HELP WANTED tackles the themes of retirement, ageism, and the changing world. Telling the story of this generation, our cast ranges from very young to incredibly experienced. Today’s seniors and millennials are both experiencing “What now?” moments; both are in stages of uncertainty and transition.

This story was borne out of a late night conversation among friends at a film festival. My good friend, Jefferson Moneo, was regaling a story about a summer job opportunity during a college. Jefferson was looking for a part-time job and pulled a tab off a flyer at the supermarket for a summer painting gig. Perfect! Exactly what he was looking for. He called the number and made an arrangement for a meeting the following day. When he arrived, he was greeted by a high school kid, in an overgrown suit, who proceeded to seriously interview Jefferson. The high-schooler read from a list of questions he obviously had printed from the internet. As the interview proceeded, Jefferson became more confused. Shocked. Punk’d? He politely declined the job offer and continued his search.

 

We all laughed throughout. It was a great story.

 

It had been months since that evening and I couldn’t shake the story. I was hung up on what if the person applying for the job in the story COULDN’T say no? I ran multiple scenarios of how one could get into that situation and all of them are valid. It was here that the film began to take shape.

 

HELP WANTED is the story of Roger, a retirement-aged gentleman, who is unsuccessfully trying to re-enter the workforce. Roger spent his life playing by all of the rules, yet finds himself in the unfortunate reality of competing with tomorrow’s leaders for entry level positions. Roger’s best opportunity for employment comes from an extensive interview with Bryce, a recent college graduate, who runs a tech start-up out of his parent’s pool house.

Help Wanted is a story of identity. Roger isn’t looking for a job, he’s looking for something to make himself tired, which in his mind, is what he believes defines a person. For most of his life, Roger was a Foreman, a Father, a Husband, and now, he is none of those. This is the first time in Roger’s life, he is able to choose how to define himself, but has never put his own desires first. What makes Roger happy now? How is he to figure it out?

Director Patrick Hackett on set with Jim O'Heir

 

We have already crossed the incredible hurdle of shooting the film. Our star, Emmy Award-winner, Jim O’Heir (Parks & Recreation, Logan Lucky), was gracious enough to participate in the journey. His performance of Roger is tender and funny, and altogether lovable.

 

We are looking to raise enough funds to finish post-production with the same vigor and resources that we attacked principal photography. Please help us reach our goal so we may share Roger’s story to all of you.