James Savoca, Instructor
Writer/Director/Producer

After studying Film and Photography at Syracuse University, and working as a camera operator (NBC affilate station), James moved to New York, where he worked as a staff photographer (still life and fashion), production assistant on feature films (Sidney Lumet, Barry Levinson) and studied acting at Carnegie Hall with Louise Lasser.

In 1990, James founded the theater group Big Head Productions. His first full length play Talk to Me, which he wrote and directed, sold out audiences at Tom Noonan's Paradise Theatre. He followed-up with off-Broadway productions of Off My Back, Tomorrow Never Comes and Just Like Television. Then in 1995, he assembled a sketch comedy group called The Guilty Players, performing weekly at New York's Under Acme in Greenwich Village.

In 1996, James wrote and directed a short 16mm film called Revelation, starring Kevin Corrigan. Revelation made its broadcast premiere on The Sundance Channel.

After his first taste of filmmaking, James started his own production company, Solo Group Productions. In 2000, James made his feature film debut, writing and directing Sleepwalk, starring Drea de Matteo, Ivan Martin and John Lurie. Sleepwalk was shot on 35mm and premiered at SXSW Film Festival. The Independent Film Channel showcased Sleepwalk as part of IFC's Next Wave Films where it ran monthly for 3 years.

In 2005 James completed his second feature film, The Crooked Corner, which he wrote, directed and produced.

James has worked with a variety of talented actors such as the Emmy winning Drea de Matteo, John Lurie, Michael Rapaport, Kevin Corrigan and Victor Argo.

To view trailers, clips, reel and reviews, go to savocafilms.com