Max Joseph

Max Joseph is an American filmmaker, director, and television host whose career spans documentary filmmaking, feature films, and reality television. Joseph studied film at Brown University and began his career as a video editor before transitioning into directing. He produced more than 100 short films, commercials, and web videos, many of which achieved viral success in the digital media landscape. His early work as a documentary filmmaker often explored topics such as oil addiction and education, reflecting a focus on social issues.

Joseph joined Nev Schulman as co-host of the reality show "Catfish: The TV Show" on MTV, which is based on the documentary "Catfish." The show investigates online relationships and digital deception. Joseph co-hosted the program for seven seasons, filming each episode with his own camera to create a distinctive, cinematic approach to reality television. He missed five episodes during the fourth season to direct his first feature film, "We Are Your Friends," a romantic drama set in the world of electronic music.

After his tenure on "Catfish," Joseph collaborated with Monica Lewinsky to produce "15 Minutes of Shame," a documentary for HBO Max examining the culture of public shaming and its impact on individuals and society. The film uses follow-doc storytelling, social experiments, and expert interviews to explore the dynamics of digital media, social behavior, and accountability.

Joseph has directed several other films, including "12 Years of DFA: Too Old to Be New, Too New to Be Classic" and "Garden of Eden." Raised in New York and based in Los Angeles, Joseph brings a global perspective to his work, focusing on themes such as human connection, ambition, and the intersection of technology and culture. His projects are recognized for their journalistic approach, social awareness, and visual storytelling, contributing to ongoing conversations about digital culture, media ethics, and human behavior.