative AI beyond surface-level tool familiarity
- Comfortable teaching survey-level students while still grounding discussion in real production, business, and research contexts
- Offers a combination of academic teaching experience, entertainment design knowledge, AI fluency, and strong classroom communication
Selected Distinctions
- Adobe Scholar
- Founder of World Model Research
- 10+ years teaching at Pasadena City College and OTIS Extension
- Early adopter of AI with hands-on use in teaching, media, and entertainment design
- Strong background spanning animation, multimedia production, research, and emerging creative technology
Timeline
Founder & Research Lead
World Model Research
01.2024 - Current
Founder / Creative Technology Lead
Cognitive Space Consulting
01.2024 - Current
Workshop Leader / Public Program Educator
Independent Programs and Creative Technology Workshops
01.2020 - Current
Instructor / Curriculum Designer
Pasadena City College and OTIS Extension
01.2013 - Current
Director of Multimedia / Innovation Studio Lead
Motorcar Parts of America
01.2013 - 11.2025
Animation Instructor
Loyola Marymount University
01.2007 - 01.2010
Teaching Assistant
University of Southern California
01.2007 - 01.2008
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) - Animation
University of Southern California
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) - Graphic Design with an emphasis on Painting and Computer Graphics
Wayne State University