Let’s Talk NASA, Disney, and Caltech — With Kevin J. Hussey
When creativity intersects with science, unbelievable things happen.
In this episode of The Real Reel, we sit down with Kevin J. Hussey, the founding Manager of JPL’s Visualization Technology Applications and Development Group — a pioneer whose work has shaped how NASA, Disney, and Caltech bring invisible worlds to life.
If you’ve ever wondered how space data becomes art… how microscopic imagery turns into cinematic storytelling… or how visual tools help scientists understand the very planet we live on — this conversation is for you.
Who Is Kevin J. Hussey?
Kevin Hussey is the founding Manager of JPL’s Visualization Technology Applications and Development Group. He has spent the majority of his 45-year career pioneering innovative tools and techniques to graphically represent virtually every type of data and abstract information used by NASA and Walt Disney Feature Animation. Currently, his focus is on assisting Caltech/KACST’s Earth scientists in visualizing their research results. The FBI, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, National Archives, and the Department of Defense have all consulted Kevin, who has managed teams of software developers, engineers, and artists to visualize everything from scanning electron microscopy and radio galaxies to earthquakes and Disney cartoon characters.
The Intersection of Science, Art, and Storytelling
- Science produces the data
- Technology transforms the raw information
- Visualization communicates the meaning
Kevin breaks down how each field relies on the other — and why visual storytelling has become essential for everything from public education to scientific discovery.
- How NASA uses animation to explain complex missions—which helps us better understand complicated topics
- How Disney leverages scientific accuracy for believable worlds
- How visual tools help researchers “see” what the human eye can’t detect
What This Means for Creative Agencies & B2B Brands
- Outsourcing post-production helps busy production teams focus on being creative while Chromatic Visuals handles the technical aspects of the editing process
- Data visualization and post-production share the same mission: turn complexity into clarity
- Every brand can benefit from visual storytelling that explains, simplifies, and inspires
- Kevin’s work shows how powerful visuals can shift perspective, influence decisions, and communicate value
Chromatic Visuals is your post-production partner that you can trust. We are the one-stop shop for all things outsourcing post-production. From video editing to color grading to motion graphics to high-end VFX shots that require advanced compositing.
Final Thoughts — Why This Episode Matters
Talking with Kevin reminded me why storytelling and technology are inseparable. Visuals help us understand deep, complex topics. Kevin does such a great job with utilizing his skills to explain this exact idea. Watch the whole episode of with Kevin J Hussey, here!
Are you ready to call Chromatic Visuals your go-to post-production partner?
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/show/51OjuXo7yM1SLzYlj5AlJa?si=_24njknRT5a9P8E4JFa8YQ
Need a post-production partner? Start your project with Chromatic Visuals
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