Meet James Piscitelli
James Piscitelli has been making micro budget shorts and features for over thirty years. From super 8 film through the digital revolution, Jim has been making films with a dark comedic edge. Outside of film, Jim also works in insurance, and previously in law.Career Journey & Inspiration
What was the defining moment that made you realize you wanted to pursue filmmaking?
It was 1980. I was thirteen and I was watching this young guy on the Dick Cavett show being interviewed. He said he was a director and made a number of movies, Jaws, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Raiders of the Lost Ark. I had seen all these movies and loved them. I realized that this guy (Steven Speilberg) had made them all. It was like seeing the wizard behind the curtain. I was hooked and from that point, I wanted to make movies.
Who or what has had the greatest influence on your creative journey?
Initially Spielberg, Lucas and their ability to thrill and entertain. Later, it was Coppola and Scorsese and the ability to tell very personal stories. Next came Kubrick and his precision with camera and script creating near perfect movies. That led me to Truffaut, Kurosawa, Fellini and Bergman which showed me film as universal medium bridging cultures and languages.
What was your first project, and what did you learn from it?
A very rough super 8 silent short film made in high school. I learned how to tell a story with images only.
Looking back, what was the biggest challenge you faced breaking into the industry?
Time. I didn’t come up through the traditional pipeline, so filmmaking had to coexist with law, business, and adulthood.
Which project are you most proud of, and why?
Larry Armstrong: Amateur Astronaut. It’s the first film where the tone, performances, and story actually matched what was in my head.
Creative Process & Behind the Scenes
Can you walk us through your process when starting a new project?
It starts with a dumb “what if type situation” that won’t leave me alone. Then I outline aggressively and pretend this was the plan all along.
How do you approach developing a story or visual style?
I start with the character and what that character believes or wants. Then we challenge those beliefs and wants. We test the character and that becomes the spine of the story.
What’s something about the filmmaking process most people would be surprised to learn?
How little of it is glamorous. It’s mostly problem-solving and pretending everything is totally fine.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment that changed the way you view filmmaking?
An actor improvised a line better than what I wrote. That’s when I learned flexibility and humility.
How do you handle creative differences with collaborators?
I ask if the idea serves the story or just someone’s ego — especially mine.
Pushing Boundaries
How do you challenge yourself creatively?
I try to set big goals for each project. My hope is we shoot for the stars but hopefully end up in the sky or at least above ground.
What risks have you taken creatively that paid off?
Committing fully to mockumentary style on Larry Armstrong. No safety net, just vibes and editing. Making The Ninth Circle as a full-length film and even though it took more years than I would have liked it all came together.
Have you taken a risk that didn’t work?
Plenty. Mostly scenes I thought were hilarious but turned out to be ‘interesting ideas,’ which is filmmaker code for cut it.
How do you balance personal storytelling with universal themes?
I focus on emotions everyone understands, then drop them into ridiculous situations.
In what ways do you see film as cultural or social change?
Comedy lowers defenses. If people laugh first, they’re open to something real afterward.
Funding & Sustainability
What has been your experience raising funds?
Self-funded, resourceful, and occasionally held together with duct tape and goodwill.
How do financial constraints influence creativity?
They force clarity. When you don’t have money, you turn the limitations into creative opportunities.
What strategies help sustain a career?
I don’t rely on filmmaking to pay the bills. That freedom keeps the work honest.
Advice for filmmakers struggling with funding?
Shrink the scope, not the ambition. Then make it excellent.
Is funding easier or harder today?
Both. Tools are cheaper; attention is expensive.
BONUS: Advice for first-time fundraisers?
Sell belief, belief that your project has a great idea people need to see.
Indie vs. Mainstream
What do indie films offer that mainstream misses?
Awkward honesty. Indie films give you freedom, freedom to take chances, break some rules and challenge an audience.
Pressure to go mainstream?
No one has pressured me but me.
How has streaming changed opportunities?
More access, less patience. You have five minutes to stop the scroll.
Is the line between indie and mainstream blurring?
Absolutely. It’s less about budget now and more about intent.
Where does your work fit?
Independent in spirit but accessible in tone.
Final Thoughts
BONUS: What do you want people to remember most about your work?
That it was funny, absurd, human, and honest.
More details on James can be found here: James Piscitelli – IMDb
Red PaSH Magazine is a lifestyle publication. Our slogan is “all your tiny obsessions.” We are strong advocates of self-love, self-care, body positivity and supporting minorities, especially women, people of color and communities not highlighted in mainstream media. Please send pitches to southernpashmag@gmail.com. Please note that we sometimes use affiliate links. If you purchase anything from a link we have provided, we may receive a small commission. This money is used to help support our efforts at PaSH Inc. Check out our sister magazines, PaSH Magazine, GlowNoire, socailvine, plurvylife. and Exploregeorgianow.com.