90 minutes before he was killed on his first day of work as a temporary employee, 21-year-old Day Davis texted a picture of himself to his girlfriend, excited for their future. Now Day's sister, 17-year-old Antonia, searches for answers. An investigation reveals the troubling issues that led to Day's death and how the $100 billion temporary staffing industry is putting millions of American workers at risk.

Interview with Writer/Producer Dave DeSario

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

Someone had to. There's a hidden epidemic taking the lives and limbs of some of the hardest working Americans, and the system that puts them at risk is quickly becoming the new norm.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

If you have a job, or if you're looking for one, this film is about you and what we're all getting for 'a day's work'. Spoiler - things will get worse before they get better, unless we realize what's going on and do something about it.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

The film tells a very personal family story. It's about working hard to get ahead, the responsibilities we have to those we love, and how it's getting harder to get by - themes that really connect with audiences.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?

The script was a map. It put us in the area, but we got lost anyway and had to burn it for warmth.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

The film has screened at about 125 events at film festivals and with unions, universities, community groups, and government agencies. It's been a real grassroots grind. But the feedback has made it worth it. It's been been like Groundhog Day - people talk about their own experiences in the workplace, and it becomes clear that the issues shown in the film are issues for all of us. So it's been rewarding and validating to see that the film has been personally relatable to so many.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

The number of people the film has reached has been the big surprise. Independent, self distribution can work.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?

Everyone knows someone or has themselves worked a temp job, and we need to make sure people understand this system of work. It's becoming the new norm while the serious costs are largely unknown.

Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?

Journalists.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want the film to fundamentally change public perceptions of temp work, laying the groundwork for changes to legislation and the way we all work. Is that too big of a goal?

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

What are you getting for a day's work? (respect? a living wage? enough to get ahead? the ability to see a doctor? to take a day off? to ever retire?)

What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?

The most important project is turning this film into action. It's been raising awareness, but the real goal is to raise hell.

Interview: September 2017

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We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

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A Day's Work

Length: 54 minutes

Director: David Garcia

Producer: Dave DeSario

Writer: Dave DeSario and David Garcia

About the writer, director and producer:

David Garcia is a first-time film director, long time video production professional living in the East Village in NYC.

Dave DeSario specializes in labor strategy, research and communications, founded TemporaryEmployees.org, and is a former temp worker many times over.

Key cast: Antonia Washington (sister of Day Davis)

Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists): Journalists - to help publicize the issues

Social media handles:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/TempEmployees

Where can I see it in the next month?

1) United Auto Workers hosting in Black Lake, MI on 10/24

2) Colorado Labor Education Collaborative in Denver, Co on 11/2

3) Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, OR on 11/8

4) University of Central Oklahoma for the Oklahoma Premiere in Edmond, OK on 11/13

5) Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, KY on 11/15