The Challenge

Despite the undeniable energy and significance of public protests and marches, mainstream media often overlooked these events. Modern protests were mostly documented by the participants, while historic events relied on fragmented coverage from private archives and specialized organizations. This left a crucial gap for a documentary intent on telling the full story of these social movements.

Our Approach

Sourcing from the Ground Up:
Jennifer led our effort to tap into unconventional sources by scouring social media and connecting directly with organizations involved in the protests. This strategy enabled us to gather abundant participant footage. For historic events, we turned to private archives and established institutions that preserved these moments.

Collaborative Outreach:
Mandi’s approach was hands-on—engaging with interviewees who not only supplied archival footage but also connected us with others who had recorded the events. This grassroots strategy was instrumental in assembling a comprehensive and authentic visual record.

Creative Problem-Solving:
When mainstream news coverage fell short, we innovated. For instance, when a major network couldn’t clear a clip, we directly approached the copyright holders to secure permission. In some cases, conflicting copyright claims led to a negotiated double license—all achieved through patience and persistence.

The Impact

The archival material uncovered significantly enriched the documentary’s narrative. Mandi noted that the raw footage and photographs captured the genuine emotion and immediacy of protests, while Jennifer highlighted that never-before-seen images—like early coverage of key figures—deepened the generational connection in the story.

Behind the Scenes & Lessons Learned

Working on this project was a profound learning experience. Mandi recalls, “This was my first major project; I learned so much about copyright and licensing that I’ve carried forward into every subsequent endeavor.” Jennifer adds, “Connecting with individuals and understanding their archives was invaluable—detailed record-keeping and early outreach are critical.” Their advice to fellow producers? “Log, log, log everything, and be persistent in your connections.”

Project Outcome

Although the full project is still awaiting its wider release, episode 6 premiered at DOC NYC in November 2024, marking an important milestone in our journey. As recognition grows, this case study stands as a blueprint for overcoming archival challenges through innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment to preserving history.