Joel E. Colman, a director, cinematographer, photographer, teacher and writer, died on March 20 in Pacific Palisades. He was 76. Colman directed more than 1,300 commercials for television and six feature films, including ‘Big Time’ for Motown Productions. He also directed celebrity play readings at the Coronet Theatre and, locally, he was a member of Theatre Palisades. He was also the writer of several screenplays and the self-help book ‘Get Rid of Your Archaeological Garbage and Get a Life!’ Colman received several awards as the staff director and cinematographer for MPO-TV, a large commercial production company. One of the successful commercials he directed was Eastman Kodak’s ‘Green, Green Grass of Home.’ Colman was known as an inspirational mentor to hundreds of students. He was always ready with entertainment-career advice and amusing insights. ‘You know your life is working,’ he said, ‘when you find a parking space in Westwood.’ He is survived by his son Ed; daughter Eileen Gallion; grandchildren Brian, Megan and Jake; brother David Colman, sister Judy Everts, and niece Michelle Friedman. Services were held on March 22 at Hillside Memorial Park.
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