In June 2020, at a relative lull in COVID infection numbers, Matt Huggins, owner and producer of Huggybear Media, wanted to do something to support the struggling restaurant sector. Laid off from his job as a chef, he turned his sites on making a film about what his colleagues were up against.

The results? One Long Shift in the Weeds — a tender look at the loss experienced by out of work and underemployed chefs, mixologists, managers, and servers. The film reveals important aspects of what we, as a community, are in danger of losing: the vibrant food scene that has made our city so exciting, varied, delicious, and more.

One Long Shift in the Weeds premieres here on YouTube on November 24, 2020. Viewing is for free, though Matt has recently posted requests for help in recouping expenses on social media.

“A few years ago I started shooting video freelance and during the quarantine I made the (terrifying) decision to leave the service industry and go full time with video to start my production company.  Given my career change, my history within Pittsburgh’s dining scene, and the urge to make my first documentary film, I felt like it was my duty to share what the service industry was going through.  I saw the story from many different perspectives, from owners established and new, and from employees who finally had time to take a break,” he continues.

The film includes Interviews with Jamilka Borges of Wild Child, Sean Enright of Spork, Spencer Warren of The Warren, Liz Boyd of Station, Sarah Powers of The Forge, among others. Writer Hal B. Klein, Cat Cannon and Cecil Usher of Mindful Hospitality Group, Jason Mottillo of Restaurant Depot, and the folks at Who Cooks for You Farm also join in the discussion.

 Why release the film on YouTube? Matt responds: “My initial plan was to run the documentary film festival gamut and make my debut as a documentary filmmaker but… I have decided that now isn’t the time to be selfish with this production. I want the individuals in the industry to know that they are surrounded by a huge supporting community and to understand no one is alone through this.  As lonely as it may feel, we all have each other’s back, and when unified there’s nothing that can stop us. I want this film to be a rallying cry — especially now, approaching what could be a second closure.”

 TABLE Magazine congratulates Matt on his initiative, and his generosity in sharing the film with our community for free.

HuggybearMedia.com