>> steve: tessa thompson plays a home helpline worker. it's with they call a warm line. it's not a crisis line. it's basically for people to call if they're going through something or if they're lonely and they just want to talk. she works the night shift because that's when most of the calls come in. it's peter based. she's been through a lot herself. but they're not supposed to reveal that. basically there to listen and help if she can. >> stephen: i understand you called one of these warm lines. >> steve: i did. it was sort of at first in the name of research. you know, i felt weird calling. doing research. but actually i was so -- i haven't directed a movie in years and i get very anxious anyway when i direct films. and one morning, i woke up almost having this panic attack and nightmares. and i went, i don't need a reason to do research. i really need this. i called the number and just started talking about what was going on in my life at that moment. and in 2 minutes, i swear to god, i was weeping. the person on the other end which are so supportive and she was so