Hi! My name is Joseph Paul Costa, and I'm the Writer, Director, and a Producer of My Last Act.

As a senior at Ithaca College in the Film, Photography, and Visual Arts program, this short film is my Thesis, culminating the four years I've spent at IC into one final project.

My Last Act is a comedy-drama centered on Manny Corio, a young stand-up comedian navigating his strained relationship with his older sister, Marie. Manny presents confidence, confrontation, and control on stage, but offstage, he avoids emotional honesty, particularly when it comes to family and love. At Marie’s insistence, he begins seeing a therapist, and over time, Manny’s facade loses balance with unresolved personal issues. As the boundaries between performance and reality blur, Manny is forced to confront the consequences of using humor as a means of avoidance rather than connection.

Why This Film?

This project is deeply meaningful to me as both a filmmaker, a storyteller, and a brother. The relationship at the center of the film reflects dynamics I’ve seen in my own life and others, particularly the complexity of sibling relationships, where care, frustration, and unspoken emotions often coexist. My Last Act examines how humor can serve as both a crutch and a barrier, and how emotional honesty is often deferred in favor of maintaining appearances.

As my final undergraduate film, My Last Act represents my commitment to character-driven storytelling and my growth as a writer and director, working with actors, tone, and intimate emotional moments. With your support, this film can be produced at a level that honors the story, the collaborators involved, and the work it represents.

Where Will the Money Go?

We are raising $4,000 to support the production of My Last Act. Your contributions will be used to cover:

Every contribution directly supports the artists working on this project and helps ensure the film is completed with care and professionalism.

What do you get in return?

All donors will receive a special thanks credit in the film, as well as a link to the film on Vimeo.

Donations over $250 will receive an Executive Producer’s credit on the film.

Meet the Crew:

Joseph Paul Costa, Writer/Director/Producer:

Joseph is a Senior Film, Photography, and Visual Arts Major with a Minor in Writing for Film, TV, & Emerging Media. With 20+ credits on short films, music videos, and ICTV programs, he has diversified his craft within the departments of lighting, sound, production offices, and writers' rooms. Outside of sets, Joseph has been heavily involved in the Pi Chapter of Delta Kappa Alpha, a national cinematic society, and sits on the Executive Board as the Sergeant-at-Arms.

Tessa Dill, Producer:

Tessa is a senior Film, Photography, and Visual Arts major. She has worked on a wide range of films in various roles, including Producer, Director of Photography, Assistant Director, Script Supervisor, Gaffer, and Set Photographer, and has also contributed to a feature-length film. Tessa currently serves as the Lead Photographer for Ithaca College’s Park Productions. This past summer, she worked with Thunder Road Pictures and Ocean Front Entertainment while attending the Ithaca College Los Angeles Program, gaining hands-on experience in the professional film industry. She is passionate about collaborative storytelling and supporting projects that bring creative communities together.

Cooper Visco, Producer:

Cooper is a junior Television and Digital Media Production major. He’s worked as a producer across Ithaca College Television on shows like After Hours and The ICTV Holiday Special. He’s also worked on several short films across a variety of roles, such as director of photography, gaffer, and producer. In addition to his work in production, Cooper is also the backs captain of the Ithaca College Men’s Rugby team.