Jason Spagnuoli ’03 Teaching the Next Generation of Filmmakers

Jason Spagnuoli took his Purchase degree in Dramatic Writing to become a teacher of film at The Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Queens.

There he teaches both sophomore and senior film production, as well as Introduction to Screenwriting to freshmen. Jason aspires to help grow the filmmakers of the future, and believes that the student/teacher relationship is truly a symbiotic one; ideally, “we learn from each other, both how to be better artists, and human beings.”

Jason graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BFA in Dramatic Writing (now Playwriting and Screenwriting) from SUNY Purchase in 2003. Inspired by films such as Clerks, Chasing Amy, and the socialist dramas of the Dardenne Brothers, Ken Loach, and Andrea Arnold, Jason has been forging a path for himself the last few years as a filmmaker. Marrying the story craft he garnered at Purchase, in addition to the lessons his predecessors have provided, Jason’s belief is that “experience is the best teacher.” As a result, he spends his summer vacations making short films. Jason also spends his summers traveling, including exploring the country’s vast, and beautiful National Parks.

Jason resides in Oakland Gardens, Queens with his son.