From Hollywood to the Classroom: Filmmaker Marcus "Big Spence" Spencer Joins Central West High School as Video Production Teacher
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FRESNO, Calif. - Californer -- Veteran educator, actor and independent filmmaker Marcus D. Spencer, professionally known as Big Spence, has joined Central West High School as its new Video Production teacher, bringing 18 years of classroom experience and two decades of professional film experience to Central Unified School District.

The move comes during a milestone summer for Spencer. His Fresno-produced feature "6 Degrees" celebrated a successful Hollywood premiere Aug. 8 at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and will return to the Central Valley for a local screening at 7 p.m. Aug. 29 at Movies Madera.

"The moment I stepped on campus, it felt like home," Spencer said. "I'm excited to build a program where creativity, collaboration and career readiness come together through filmmaking."

Spencer joins Central Unified after teaching Business at Kerman High School. He also has more than 20 years of coaching experience and served as Head 7th Grade Football Coach at El Capitán Middle School during the 2024–2025 season. Many of those players are now freshmen at Central West.

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Spencer began acting professionally in 2006 on "The Pursuit of Happyness," starring Will Smith. During production, Smith gave Spencer the nickname "Big Spence," which became his professional identity.

Since then, Spencer has expanded from acting into writing, directing and producing. Through Touch the Heart Productions, he has written, directed and produced 25 feature films, with his five most recent productions filmed in Fresno.

His latest production, "Deadly End: Cameron's Return," the fourth installment of the Dead End horror franchise, brought actors Ricco Ross (Beauty in Black, Aliens) and Lisa Wilcox (A Nightmare on Elm Street 4 and 5) to Fresno.

Spencer also appears alongside Tom Arnold, Glenn Plummer and Kevin Sorbo in the science-fiction thriller "Alien Storm," which was released on Apple TV in July.

His 25th feature, "6 Degrees," was shot in Fresno and explores interconnected lives while addressing race, stereotypes, relationships, compassion and community. Following its Hollywood premiere, the film's Aug. 29 Movies Madera screening will give Central Valley audiences an opportunity to experience the locally produced project.

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At Central West, Spencer plans to create a hands-on program modeled after professional film production. Students will gain experience in screenwriting, cinematography, directing, editing, lighting, sound, producing and digital content creation.

"Every student has a story worth telling," Spencer said. "I want them to develop professional skills, build confidence and understand that they can create opportunities right here in the Central Valley."

Marcus D. Spencer | Touch the Heart Productions
touchtheheartproductions@gmail.com |
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