The People’s Recorder: Revisiting the Federal Writers’ Project and What It Means Today

FAIN: TD-287562-22

Stone Soup Productions, Inc. (Washington, DC 20036-2504)
Andrea R. Kalin (Project Director: January 2022 to present)

Development of a podcast series about the history and legacy of the Federal Writers’ Project of the 1930s.

Stone Soup Productions requests $74,710 to support the development phase of The People’s Recorder, a national podcast series inspired by the WPA’s Federal Writers’ Project of the 1930s that will take listeners on a journey that explores the Project’s legacy, what it achieved, where it fell short, and what it means for Americans today.

Associated Products

The People’s Recorder Episode Scripts (Script)
Title: The People’s Recorder Episode Scripts
Writer: David Taylor
Writer: Andrea Kalin
Writer: James Mirabello
Director: Andrea Kalin
Producer: Andrea Kalin
Producer: David Taylor
Abstract: With NEH support, the production team completed research and scripting for the 10-episode first season of The People’s Recorder. The first season includes an Introductory episode as well as episodes that focus on the work of the Federal Writers’ Project in Virginia, Florida, Wisconsin, California and Nebraska.
Year: 2023
Primary URL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZfDjphrthtsYTxKVWPSLizmr4ph4Y2bP?usp=sharing
Primary URL Description: All the scripts have been compiled and included in a Google Drive for NEH records.

The People’s Recorder Final Episodes (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: The People’s Recorder Final Episodes
Writer: David Taylor
Writer: Andrea Kalin
Writer: James Mirabello
Director: Andrea Kalin
Producer: Andrea Kalin
Producer: David Taylor
Abstract: The first season of The People’s Recorder is nearing completion and will premiere in late February 2024. The 10-part first season features episodes that range from 25 to 45 minutes in length, and will also include bonus clips, additional interviews, and other special content.
Date: 09/30/2023
Primary URL: https://shows.acast.com/peoples-recorder
Primary URL Description: As each episode is released, it will first appear on the Acast series page. Acast will distribute podcast episodes to all major podcasting networks, including Apple, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, etc. New episodes are scheduled release on a monthly basis.
Secondary URL: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/14Imxju9P8CW2WS-DCt4oLctEBzRy6AE6?usp=share_link
Secondary URL Description: As postproduction is completed on each episode, a final version will be included in the Google Link for the NEH to include in their records.
Access Model: Open
Format: Web
Format: Other

The People's Recorder Trailer (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: The People's Recorder Trailer
Writer: David Taylor
Writer: Andrea Kalin
Director: Andrea Kalin
Producer: Andrea Kalin
Producer: David Taylor
Abstract: As part of our marketing efforts, the production team recognized the necessity of producing a trailer that could be used for partnership building and fundraising purposes, as well as to build momentum for the podcast’s release. This version of the trailer was released for the general public on Acast and also provided to our academic and outreach partners.
Date: 3/15/2023
Primary URL: https://shows.acast.com/peoples-recorder
Primary URL Description: Acast is the distribution platform for The People’s Recorder and has pushed the trailer out to all major podcasting networks, including Apple, Android, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.
Secondary URL: https://vimeo.com/sparkmediafilms/tpr-trailer?share=copy
Secondary URL Description: Versions of both our trailers are available on Vimeo to send to potential partners who prefer to listen to a link as opposed to on a podcasting platform.
Access Model: Open
Format: Web
Format: Other

The People's Recorder Abridged Trailer (Radio/Audio Broadcast or Recording)
Title: The People's Recorder Abridged Trailer
Writer: David Taylor
Writer: Andrea Kalin
Director: Andrea Kalin
Producer: Andrea Kalin
Producer: David Taylor
Abstract: Recognizing the need for slightly different iterations depending on the audience and delivery method, the production team produced and edited two versions of The People’s Recorder trailer. This second trailer is a shorter version which the project team uses for potential fundraising opportunities.
Date: 03/15/2023
Primary URL: https://vimeo.com/852809952/e7ea0f1d9e?share=copy
Primary URL Description: Versions of both our trailers are available on Vimeo to send to potential fundraising and outreach partners.
Access Model: Open
Format: Web

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