Editor’s note: Penn State Schuylkill’s Faculty Research Series offers faculty members the opportunity to share and discuss their current research and creative projects with the campus community. The seminars are held monthly throughout the academic year.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN, Pa. — During February’s Faculty Research Series event at Penn State Schuylkill, Cathy Fiorillo, teaching professor of theatre and speech, screened and discussed her 12-minute comedic TV pilot, “jAImes.”
The short film follows protagonist Cathy Singley, who has grown frustrated with the dating scene and decides to create her perfect partner using artificial intelligence. The result, jAImes, proves to be anything but ideal.
“jAImes” marks Fiorillo’s directorial debut on the film festival circuit. Over the past 11 years, her creative work has centered on writing, producing and starring in her own short comedic films. Her previous projects include “Aged Fruit,” “Recipe for Disaster,” “Sanitize This!” and “Quirks.” She plans to combine those works under an umbrella series titled “Still Got IT,” which follows a middle-aged woman reentering the acting industry and dating world after a 20-year hiatus.
Fiorillo said she is passionate about involving students in her creative projects, both on camera and behind the scenes.
“Having them be part of my journey makes it even more meaningful to me,” she said.
Five Penn State Schuylkill students contributed to the production of “jAImes.” Montana Confer-Iwasiuk, a third-year film production student, served as first assistant director and created the film’s trailer. He plans to continue his studies in film at University Park.
“I decided to work on the ‘jAImes’ project to help my professor bring her artistic vision to life while putting my beginner filmmaking skills to the test,” Confer-Iwasiuk said. “The production was engaging, entertaining and at times challenging. I gained insight into the extent of sound design, lighting, and the use of different camera lenses and equipment.”
Lane Opolsky, a secondary education major, and Alex Kull, a business major, worked as production assistants. Trinton Wheatley, a corporate communication major, was initially slated to serve as a production assistant but appeared in two cameo roles. Erik Dubbs, a corporate communication major and former lead in the campus production of “Clue,” also made a cameo appearance after previously starring in Fiorillo’s film “Quirks.”
Fiorillo credited Penn State Schuylkill’s research development grants for supporting her professional growth and providing hands-on learning opportunities for students.
“jAImes” has earned recognition from numerous national and international film festivals. As of Jan. 31, the film received awards including Best Comedy from the Chicago Women Film Festival, Best Romantic Comedy from the Pottsville Film Festival and Best Comedy from the LA International Cinema Awards. Fiorillo earned directing honors from the Red Movie Awards and the Philadelphia International Filmmaker Awards, along with multiple acting awards from the Best Shorts Competition and Top Shorts.
The film also was an official selection of several festivals, including the London International Lift-Off Film Festival, NY Lift-Off Film Festival and Global Film Festival.
Through “jAImes” and her broader body of work, Fiorillo said she aims to continue blending professional filmmaking with student mentorship, bringing classroom learning to life through real-world creative production.