Joseph B. Wallenstein

Before playing a vital role at one of the nation's most prestigious film schools, Wallenstein was a producer during the early days of two long-running TV hits, the primetime soap "Knots Landing," where he also wrote episodes during his three-year stay, and the feel-good family drama "7th Heaven," which introduced Jessica Biel to the masses. Wallenstein got started as a freelance production assistant on movies. He later directed commercials and served as an assistant or second assistant director for classic 1970s films like "The Godfather" and "The Paper Chase." Wallenstein, the son of an interior designer and a social worker, graduated from New York University. Though he's less active in TV and movies these days, Wallenstein has kept busy. He oversees and administers all aspects of student filming at the University of Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. He also supervises the staff and the daily operations of the Student Production Office.