Jeanne Marie Spicuzza, a dynamic and multifaceted individual, boasts an impressive array of talents and accomplishments that showcase her remarkable versatility.
Born in the vibrant city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Jeanne Marie was fortunate to have been raised by a pair of esteemed educators, Robert and Marianne, who instilled in her a strong foundation of creativity and self-expression from a very young age.
Jeanne Marie embarked on a lifelong journey in the realm of acting at the tender age of six, showcasing her innate talent and passion for the craft. In a remarkable display of precocity, she went on to pen her inaugural stage play at the ripe age of ten, a testament to her burgeoning creativity and artistic aptitude.
Following the arrival of her daughter, Stephanie, Jeanne Marie pursued further education, obtaining her GED, a significant achievement in its own right, and subsequently earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in philosophy and psychology from the esteemed University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. This impressive academic feat served as a testament to her unwavering dedication to personal growth and self-improvement, a quality that would undoubtedly serve her well in her future endeavors.
Jeanne Marie embarked on a multifaceted educational journey, delving into the realms of classical studies, fine art, art history, and comparative religious studies, as well as exploring the fascinating world of herbology and ethnobotany.
Jeanne Marie embarked on a comprehensive training regimen, honing her craft at the esteemed The Groundlings Theatre and School, as well as the prestigious Theatre Royal Haymarket. Under the guidance of distinguished acting instructors such as the accomplished Diane Salinger, Ivana Chubbuck, and Marjorie Ballentine, Jeanne Marie developed her skills and refined her art.
In addition to her rigorous training, Jeanne Marie dedicated a significant amount of time to researching her first screenplay, "Breath of God." A monumental undertaking that spanned seven years, this thorough exploration of her subject matter laid the foundation for a deeply nuanced and richly detailed script.
The culmination of Jeanne Marie's tireless efforts was a screenplay that not only showcased her mastery of storytelling but also garnered recognition from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting. "Breath of God" earned a coveted semifinalist spot, a testament to Jeanne Marie's dedication, perseverance, and exceptional writing abilities.
Jeanne Marie's cinematic endeavors have garnered significant recognition, with her short film "Field Day" being showcased at the prestigious Portobello Film Festival, a renowned platform for emerging talent. Furthermore, her motion picture "The Scarapist" has received critical acclaim, taking home the esteemed VDKUF award.
Beyond her filmic pursuits, Jeanne Marie has also made a name for herself in the music industry, having performed at various festivals, including the iconic Lollapalooza, the female-focused Ladyfest, and the historic Green Mill. Her talents have also been showcased on television and radio, with appearances on Lifetime, NPR, and the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Her cinematic creations have had the distinction of being showcased at a multitude of esteemed film festivals, including the LA Femme Film Festival, a prominent platform that celebrates the talents of female filmmakers, as well as the Weyauwega International Film Festival, which attracts a diverse range of audiences from around the world.
Furthermore, her films have also been featured at several other notable film festivals, such as the Wisconsin Film Festival, a celebration of cinema that takes place in the heart of America's dairyland, and the Portobello Film Festival, a popular event that brings together filmmakers, industry professionals, and movie enthusiasts in the vibrant city of London.
In addition to their festival runs, her films have also been presented at the Berlinale European Film Market, a premier platform that connects filmmakers with industry professionals, buyers, and distributors from all over the globe. This prestigious market provides a unique opportunity for her to showcase her work to a wide and diverse range of audiences, and to connect with like-minded individuals who share her passion for the art of filmmaking.
Jeanne Marie has not only participated in numerous poetry slams globally, but has also garnered recognition and accolades from a diverse array of esteemed organizations, including the Shepherd Express, a prominent Milwaukee-based publication, the National Organization for Women, a leading advocacy group dedicated to women's rights, Farrago Poetry, a respected literary magazine, Fade-In Magazine, a well-established publication focusing on the arts, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, a prestigious organization honoring outstanding achievements in the film industry, the Vatican Division of Arts and Culture, a prominent cultural institution within the Catholic Church, and numerous other notable entities.
Jeanne Marie's debut CD, bearing her own name, received a prestigious nomination for the coveted Golden Headset Award. Although her work fell short by a mere three votes, it was still an impressive achievement, considering the caliber of competition it faced. The audio recording "James Earl Jones Reads The New Testament" ultimately took home the prize, but Jeanne Marie's nomination was still a notable accomplishment.
In addition to her music, Jeanne Marie is also a published author, with her work appearing in various esteemed literary journals. Her writing has garnered attention and recognition, including nominations for the esteemed Pushcart Prize.
Hildegard von Bingen's cinematic venture, "Breath of God: The True Story of Hildegard von Bingen", has garnered widespread acclaim, with renowned filmmaker David Lynch offering his enthusiastic endorsement.
In a remarkable display of interfaith harmony, the project has received blessings from not one, but two successive Popes: Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI.
Furthermore, audio excerpts from the screenplay are currently on permanent display at the esteemed Brooklyn Museum, as part of Judy Chicago's iconic installation, "The Dinner Party", a testament to the enduring significance of Hildegard's remarkable life and legacy.
Jeanne Marie, a renowned author, has penned a plethora of books, with her notable works including "Beautiful Terrible & True", "My Italia", and "For Beautiful Children Like You", all of which have been published by the esteemed Libri Publishers.
In addition to her impressive bibliography, Jeanne Marie has also successfully completed her inaugural novel, "Making Angels", which was inspired by the motion picture project of the same title.
Jeanne Marie is a resident of Los Angeles, a city that has provided her with a thriving environment to nurture her various creative pursuits. Despite her busy schedule, she continues to dedicate herself to her diverse array of projects, with a particular focus on her upcoming feature film, "Night Rain".
