James Savoca's unique background in the theater has set him apart in today's film world. His education in a traditional institution has allowed him to bring a distinct approach to filmmaking, one that focuses on the writing and acting in an organic, cinema verite fashion. Unlike modern cinema's fast-paced editing and unconventional camera techniques, Savoca's films prioritize storytelling and character development.
After studying acting at Carnegie Hall with Louise Lasser, Savoca began his career in the theater, performing in New York's Off-Off-Broadway scene. In 1990, he founded the theater group Big Head Productions, which presented his first full-length play, Talk To Me, to sold-out audiences at Tom Noonan's Paradise Theatre.
Savoca continued to write and produce Off-Off-Broadway plays, including Off My Back, Tomorrow Never Comes, and Just Like Television. In 1995, he formed a sketch comedy group called The Guilty Players, which performed weekly at New York's Under Acme in Greenwich Village.
In 1996, Savoca made his foray into filmmaking with a short 16mm film, Revelation (1997),starring Kevin Corrigan. The film premiered on The Sundance Channel and marked the beginning of his journey as a filmmaker.
Savoca went on to establish his own production company, Solo Group Productions, and made his feature film debut with Sleepwalk (2000),starring Drea de Matteo, Ivan Martin, and John Lurie. The film premiered at SXSW Film Festival and was showcased on the Independent Film Channel for three years.
His second feature film, The Crooked Corner (2005),starred Chris Messina and Marlo Marron and was written, directed, and produced by Savoca. In 2008, he wrote and directed his third feature film, Around June (2008),starring Samaire Armstrong, Jon Gries, and Brad William Henke.
Throughout his career, Savoca has explored themes of humanity and the struggles of individuals who have fallen between the cracks of society. His films often feature characters who are struggling to find their place in the world, and his unique approach to storytelling has earned him a reputation as a distinctive and innovative filmmaker.
