In the Classroom: Joe Fugallo

Joe Fugallo is an inventor, filmmaker and production specialist known primarily for his work in the camera and electrical departments on major television and film projects. Some of his notable works are ONE SHOT with Ed Sheeran on Netflix, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Prime Video), God Friended Me (CBS), and Gotham (FOX). Beyond filmmaking, he is an inventor and Chief Design Officer at Ajustco, where he co-invented the “Anchor Thread” embedded anchoring system.

Joe is also a 2010 Nassau BOCES graduate who found time in his busy schedule, and amid being on the road with Post Malone and Jelly Roll to come back to work with his former teacher, Mrs. Morgan, and the TV/Film Media students at LIHSA during the month of March.

The focus of Joe’s work was to teach students how to use a wireless follow focus system to cinematically film their short stories, specifically how to use focus control as a means of storytelling, and the techniques/logistics behind the art and science of focus pulling.  The students have also benefited from Joe sharing his knowledge about the industry, giving the students real world, relevant advice about post-secondary plans, the job market and the differences and benefits of applying for different positions once they are in college and looking ahead into their careers.

Tagan Moran, a senior from Division Avenue High School in Levittown, shared, “Working with Joe Fugallo has been beneficial because he taught technical terms I didn’t know before and more specific things about the industry that will help me make decisions in the future.”

Nayah Coicou, a senior from Freeport High School said, “Joe is such a cool guy and I’m glad he came to LIHSA to work with us. I hope to work again with him in the future.”

Kingsley Ngitngit, a junior from Syosset High School, shared, “It was really fun and informative to work with Joe Fugallo. I learned a lot of techniques in filming and broadcasting from him.”

Joe expressed how grateful he is to have the opportunity to come to LIHSA and give back to younger generations. “It has been so wonderful to meet such driven, passionate, and talented students. Working with them as well as Mrs. Morgan has been a highlight of my year. I’m very much looking forward to seeing the students get out in the industry and climb the ranks to their dream jobs.”

Keep scrolling to see photos from his visits.