By Benjamin Pola

After spending a transformative summer in the USC School of Cinematic Arts’ Summer Program, Jonah Feingold ’13 fell deeper in love with filmmaking and the idea of attending film school at USC. Today, the New York–based filmmaker has built a career crafting witty, modern romantic comedies and his digital storytelling through his media company, Romantical. A graduate of SCA’s Film & Television Production Division, Feingold wrote, directed, and stars in his upcoming film 31 Candles, premiering theatrically this fall in New York, Los Angeles, Florida, and among other cities. His debut feature, Dating & New York, premiered at Tribeca in 2021, followed by At Midnight (Paramount+) and Exmas (Amazon). He recently wrapped Busboys, starring David Spade and Theo Von, which is now in post-production.

We caught up with Feingold ahead of his upcoming premiere to discuss his time at SCA and how it shaped his career and journey navigating the entertainment industry.

USC School of Cinematic Arts: How did your filmmaking journey start, and why did you choose to come to SCA?

Jonah Feingold: I chose USC’s School of Cinematic Arts because, at the time I was applying, it was the film school. Everyone talked about it — it was where Ryan Coogler, Jon M. Chu, and of course George Lucas had gone. I was also lucky enough to have a mentor, David Weitzner, who ran the summer program and basically changed my life. He encouraged me to apply to the summer session and use that as a way to prepare and get a glimpse into the full film program.

Back then, going to film school 3,000 miles away from home wasn’t as common, and USC stood out as one of the few places that truly took filmmaking seriously. It felt like the right place to turn a passion into a career and learn the craft in the town that made it. 

SCA: How did your time at SCA shape your creative process or approach to storytelling?

JF: SCA taught me to never be afraid of sharing my work — to invite peers into the process as early as possible. Whether it’s getting notes on a script, having classmates visit set, or showing early edits, collaboration was built into the culture. Because we were all in the same building, you couldn’t hide behind your laptop. Your ideas and process were out in the open, and you quickly realized how much stronger your work becomes when you lean on your creative partners.

SCA: What was the most valuable skill or lesson you took from film school that you still use today?

JF: The friendships. Hands down. The people you meet are the greatest takeaway. One of my classmates, Aneesh Chaganty — who went on to direct one of my favorite movies, Searching — is still one of my closest friends and creative confidants. We’re constantly swapping notes and ideas about filmmaking. Beyond that, I was fortunate to take the Steven Spielberg seminar, where we studied his technique and storytelling approach for an entire semester. And, of course, the deep cinematic history we were exposed to has stayed with me ever since.

SCA: If you could go back, is there anything you’d do differently during your time at film school?

JF: I’d take a business class. So much of independent filmmaking today is about understanding LLCs, taxes, distribution models, and how to raise financing. I didn’t take full advantage of that side of the education at the time.

I’d also want a class focused on social media and parasocial relationships — how filmmakers can connect directly with their audiences. That wasn’t really being taught back then, but it’s essential now. Honestly, I’d love to see a “real-time” class that updates its curriculum weekly based on what’s happening in the industry.

And if I could give my younger self one more piece of advice: make a feature while you’re still in school. College is the perfect time to take creative risks — the stakes are low, the energy is high, and you have access to an entire community of collaborators.

SCA: What’s your advice to folks considering applying to SCA?

JF: Film school can and will change your life — if you’re ready to be surrounded by like-minded creatives who push you to grow. My advice: think outside the box when applying. Whether it’s your essay, your short film, or your portfolio, find a way to express what only you can say. That individuality is what gets noticed.

SCA: What are you up to now, and where can people find you online?

JF: Right now, I’m gearing up to release my fourth romantic comedy, 31 Candles, which opens in theaters November 7th in New York and December 5th in Los Angeles. I’m also in post-production on my fifth film, Busboys — a comedy starring David Spade and Theo Von — coming in 2026.

Alongside those projects, I’m building my company Romantical, which aims to reinvent how high-concept romantic comedies are made and distributed. Think Blumhouse, but for rom-coms — an ecosystem where storytelling, community, and optimism collide.

31 Candles Trailer

You can find me on Instagram and YouTube at @jonahfeingold, and at www.jonahfeingold.nyc