Three Phases
Through this multi-phase approach, the project seeks to drive awareness and inspire actionable change around workforce development challenges in Battle Creek, MI.
Initial Research & Pre-Interviews
During the initial project phase principal subject will be identified from the Battle Creek community, including individuals representing various stages of workforce development:
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The Job Seeker: Entry-level or hourly worker seeking career growth
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The Manager: Mid-level manager focused on building positive work environments
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The Employer: Executive or business owner navigating systemic challenges Activities include creative development, casting, interviews, location scouting, storyboarding, and scriptwriting.
Production
Over 2-3 weeks, the team will capture cinematic footage for each documentary piece. Production activities include on-location and studio shoots, and in-depth interviews. Post-production will also be included in Phase 2.
Activities Include:
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Script and story development
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Location Scouting
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Video Capture
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Post-production
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Video editing
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Sound design
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Notes and review sessions
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Engagement
This phase centers on sharing the completed docuseries with the Battle Creek community and beyond, fostering discussions on workforce development challenges and solutions.
Activities include:
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A pre-screening for key stakeholders to gather feedback.
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A special premiere at JC Cinema (or a similar venue).
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2-3 community screenings, each including a post-show Q&A to engage audiences in dialogue about workforce equity.
Meet the Team
Producer
Sound Designer
Our dedicated director leads the creative vision and narrative of the documentary project, ensuring a cohesive and engaging storyline. With a background in social documentaries, the director brings a unique perspective to the film.
Researcher
Marketing Manager
The producer oversees the logistical and financial aspects of the project, ensuring smooth operations and resource management. With a keen eye for detail and project management skills, the producer plays a vital role in bringing the documentary to life.
Cinematographer
Public Relations
Our researcher conducts in-depth investigations, gathers data, and analyzes information to provide the foundation for the documentary's content. With a background in social sciences, the researcher brings a rigorous and analytical approach to the project.
Key Focus Areas
The Learning Gap
Education, Training & the Future of Work
This segment will explore how access to quality education and skill-building opportunities—especially those focused on transferable skills—shapes individual economic outcomes. It will investigate disparities in educational access, highlight innovative training models, and examine how these systems prepare (or fail to prepare) people for a rapidly evolving job market.
Bridging The Divide
Industry, Employers & Workforce Readiness
This focus area will examine the critical role of employers in shaping workforce development through partnerships, apprenticeships, and training programs. The documentary will follow efforts where businesses co-create pipelines for talent, showing how employer engagement can open pathways to upward mobility and close the gap between education and real-world job requirements.
Breaking Barriers
Equity, Access & Opportunity in the Labor Market
Centered on inclusion, this segment will investigate the systemic and structural barriers that prevent equitable access to work and advancement. Through personal stories and expert insights, the project will highlight how race, geography, disability, and economic background intersect with workforce participation—and how removing these barriers can unlock untapped potential.
Systems at Work
Policy, Infrastructure & the Economics of Workforce Mobility
This chapter will analyze how public policy, infrastructure, and technology systems shape the labor market experience on the ground. From broadband access in rural areas to public transit in cities, the documentary will explore how investments—or the lack thereof—impact individual choices, access to training, and long-term economic resilience.
Impact on Community
Our documentary aims to spark conversations, raise awareness, and drive positive change in Battle Creek by highlighting the interconnectedness of economic and racial dynamics in workforce development. We seek to engage with local stakeholders, inspire dialogue, and foster collaborative solutions for a more inclusive and equitable community.
Collaboration
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Advocacy
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Empowerment
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Inclusivity
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