FLORENCE IN CUSTOMER CARE | Omeleto

A customer service rep unravels when a mysterious rash appears on her body.
FLORENCE IN CUSTOMER CARE is used with permission from Jordan Sommerlad and Cory Stonebrook. Learn more at / yeahyeahyeahfilms .
Florence has a job as a customer care representative for a popular furniture website. Day after day, she's on the phone with various customers, dealing with requests and complaints. And in the office, she deals with the veiled judgments and strong personalities of her supervisors and co-workers.
As a result, Florence is under a lot of stress, despite her visualizations and other stress-reduction techniques. She stuffs much of her difficult feelings beneath the surface, but when a mysterious rash appears on her body, Florence can't keep up the act anymore.
Directed by Jordan Sommerlad and Cory Stonebrook from a script written by Stonebrook, this compelling short horror-comedy is a slyly incisive skewering of the modern workplace, taking from the perspective of a struggling worker caught up in its toxicity. When that toxicity is internalized and made visible, that worker can no longer pretend her job is sustainable and must confront the toll it's taking on her mental health.
Florence often envisions herself on a beach, radiant in golden light and basking in the soothing sound of waves. But these visions are a sharp contrast to her workplace, rendered in flat, quotidian cinematography that underscores the humdrum nature of her job. She answers phones, chit-chats awkwardly with her sometimes obnoxious co-workers and meekly fields rudeness all day. Sometimes that rudeness veers into cruelty, in moments captured in pitch-perfect writing and pacing.
These moments pile up, and as they do, Florence stuffs down her reactions of anger. But as she bottles up her feelings, a rash begins to appear on her skin. At first, it appears to be something like eczema, but as Florence's job becomes increasingly intolerable, the rash spirals into something more ominous and severe. She tries to hide the rash, but as the pressure mounts at work and a promising first date gets more intimate, she soon finds herself unable to deny its presence.
As Florence, actor Tiffany Trainor offers a delicately calibrated performance, balancing Florence's innate gentleness and sensitivity with growing anger and rage at her mistreatment. Some moments are comical, but many are more serious moments of realization, as she confronts how horrible her job is, how trapped she feels in it and how she just can't take it anymore.
Intriguing, well-paced and empathetic throughout, FLORENCE IN CUSTOMER CARE culminates in an outburst that's funny, well-earned and cathartic, both for Florence and for viewers. In the end, the film is a relatable tale for anyone who has suffered under a menial job where they've been overworked, underpaid and underappreciated -- asked to do too much with too little and to tolerate the intolerable. Florence becomes a symbol of the prototypical worker in a dystopian society, her opting out perhaps a harbinger of deeper rebellions to come.

[@cstoneb1234]

Hey everybody! I’m Cory and I’m the writer, co-director and I play the date in this film. Thank you for watching, liking and engaging in the comments. We loved making this short and it’s very fun to share it with all of you!

[@estephaniap9027]

Great job!

[@eugenetswong]

That was you?? That's hillarious, because you seem to be the opposite of what the character is. How did you meet the actresses? I ask, because I see that you used them in the other film on Omeleto: "When This All Ends"? You 3 must get along well. By the way, I was cheering for your character when I watched this film.

[@SB-tp2jv]

What is the moral of the film ?

[@cstoneb1234]

@@SB-tp2jvI would say the moral to me is don’t let capitalism crush your soul. And find the little things in life that make life worth living.

[@SB-tp2jv]

@@cstoneb1234 thanks. 🙂

[@user-by5hq1ow1k]

This is a great representation of how struggles of everyday life eat away at our mental and physical health. If you are struggling, listen to your heart and seek help. There are so many avenues to explore, even when you feel all is hopeless.

[@estelalopez5483]

Thank you for stating that 😢

[@eugenetswong]

I think that it's better to say that she is being toxic. If I were that date, then I would have loved to hear her out on what is going on with her skin. I am currently dealing with my own skin problems [about 4 or more; using hydrogen peroxide very cautiously], and my body is improving. I would have loved to help her through. There is nothing systemic or oppressive here. I agree about getting help. Do it. There are lots of KZbin videos for safe suggestions for the vast majority of us. I loved the prodcution quality of the film. I just hated the story.

[@PaulaStreet]

Thank you for your understanding comment :)

[@JordanSommerlad]

Hey there! Along with Cory I was a director on this film, as well as the DP, editor and composer. Thanks for watching!

[@pedrojuliancereceda8301]

To be honest, Jordan, since I found "OMELETO" other platforms are very underneath in the ranking of my watching preferences.

[@user-si4op5us2m]

I loved this!!!!!!! Really, a fantasticly well done job! 💣💥💯

[@frankjudepi]

Good Lord, I felt every minute of this film. I recently left a telephone customer service job after 14 years because I developed Spasmodic Dysphonia. It was probably brought on by the constant stress. I never connected with a film this much in my life. Very well written and great acting.

[@The_Beast_666]

God bless

[@eugenetswong]

Thanks for your work!

[@TiffanyTrainer]

Sending you love and solidarity. Thanks for the watch!

[@frankjudepi]

Thanks! It was my pleasure, you were great.

[@cstoneb1234]

Thank you for watching! I’m glad you connected to it. We all need to be a little kinder to nice people trying to do their job. I hope you have gotten your moment where you get to the beach and feel some relief!

[@spartandodge6034]

This is an accurate emotional expression of the service industry. When we call in to complain about a product, we need to be clear it is not a personal liability of the operator that answers the phone. They are doing their job to handle your call, not who is responsible for your own personal hell. Be kind.

[@durasaxon5131]

I'm always polite. I know that there are those who truly cross the line and aware/ abusive. _____

[@eugenetswong]

I agree with both of you. Phone people, plese bear in mind, that sometimes we might be speaking with a bit of an edge on our tone, but that might be because we are desperately turning to you for help, and not blaming you. Thanks for your patience, phone people! I always try to be polite.

[@crystalvera9560]

I always treat them with kindness bc I know they have a difficult job dealing with ppl that can be disrespectful & rude. And it’s not their fault that there’s a problem with the merchandise u ordered. If there’s a survey at the end I always mention how great they were helping me with my issue.

[@PaulClarkTech]

Never worked in customer service but I'm always explicit if I'm upset that I'm NOT upset at them and I know they're trying to help me out. I try to make it clear that I'm frustrated at the company/product/situation and not them.

[@patriciabarton6373]

So true, such a good reminder. Thank you.

[@ladyg7796]

I totally related to this video. I break out in hives and a painful rash when I’m under prolonged stress, then just as miraculously, they disappear when the stress abates. Very powerful reminder how the body will give you all the signs to let you know you are abusing it, even when you think you are handling the situation.

[@alexandre588]

I like movies that showcase the struggles of everyday people, nice video.

[@Kozli1985]

It's not just customer service, more or less every job you have to deal with bad people, bosses, coworkers etc. It's relatable for most of us.

[@videt7459]

Capitalism is killing you all.

[@indeed1965]

Im a nurse and i deal with people at their worse. Like others have written, please be kind to those who have to take care of your needs.

[@rgarlinyc]

Very well crafted and acted throughout. The toxicity of having to tolerate and support the entitled in consumer society...

[@cstoneb1234]

Thank you!! We knew people would relate to the world of customer service.

[@robertjackson3819]

Love it. Written with fine touch and presented with a sensitive eye. The performances are flawless, especially the lead. Now this is what filmmaking is about.

[@volvelin7965]

It's definitely not a pleasant job. I was pregnant while working in customer service and everytime I heard somebody yelling at me or annoying me I simply hang up on them cause I didn't want to hold bad emotions. I don't know how I didn't get fired but I happily left the job after maternity was over.

[@12thDecember]

And _this_ is why I'm always courteous to customer service reps. They are there to assist us in finding solutions, not to be our personal verbal punching bag. Florence is such a lovely name; I wish it hadn't gone out of style. I hope she recovers and makes a happy life, now that she's standing up for herself. Go Florence! ♥

[@cstoneb1234]

We are all rooting for Florence!

[@ewnetubelete8241]

How true this story reflects the reality of this profession.

[@DaveKraft1]

The World often forgets/ignores that they are "servERS", not "serVANTS." This was particularly the case during COVID, where folks like this literally were putting their lives on the line to bring us all the crap that we "need." Thanks for making this film, and honoring these underappreciated folks!

[@LYang-er3de]

Beautifully, beautifully executed! What an accurate depiction of what it’s like working in customer care. I’ve worked in customer care for a decade+ and the emotional/mental abuse is rampant. There are various factors as to why this has been and still is the case, based on my experience: 1) company culture (e.g. does your company truly care for your wellbeing? Or just the customers aka bottom line?) 2) societal culture (e.g. Western culture, especially in the USA have created a toxic environment for everyone which enables, rewards, and perpetuates abuse in order to get what you want. Collaboration is valued much less, if at all, when in reality it’s the fabric that propels us as occupants of the same planet.) 3) speaking up for oneself is sanctioned through retaliation, further abuse, etc. therefore it creates a culture of walking on eggshells. One of my goals as I’m building my own brands and companies is to advocate for employee wellbeing, especially in the customer care wheelhouse. If a customer has the audacity to abuse any of my employees the customer will be the first to go. Period.

[@mirandalewis3392]

I felt every inch of this movie. Very well made.

[@olywolle]

A wonderful film, thank you for your work! I like the idea of making a skin desease that is getting worse and worse, a symbol for the ever growing ulcer of impatience, intolerance, hostility in our society.

[@MisterG2323]

I hope Florence got the help she needs. Great short, kudos!

[@HopefulMathGirl]

I just started watching the movie, I missed her, the other actress and the director so much. They were in the short film "When this all ends". It's so nice to see her again, let's see who else is in the movie. Edit: Alright, it's all of them again haha, so glad :)

[@neurocosm]

This is one huge 14 minute metaphor right here. Very good.

[@SuperCHERISHED]

The true character of an individual is revealed when they call customer care/service. How many people would want their recorded conversation shared revealing inappropriate communication with customer care employee. I truly appreciated this short film. The character Florence needs help asap! I thought the man she went on a date was nice . Everyone is looking for love and validation.😊

[@gemi1164]

What a gem! Stunning!

[@bowtieprofessor2182]

Cory did did such an excellent job in this film. The Bowtie Professor!

[@homayounsolaimani8856]

Florence’ exterior condition is a manifestation of the external forces and abuse she’s endured just so she can have a life at its bare minimum. scape is only a temporary solution like a bandaid on a cancer. return to a hell hole is inevitable. after all, we are destined to deal with a human made system!…Florence’ exterior condition is a manifestation of the external forces and abuse she’s endured just so she can have a life at its bare minimum. scape is only a temporary solution like a bandaid on a cancer. return to a hell hole is inevitable. after all, we are destined to deal with a human made system!!! Powerful short

[@conniehanses]

SO relatable to everyone at some point.... This is very well done, everyone. Thank you 💙 🌎

[@cstoneb1234]

Thank you!!

[@EmceePandeyAnchor]

Always be polite with customer care executives!

[@Morbius1963]

Brilliant! Brilliant casting. Shades of "The Singing Detective" with Michael Gambon.

[@timwright4263]

You're showing your age 😂

[@cstoneb1234]

Thank you!!

[@Morbius1963]

@@timwright4263 Actually I'm 18. I rented on DVD. (You're right, septuagenarian, but you knew it too!)

[@stephencarroll230]

That was the most brilliant thing I’ve ever seen on television - in 1988!

[@glorialuciazapata-elias2659]

This is the anxiety I am currently experiencing while still going to work. I’m a cleaning lady and I informed my husband he is not to come home until he finds his father, whom can no longer live on his own, a caregiver. Meanwhile, I have 3 jobs to keep running, farm animals to feed, let out, water, and then put back to bed, cook for myself, clean the house, pay the bills, ensure the home is taken care of and I’m unable to breathe sometimes that I find myself running out of breath and inhaling large gulps of air. I love my husband and father in law but he needs to hurry and get him over to our home so my husband can continue being a part of my life!

[@HookBeak_66]

It's no wonder you have anxiety with so much to contend with, is there anyone else professional or otherwise that you can discuss this with. A problem shared may lighten the load, on how to tackle this situation. Try & stay positive, I hope things get better for you soon.

[@rosasalvati9055]

Complimenti a tutto e tutti, all'attrice in particolare. Brava!

[@gnagyusa]

I always try to be kind to customer reps on the phone. Too many folks forget that they are people too, often going through things.

[@Dayvit78]

I'll be kind of they're American. But if it's just some low cost outsourcing way to dump responsibility on the customer, then no.

[@dollingeneral7482]

And some of them seem to forget that alot of us human beings are also going through stuff. So they also need to learn to be kind towards everybody they come in contact w/ as well. Just because you watched this does not make every single customer care person the exact same. Some of those people have bad attitudes as well. Be kind goes All ways! She'll be alright 😂❤

[@rociomiranda5684]

Great story, great film. Tiffany Trainer is a wonderful actress. Way better than many feature films out there.

[@scottjohnson6455]

Wow. This was a 10 out of 10. Most people have had soul destroying jobs. I still have recurring dreams of a job I had 30 years ago. In the dream I have to re-accept the same job I had and have to take orders from 20 year olds. Suicide should follow but most times I wake up.

[@HookBeak_66]

Anyone who suffers from a skin complaint I can certainly empathise with you. I've had psoriasis for 37 years it's only now I'm starting to see some real improvement. People often judge others by their looks, with a skin problem whatever that might be, it only serves to magnify their opinions of you. Not that they would tell you face to face, unless you're still at school, then their comments might be scathing. I could really relate to the main character's anguish & despair. This was an excellent presentation, well done to all involved.

[@HopefulMathGirl]

This movie was captivating, cathartic but the ending was unsatisfying. Tiffany acted so well in a sad serious character, this is totally opposite of what she played in the other movie "When this all ends", this is also in Omeleto and is really enjoyable, hopeful, inspiring and light. Lizzy too is playing an opposite character type. I really appreciate their acting. Director Cory is great too.

[@eugenetswong]

Hi! Thanks for sharing the observation. Would you please mention that "When This All Ends" is on the Omeleto channel, too? I think that it would be great to let people go back and watch it.

[@HopefulMathGirl]

@@eugenetswong Sure, I'd like to support a movie that I love.

[@eugenetswong]

@@HopefulMathGirl Great. It's great to see actors cast and crew show us more of themselves. Disclaimer: I'm just an audience member.

[@eugenetswong]

@@HopefulMathGirl 😞What was uncool? I just wanted them to get more promotion. I was just trying to support them.

[@eugenetswong]

@@HopefulMathGirl I wanted people to see the Omeleto information right away. If they didn't click to see my comment, then they could at least see it in your comment. Why are you unhappy? I thought that you liked it at first. I am practising writing. I try every day.

[@TomoyoTatar]

DO NOT GIVE PEOPLE YOUR STAPLER...HAVE WE LEARNED ANYTHING PEOPLE?!

[@motherwolfe888]

I'm feeling very Florence right now :')

[@quokka_11]

Kind of amazing, totally unhinged. 👍🏼

[@Gooeybrowniebaby]

This very much encapsulates the phenomenon of the burnout pandemic. well done!

[@ddawson100]

So, so, so well done. Thanks, Jordan, Cory, Tiffany and the whole team for an amazing (depressing!) but such a moving film. My first jobs were as a waiter, cashier in a big box store, and grocery store. I've had lots of opportunities to experience rude and abusive customers but that said, I still think that that everyone should work in customer service during their formative years because it'll teach you invaluable lessons about people and how to respond and ask for help when you need it.

[@cstoneb1234]

Thank you for watching!!

[@saurabhkashyap6831]

Omg it was so real. But atleast it was not outbound. Never thought inbound process is equally torturing.

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

Can be.......BEG to get some back office time!!

[@fk1856]

I didn't think it was a rash through the whole film. I thought she was hurting herself because of previous trauma.

[@jamiejoygatto]

Or current trauma! Internalizing the customer abuse, but hurting herself unconsciously.

[@daemonbelphegor9849]

i have been working on a call center for years now and that first call that is shown here is so accurate it hurts.

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

And it's always the 1st call of the day :(- I've learned to drag them kicking & screaming to my happy place!

[@glen7228]

Oh man, oh man, oh man, raise your hand if you can relate. In my head her story continues with her quitting her job and going to Thailand with Bennett's roommate, where she finds a new perspective on her life and becomes a very successful street artist, which in turn makes her rich and famous.

[@TiffanyTrainer]

This is exactly the future Florence deserves 🥹

[@theoriginalhippychic]

Great job!

[@cherylrobinson517]

Whoa! Great film😮

[@LindaHicks-vk8yi]

This is so clever, realistic, and just wished the ending could have shown florence with her man living it up somewhere on the ocean, in a big boat etcetc.I will be watching out for another one of these shorts thanks

[@TiffanyTrainer]

No boat in the budget this time 😅-but I love this life for Florence!

[@doronron7323]

Been there, done that. Just had to. The best thing I ever did. Life changed A LOT, no less difficult but more on my terms. Retired now and content.

[@MichaelMurphy-kj3xf]

This is a powerful film. Great job by all. The only thing that threw me off a bit is the font of the title. It implies fun and excitement to me - clearly not the case! Disclaimer: I know nothing about acting or movie-making; I'm just a fan.

[@gamegunter]

Omeleto, Wow! This video was awesome!

[@justingary5322]

Awesome acting performances from everyone 😎

[@micknordstrom2591]

Yes, we are trapped in an evil system!

[@charlyvegan5173]

Well done ❤❤❤ great to watch

[@cgsschaefer]

You should not be allowed to do such a call center job for more then 2 years

[@TurtleWhisperer8]

Im in customer service, i do okay! My co worker doesnt.. but i think we will both feel this

[@Vivalarosa45]

She's probably suffering from Rosacea.

[@cleliaparnell8743]

Looks like when I get hives😢

[@johnbowman1076]

OMG !!! Watching this just a couple of days before taxes are due. I wasn't very nice to the Medicare rep who couldn't help me get a form. I hope she's not heading to the beach. .... and.... that's some intense stuff.

[@taunja7915]

Salt water is good for the skin. The Dead Sea water is really healing.

[@damedavidfrith55]

❤ it 😊

[@durasaxon5131]

This was shocking. Something terrible was happening to her physically and mentally. She was aware of it, too. I did get involved with the character and cared. That is the hallmark of a good drama. Well done mini-film. N.Y.C. is a stressful place as it is. Big question? How was she able to afford her NYC Apt and car on a Cust. Service Rep. salary? That in itself has its own built in stresses. I would have paid for her Dr's appt. concerning her rash. Great story. _____ ✝️ _____

[@eugenetswong]

Were you writing a poem?

[@pancakesyo]

What a weird way to comment. Yuk.

[@Dayvit78]

I don't think there are any call centers in New York.

[@jamiejoygatto]

Maybe she was in New Jersey? maybe she had three room mates? people make due somehow.

[@SeanCruser]

love this film and creative team 🙂🤟

[@staceywebber8808]

Such a great representation of what life throws at us, i felt the emotion in this film i even imagined how much that rash hurts, we may be rich in money or rich in love we may be emotionally fine or falling apart, we are all human an need to feel wanted loved missed cared for an if your not receiving those feelings you can feel so alone so undervalued, everyone just wants wants wants 😢 I'm like florence when everything is getting on top of you take yourself to the beach sit on the sand close your eyes listen to the waves breath in that salty sea air an let it all go ❤

[@TiffanyTrainer]

🧘‍♀️🌊

[@cstoneb1234]

Everyone needs to run into the ocean sometimes! 😀

[@nithingeorge]

This Short film was fantastic and well-acted by Tiffany Trainer, who needs to work on more significant projects; extremely talented and committed to the role.

[@TiffanyTrainer]

Thanks for the kind words! And for anyone looking for an actor on more significant projects-PUT ME IN COACH! 😂

[@nithingeorge]

@@TiffanyTrainer All the best for your future endeavors. 🤝🫡

[@johnnyroadcrew3841]

Tiff Trainer sold it .. .. ..

[@TiffanyTrainer]

Hey thanks :)

[@cstoneb1234]

She’s pretty talented! 😏

[@geraldcollins-uf6be]

She's so cute.

[@Joepage69]

Dude invited himself out.

[@becsterbrisbane6275]

As someone who works in a contact centre I feel very, very triggered by this.......

[@salsa4731]

Did she get cured?

[@cstoneb1234]

We like to think she now can stand up to people better and I think she’s probably seeing a dermatologist.

[@stephencarroll230]

Well…that was depressing!

[@P1NkLoVe88]

Story of my life

[@clasencoach]

Again no subtitles. What does she actually say at 3:10?

[@cstoneb1234]

I’ve been dying to try Shukette (it’s a nyc restaurant)

[@bub777]

.................this is fine.

[@catweasle5737]

Ohhhhhh....kaaaaaaayyy.

[@sticksbass]

very interesting

[@JovanGaluit-vy5hr]

No story.

[@lilzay4341]

Oh ok

[@Jo-yp8wy]

Aaaand nearly everyone here is talking about themselves.

[@mhammer5]

Corey is a mover.

[@Martian_0]

Why did you change the way you title videos 🥲🥲🥲

[@eugenetswong]

I don't know why he did it, but I hate those spoilers.

[@dfb2913]

​@@eugenetswong I liked it much better when the title described the plot a little bit, instead of the actual title, which is usually meaningless

[@eugenetswong]

@@dfb2913 Yeah, I know what you mean. It was good for me, at first, when he stopped, and then I realized that I had no idea of what is going on. It's like he can't find that pleasant middle. I wish that he would interact with the comment section to work with us on this.

[@bjb7587]

Capitalism - 1 Florence - 0

[@Lync1111]

He judged hee way to quick. He said first date right? Well there are things we should never do on first dates or else! Again if he meant what he said he would have offered to help get her help. Lord knows what would've happened if she gave him some honey dew yes honey dew!

[@eddenoy321]

Don't think he would have gone ahead with that skin. He was afraid.

[@Lync1111]

@@eddenoy321 yes but why lead into a kiss and you have no idea who's she's been with. The saying is just because we can do not mean we should, hence his slippery hand crawling up to grab her pumpkin. If he taking his to get to know her maybe she would have opened up to him about her hangup. First date tour hand and tongue, OK some of us know better and others do it because they want to get too the pot of gold before its time 2

[@eugenetswong]

@@Lync1111 They both seem like nice people. He should have tried to help her through her medical condition. She should have let him. That's all there is to it. Obviously there are other diseases, but those aren't relevant to this episode.

[@aniruddhalimaye2616]

I am thinking to stop watching these videos .

[@Prizzy999]

I worked in customer servive too many years ago but I never let total strangers on the phone ruin my life, and Florence picking up the call after 5 o'clock? Not a chance with me. I stopped taking calls 5 minutes before leaving time, as I wasn't gonna be paid for overtime. I was very good at my job and often got bonuses, but my managers wanted me to be more empathetic and involved with clients. Nah, don't think so.