From the release:

Independent film studio Caviar today welcomes Joseph Mann to its roster of talent in the United States. Mann is best known for bringing worlds and characters to life through an instinctive blend of handmade craft and cinematic storytelling. At the heart of his work is a sharp instinct for comedy, rooted in character, performance, and the unexpected.

Mann studied at Glasgow School of Art, where he began making his own films as a stop-frame animator, before moving back to London to continue his filmmaking career. That same instinct for making things and bringing them to life in-camera is at the heart of his recent LEGO spot, “The Galaxy Plays Back.” The ad launched the LEGO x Star Wars SMART Play technology, bringing together huge physical sets, an ensemble of characters, and multiple universes in one story centered on two kids journeying into play.

Mann takes a hands-on approach to filmmaking, favoring practical solutions and real-world craft wherever possible. As he puts it, “If we’re having a ball making it, that comes through on screen. There’s something about seeing something human-made; people connect with it!” Celebrated for his fusion of live action and animation, his work spans commercials, music videos, and short films, distinguished by whimsical, meticulously detailed visuals.

He has collaborated with major brands including AXE, Lay’s, O2, Coca-Cola, Candy Crush, Deliveroo, and Cravendale. His work has earned international awards, including Creative Circle and the British Arrows, as well as recognition at film festivals such as Rushes Soho Shorts.

“The process of making the work is everything to me. I take pride in ensuring everyone else enjoys it too,” said Mann. “Honestly, I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I get to work with people all around the world who are the best at their craft, and I’m buzzing to be adding the folks at Caviar to the list! I can’t wait to get stuck in and get making with them all!”

“Joseph is a genius craftsman and storyteller,” said Salim El Arja, executive producer at Caviar. “He can take something surreal, build it for real, make you laugh and somehow still hit you emotionally. He could make you care about a film about his toes — and, actually, he already has. There are very few directors who can bring that much craft, humor, and humanity together, and for me Joseph has everything it takes to be making some of the biggest, most ambitious work out there. We’re very lucky to have him at Caviar.”

Mann is represented by Blinkink in the UK, Hamlet in France, Brussels, and Asia, and Spy Films in Canada.