Pirandello on Broadway

Jessica Hershatter grew up in Atlanta, GA. Her early involvement in theater and interest in storytelling evolved into a passion for filmmaking and cinematography. She majored in film at Emory University, using her free time to shoot music videos and make short films. She studied abroad in Rome, explored ancient cities through a lens, and discovered her first taste of movie magic when she visited Europe’s largest film studio, Cinecittà.

Jessica began her career in the burgeoning Atlanta film industry, working as a Local 600 2nd AC on independent projects, television productions, music videos and commercials. Soon after, she added “licensed drone pilot” to her credentials, capturing aerial cinematography for dozens of shows. After several years as a 2nd AC and several more as a 1st AC, in 2021 Jessica began operating. Her credits include such projects as Venom, Amazing Stories, Stranger Things, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction, Moonshot, The Resident and Black Mafia Family.

Jessica has had many incredible mentors over the years but owes special thanks to Directors of Photography Timothy A. Burton and Jules Labarthe, who have been generous with their insights, advice and opportunities that have propelled her career to new heights. Along with many other fantastic colleagues, they have fostered and encouraged Jessica’s creativity by lending their expertise and skills to form a collaborative filmmaking environment.

On FOX’s The Resident, Jessica met the talented actors who would become the creative force behind the short film, Pirandello on Broadway. Written and led by actor Kaley Ronayne, and directed and produced by Tasso Feldman, Pirandello on Broadway takes place in 1960s New York City. The hit Broadway performance of comedy duo Tom and Mary, modeled after real-life comedy duo Mike Nichols and Elaine May, takes a shocking turn, leaving the two to face a future full of uncertainty. Still, the show must go on.

Pirandello on Broadway filmed primarily on the campus of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and enlisted the help of students, giving them the opportunity to gain a firsthand filmmaking experience. Jessica and Chief Lighting Technician Christopher Dombeck used diffused spotlights to create the onstage ambiance, while splashes of red and neon pink set the tone for the scenes backstage.

When she is between shows, Jessica loves to cook, travel and ski. She lives in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward with her fiancé, Art Director Jason Vigdor, and their German Shepherd mix, Hugo.