Joseph Umana was born, raised, and educated in Los Angeles. He comes from a Central American/Native family background. Joseph attended the American Film Institute as a Directing fellow, then earning an M.F.A. from USC School of Cinematic Arts. Joseph was a HFPA Fellow and has won grants from Kodak and Panavision for his film THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE (including an ASC Honorable Mention).

Joseph has worked in production on indie features in the USA and Spain, he served as Head of Social Media at Wayfarer Entertainment (founded by Justin Baldoni). As a Latino gender nonbinary former foster youth, he supports many groups and causes. He is a member of NALIP, California LGBT Arts Alliance, YEA, and volunteers with foster children, trans youth, and local indigenous groups.

Currently, he leads the social and digital department for Pantelion + Pantaya(Lionsgate). When not writing he is a foodie and lover of fine arts.