Joey Travolta on the “Carol of the Bells” (2019) set.

JOEY TRAVOLTA

FOUNDER & CEO

Born into a show business family, Joey began his career as a performer in 1978 as a recording artist with Casablanca Records and starred in the feature film, Sunnyside (1979). Joey went on to star in many feature film and television pilots, guest spots and commercials. Joey has directed and produced over 40 films, including the critically acclaimed Enemies of Laughter (2000.) Before he made it on the big screen, Joey worked as a special education teacher in New Jersey.

In 2005, Joey produced the documentary Normal People Scare Me, while mentoring a fifteen year old boy with autism who directed the film. Inspired by that experience, Joey developed the curriculum for Inclusion Films, a program that has served thousands of aspiring neurodiverse filmmakers. Inclusion Films has a mission of inclusion -  to train people with different abilities in the art of filmmaking - helping to create a shift in employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.

The soft skills learned in the training program can be applied to other jobs and all aspects of their life.  When asked what drives his passion for inclusion, Travolta shared “My father raised us in an environment of inclusivity. Family was important, kindness was important, everyone was equal and everyone was welcome. That’s what first led me to being a special education educator. Partnering that passion for equality with filmmaking has become my life’s work.I want everyone to have that sense of belonging when they are trained by us, come to our camps or work with us on a film. That sense of belonging brings out the best in everyone - and has allowed for an environment for Inclusion Films' talented diverse team to work on projects ranging from an award winning feature film to PSAs and Documentaries for organizations across the country."