History Lines Up Celebs for New Democracy Doc

NEW YORK: A new special for AETN’s History channel this year, called The People Speak, will explore the concept of democracy in the U.S., featuring performances by the likes of Matt Damon, Josh Brolin and Viggo Mortensen, among others, together with archive footage and interviews.

The film will feature dramatic performances chronicling the history of the U.S., including charter documents, letters, diaries and more, from Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Viggo Mortensen, David Strathairn, Marisa Tomei, Don Cheadle and Michael Ealy, among others, as well as musical performances from Bruce Springsteen, Eddie Vedder, Allison Moorer and John Legend. These will be woven together with archival footage and interviews.

The channel is teaming with the nonprofit organization Voices of a People’s History of the United States for co-branded curriculums that will be used for a countrywide educational initiative. History is also embarking on an interstitial branding campaign, producing at least 24 shorts surrounding the concept of democracy for viral, VOD and online dissemination.

"This is a partnership that was destined to be," said Nancy Dubuc, the executive VP and general manager of History. "Together we are bringing forth a national conversation about democracy and the unforgettable, everyday stories that made America. It’s the very essence of what we mean when we say History Made Every Day. The innovative style and A-list auspices of all those involved, including the passionate commitment of Matt Damon and Chris Moore [the co-director of The People Speak], promise to make this a core initiative hopefully for years to come."

The People Speak is produced by First Tuesday Media, ArtFire Films, Cross River Pictures, The Johnson/Roessler Company, Membrane and Brolin Productions. Matt Damon, Josh Brolin, Chris Moore, Anthony Arnove and Howard Zinn are executive producers. For History, David McKillop and Russ McCarroll are the executive producers.