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LOCAL AUTHOR, VIDEOGRAPHER, MAKE DEBUTS
Allegheny West Magazine Pat Jennette, APR March 2006
Joe created "Doing Therapy," a full-length romantic comedy, to raise public awareness about panic and anxiety. He also acts in the movie, alongside Pittsburgh actress Barbara Winters and a collection of other local actors. Set in modern-day Pittsburgh, the film will look familiar to airport area residents. Many of the scenes were shot throughout Moon Township. Joe also tapped the creativity and talent of the staff and volunteers at MCA-TV, Moon's community access cable television station. Much of the film was edited at the station. "Doing Therapy" tells the story of a high-class Hollywood actress who, in the midst of a successful film career, develops a sudden problem with panic attacks. She is sent to a top anxiety specialist—an offbeat psychologist based in Pittsburgh. To avoid media attention, the unlikely couple is stuck together in the shrink's sloppy bachelor pad for an entire month, for extensive 24-hour-a-day therapy. This funny, thought-provoking, film was shown last July at Loews Theatre on the Waterfront in Homestead. It later was broadcast on MCA-TV. Joe has provided MCA-TV with the opportunity to show the film on the station from time to time in return for allowing him to use the studio's resources. Now, the film is taking off to its latest screening—Delray Beach, Florida. "Doing Therapy" is the latest of Joe's creative and comedic projects. Employed as a technical writer by day at Fischer Scientific, by night he writes, directs, and stars in his films. He has written industrial pieces for his company, and lent his acting talents, too. Previously, Joe produced "Mr. G.," an oddball sitcom, for Pittsburgh Cable Television. Set in Pittsburgh, Joe is Mr. G. He follows the zany antics of a single high-school teacher who desperately tries to find the woman of his dreams. But cloaked in a robe of perpetual failure, he just can't seem to find his soul mate, despite many hopeless attempts. Joe lends his comedic talents to the films he produces, drawing on two decades of experience. Prior to landing in Pittsburgh, Joe was a native of Erie. His resume reads like a script of its own—Erie Playhouse, Stardust Dinner Theatre, Cornerstone Productions, The Improv in Pittsburgh, just to name a few. He's even done stand-up comedy at The Funny Bone in Pittsburgh, and teaches Comedy Improv at CCAC. While Joe is enjoying the current ride with "Doing Therapy," he's already planning to write a screenplay for another film. He's hoping this time, however, that he can secure some funding for his next project. |
An independent film written and produced by Moon Township resident Joe Giacobello has been accepted for screening at the Delray Beach Film Festival in Florida March 8–16.