On her first night serving in a high-end restaurant, a desperate actress discovers she’s working for something afar darker than middle-management - and to keep the job, she’ll have to prove she’s a real team player.

Cara is an out of work actress on the verge of eviction who takes a job at a mysterious restaurant. The servers are jaded, the manager is inhumane, and the guests are demanding. Nothing out of the ordinary.

During her first shift, Cara learns that The Owner is coming and expecting a very special meal. Desperate to keep her dreams alive, Cara must prove to a charismatic owner, and herself, how far she’s willing to go.

It becomes clear that the restaurant is catering to something darker than the upper middle class. When Cara greets the Owner, they seduce her with wine and charm, only to reveal that they need her help sacrificing a living soul. Cara is offered the world, and most importantly, a way out of the service industry. Will she take it?

Cara Daniels

A desperate actress with an eviction notice and shaky morals.

Stan

The uptight General Manager of a mysterious restaurant.

Desi

A jaded server who refuses to give up her life for her job.

The Owner

The intimidating yet charming (and Satanic) restaurant owner.

Michael

A beaten-down dishwasher who's just trying to feed his kids.

Service Industry was written by two LA restaurant veterans.

Hi, I'm Emerald Johnson, co-writer and producer of Service Industry. I've worked in all levels of restaurants for over a decade and have seen how toxic the hospitality industry can be, and how easily tolerated those environments are. During particularly challenging shifts, I've daydreamed about the ways a restaurant can feel like a horror film. The knives, the pounding of flesh, and the power dynamics between guests who determine our wages and back of house employees who are simply trying to survive have all lived in my head for years. Being able to bring this film to life would not only launch my filmmaking career, but heal some wounds accrued during my decade working in The Service Industry.

Our story sits at an impasse in hospitality culture - tips have reduced and rents have gone up, yet owners are still thriving. We explore how the working class must sacrifice something every day to survive - be it their time, their happiness, or their morals. Service Industry asks how far someone will go to escape hospitality while exploring workplace hierarchy.

Service Industry will be peppered with bright reds, royal blues, and ornate details for a lush, layered look. Our inspiration draws from horror films of the 60's and 70's such as 'Suspiria' and 'Rosemary's Baby'. Surreal, but darkly familiar.

I'll put it simply. I've have worked in many places that undervalued their teams. Service Industry is a true labor of love and passion that wishes to be beneficial to all of our stakeholders. Here's the breakdown:

CAMERA & LIGHTING RENTAL: $5000

CAST: $2400

PRODUCTION DESIGN: $500

FOOD: $300

We are so indebted to our cast and crew that we want to make sure their time with us is fairly compensated. Our vision demands proper equipment and lighting, which are costly. We aim to make the most professional, watchable short that will entertain our audience and serve as a high-end portfolio piece for everyone involved.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!