Set in greater Philadelphia, “Workforce” is a deep dive into the typical American manufacturing workplace in the first decade of the 2000’s. It’s gritty, honest, and a reflection of the forty years writer Joe Fenico spent as an HR executive.
The pilot episode, “You’re Hired, My Condolences”, shines a spotlight on the hiring of the lead character, Anthony Scolari, a man seeking redemption – professional, personal and spiritual, and the uncharacteristic manner with which he tries to breathe life into the struggling, midsize plant, Protocol Industries.
The pilot, the first of 15 already written episodes, also unveils the battles he’ll wage with his managers, the chief union steward, and his own demons, and ends with an unforeseen cliff-hanger involving a stellar employee. Effects of the recession of 2007-2009 are evident everywhere, from storylines to working conditions to the ongoing personal struggles of employees at all levels.
Workforce – The Pilot is in the midst of a successful film festival run, marked by a 70% Selection rate and a 70% Award rate, and has been recognized as an award winner on four continents thus far.
Executive Producer Rich Henkels is seeking production and distribution partners to move Workforce from pilot phase to a home at a network or streaming service. He can be reached at rkhenkels@gmail.com