By Jesus “Solly” Olivares
Georgia (The Hollywood Times) 10/27/2022 – There are 15 million+ people actively working in the restaurant industry from diverse and underrepresented populations, and their untold story is told on screen through Served, an ensemble dramedy TV show that chronicles the vibrant staff of a stylish LA eatery in their effort to function as a makeshift family. The series is framed through the eyes of a young Latino man, whose hopes of being a server are dashed when he’s suddenly relegated to the back of the house. Having personally worked in the grueling restaurant industry from the age of thirteen for over ten years, in addition to owning a food truck – all before diving into film.
The Hollywood Times had the opportunity to interview Alex Hanno about his new TV Show Served. Enjoy the conversation:
Served examines the racial divide between the front and the back of the house, sexism rampant within the industry, and the artists in LA who dream to leave it all behind for the silver screen. The show isn’t afraid to pull back the curtains to reveal the ugly truths that dominate the restaurant world. Hanno’s work delves into the theme of identity, examining individuals who are at a turning point in their lives for one reason or another, and that a “coming of age” can happen at any age.
Hanno says, “Served tells the true story of the restaurant world. We’ve seen comical takes on screen before, but nothing close to genuine. I started working in restaurants as a dishwasher at a grubby local diner. I’ve been a buser, a fry cook, a host, a food runner, a waiter… I’ve seen it all, and I’m not looking to shy away from the uncomfortable with Served. I want to lean into it and showcase perceived stereotypes on screen, so that we can peel back layers of racism, sexism and ageism to reveal what’s really underneath. I want to tell the stories of the millions of people who have worked in the service industry, so that they can finally see their worlds on screen for once in an authentic way.”
Served originally debuted on the film festival circuit, where it took home a top award at the Catalyst Content Festival (formerly the Independent TV Festival).
Enjoy the photos provided by Alex:
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About Alex Hanno:
Alex Hanno is the writer behind the upcoming apocalyptic thriller A Social Contract starring Sean Astin, the romantic dramedy Elephants which is “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, and the Independent Television Festival award winning TV show Served. His latest scripts, the New England familial drama Seabrook and the Welsh dramedy A Sanctuary For Water Voles have placed in the likes of ISA’s Screenwriting Fellowship, Final Draft’s Big Break Screenwriting Contest, Scriptapalooza, and the Austin Film Festival Screenplay Competition. In addition, he’s created numerous short films, including the Sunscreen Film Festival selection Lunacy, the Cardiff Film Festival selection The Chameleon, and the DTLA Film Festival selection Bonus Time, as well as a piece for NBC’s Diversity Showcase. Alongside co-owning his production company, The Chameleon Effect, with producing partner Luca Malacrino, Alex has worked in development for the likes of Broad Green Pictures and VMI Worldwide, and now co-manages Deadline Junkies, a professional screenwriting organization based in Los Angeles, California.
