Michael Bagnato Finds Joy in Teaching the Next Generation of Filmmakers

"I seek to provide students with industry background and film examples that are new and endearing, that are tangible to their needs as aspiring artists, and that inspire a creative bent in young filmmakers. Students can expect an educator that will be supportive to their needs, empathetic to their experiences and open to learning from his students."

Michael Bagnato, M.F.A.

What inspired your passion for a career in cinema?

I was at a common crossroads in my 20s, where I did not know what to do with my life or career. I recognized during my formative undergraduate years at Duquesne University that I went to school for something I truly disliked and was uncomfortable with. I lost a job that was keeping me afloat and, frankly, I was sick of these odd jobs that were not valuable to me outside of paying bills.

I decided to pause to think about what my interests are, which inevitably were cinema and filmmaking. I chose the M.F.A. in Film and Digital Technology at Chatham University, knowing that if I couldn’t find a way into the local film industry, I would be able to teach and share the philosophies and knowledge of cinema I cherish so much today. I worked with colleagues and friends that wanted to make films as well, and I ran with them towards creative, artistic projects, commercial content, nonprofit work, etc.

Much of what I gained in school was related to understanding how film programs in higher education function and what is offered, while much of the actual learning about filmmaking and cinematography came from my own pursuits. After the pandemic, I recognized very quickly that I had been gravitating towards teaching more than the film industry, and I began to make a focused push towards teaching as my main career and directive, which brought me to Point Park University in 2022.

I still have deeply-seeded aspirations to keep making artistic short-form content that is truly my own, while also working on colleague’s projects as a cinematographer or gaffer; I typically try to use the summers as the time to create freely.

Tell us about your career path and what brought you to Point Park University.

I had a deep affinity for image making and cinema, as painting, sketching and photography were my hobbies. I realized I was unhappy and unfulfilled and that something must change. I decided that whatever I do next in my life, I must strive for something that brings me joy, fulfillment and nourishment.

I began to envelop myself in the beauty of international cinema from Italy, Japan, France, Africa, Taiwan and many other places. I found a deep love and passion for analog filmmaking and small, artistic film projects that has fulfilled me in so many ways.

After earning my M.F.A., I began teaching media-related courses, filming short-form creative content, commercial content, getting on commercial sets in the camera department, as well as working as an equipment technician with The Camera Department, a local cinema equipment rental house. I knew I wanted to further my experience in higher education, and last summer I was fortunate enough to learn about open positions that I applied for and humbly accepted. I am grateful for my journey, my experiences, the opportunities here at Point Park, and I am so thankful for the presence of cinema in my life.

What courses do you teach in our cinema program?

Advanced Cinematography
Intermediate Cinematography
Production I, II
Visual Analysis

What can students expect in your classes?

Students can expect energy and enthusiasm in the way in which I present information. I like to incorporate a Praxis-based methodology that focuses on teaching students practical information that can be tangibly used to further one’s experiences, knowledge and career. The hope is that once students graduate, they will feel secure in the information learned and experiences gained over the course of their time at Point Park.

I seek to provide students with industry background and film examples that are new and endearing, that are tangible to their needs as aspiring artists, and that inspire a creative bent in young filmmakers. Students can expect an educator that will be supportive to their needs, empathetic to their experiences and open to learning from his students.

What’s it like teaching the next generation of artists at Point Park University?

Teaching the next generation of artists, creators, imagemakers and storytellers is truly an honor and a joy to experience as an educator. I am in the privileged position of being brought into young filmmaker’s projects and films, and being able to see so much creativity, joy and growth through adversity. I often ask students to share their filmmaking experiences — ones that may be difficult or joyous — and many are so open and honest about their progress and growth as artists that it truly inspires me. It’s a gift to be an educator and to be in the position to educate and support so many talented artists.

What advice do you have to a prospective student considering Point Park’s Department of Cinema Arts?

You must understand that higher education, in all its forms and intricacies, is simply a tool, and that tools can only do so much for you in your growth and experience. If you decide to join the community and culture here at Point Park, I ask you to seek what you are passionate about, what excites you, what inspires you to create and share, because only then will you know how to properly use the tool that is higher education to help build your career.

Point Park will provide you with opportunities to connect with fellow students and colleagues, opportunities to create films and to share ideas with like-minded individuals and opportunities to gain experience in the film industry here in Pittsburgh. You will receive industry knowledge from some of the most experienced, thoughtful and caring educators this city has to give, and you’ll be provided with the most important thing of all: an opportunity to grow and expand in exactly the way you would like.

For me as an educator, there is nothing more profound than to watch students as they grow, learn and progress in their own lives, and to be a part of that inspiring time when passions crystallize and form for each person.