What inspired the project?

In late 2009, Susan, 51 at the time, began to observe the disastrous impact of the Great Recession on her peers, the boomers. She wanted to do a long-term journalism project on the issue and give many older unemployed Americans a chance to tell their own stories in some depth. She wanted to do a multimedia documentary project more akin to a Studs Terkel book than a traditional print story.

Sam Newman, filmmaker, joined as the project videographer in early 2010 and Nikolia Apostolou, journalist, took charge of the project’s social media in late 2010.

What is coming next for the project?

Now that we have completed documenting 100 Stories, we are embarking on a longer documentary to explore in greater depth the issues that the interviews have revealed.

How do you find subjects?

We have collaborated with a number of state and local employment agencies as well as church and other support groups. Since mid-2010 we have received many volunteers through the contact form on our website.

Has the project received media attention?

Yes, a number of print, radio and television outlets have covered our project. Please visit our Press page (link) for more info.

I would like to be interviewed for the project.

We have finished interviewing for the 100 Stories portion of the project, but we are looking for people to Submit your own videos (link).

We may be conducting more interviews in specific areas of the country as we continue to gather footage for the documentary. Please get in touch with us via the Contact link.

How is the project funded?

To date, Over 50 and Out of Work has been privately funded.