Fire & Freedom
Impact Partnership Opportunity

Fire & Freedom is a powerful, multi-part documentary series that explores the untold truths behind California’s Inmate Firefighter Program—revealing the human cost, systemic complexities and potential for justice reform. As an Impact Partner, your support fuels more than production; it drives public awareness, policy conversations and real community change.

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Through this unique partnership, we invite aligned organizations, funders and advocates to stand with us in reshaping the narrative—supporting a project that informs, inspires and advances solutions at the intersection of incarceration, emergency response and social equity.

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We ask for your support to help bring this story to life—and drive real, lasting change.​​

 

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Project Overview

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Fire & Freedom is a collaboration between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), CAL FIRE and the Los Angeles County Fire Department (LACFD), operating 35 minimum-security fire camps across 25 counties. Incarcerated individuals—trained as hand crews—support state, local and federal agencies in responding to wildfires, floods and natural disasters while gaining valuable skills and certifications. Through intimate, character-driven storytelling, Fire & Freedom explores the lived experiences of incarcerated firefighters, correctional officers and frontline fire crews. The series offers a rare, honest look at the intersections of public safety, personal transformation, social justice and environmental stewardship—inviting audiences to reimagine what successful reentry can look like.

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Why Now

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California is burning—again and again. Back-to-back record-breaking wildfire seasons are pushing the state to its limits, while incarcerated firefighters remain on the frontlines, largely unseen and unheard.

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At the same time, public demand for criminal justice reform is reaching a boiling point. Fire & Freedom arrives at this urgent crossroads—where climate catastrophe, racial and economic injustice, and outdated systems collide.

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This is more than a documentary. With exclusive access to CDCR, CAL FIRE, and LACFD, Fire & Freedom sheds light on the hidden labor sustaining our wildfire response—while demanding a future that breaks the cycle of incarceration—prioritizing rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and building sustainable career pathways for lasting reintegration. The time to act is not soon—it’s now.

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Impact Goals

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Fire & Freedom is not just a docu-series—it’s a catalyst for justice, awareness and reform. Our campaign is driven by the following transformative goals:

• Ignite Public Awareness – Illuminate the essential role of California’s Conservation Camp program in wildfire response and disaster relief.

• Advance Justice Reform – Showcase real stories of rehabilitation, education, and reentry that break cycles of incarceration and reduce recidivism.

• Champion Workforce Reintegration – Promote fair employment pathways and skill development for formerly incarcerated individuals.

• Close the Forced Labor Loophole – Reinvigorate legislative momentum to abolish involuntary servitude in California by pushing to revive and pass a future version of Proposition 6.

• Shape Policy and Philanthropic Strategy – Drive action through curated screenings, policy roundtables, and advocacy initiatives that influence lawmakers and funders.

• Equip Changemakers with Educational Tools – Deliver lasting resources for schools, reentry programs, and nonprofits to fuel systemic, community-driven change.

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Impact Measurement

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To ensure meaningful and measurable impact, we will track:

• Total Audience Reach & Streaming Engagement – Quantifying how far the message spreads and how deeply it resonates.

• Social Media Interaction – Measuring shares, comments and conversations sparked across platforms.

• Earned Media Coverage – Capturing press mentions, interviews and third-party validation of the campaign’s relevance.

• Community Collaboration & Endorsements – Highlighting participation and testimonials from grassroots partners and trusted leaders.

• Policy Influence & Reform Adoption – Tracking inquiries, citations and usage by reform organizations and policymakers.

• Educational Integration – Monitoring adoption of materials by schools, reentry programs and advocacy networks.

• Lived Experience Testimonials – Featuring feedback from directly impacted individuals, including formerly incarcerated participants, to measure personal and community-level transformation.

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Audience & Distribution

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Fire & Freedom is slated for release on Prime Video, with active negotiations underway with Netflix and MAX. In addition to global streaming, the project will pursue a targeted festival run and an impact distribution campaign aimed at:

• Policymakers

• Criminal justice and workforce advocates

• Environmental leaders

• Educators and community stakeholders

• Community engagement & thought leadership

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Partnership Opportunities

 

• Transparent Impact Reporting: Receive concise, data-rich reports demonstrating tangible results and the impact of your support.

• Mission-Driven Brand Alignment: Elevate your brand by aligning with a solutions-focused campaign addressing urgent social issues.

• High-Profile Recognition: Gain visibility through film credits, media coverage and promotional materials showcasing your leadership in social impact.

• Exclusive Access & Engagement: Participate in private screenings, curated events and strategic discussions that deepen your involvement and influence.

• Co-Branded Thought Leadership: Collaborate on optional initiatives that reflect shared goals in workforce development, climate action or justice reform.

• Tailored Partnership Experiences: Enjoy custom engagement opportunities designed around your organization’s unique objectives and values.

• Amplified Advocacy Platforms: Co-host events and panel discussions that spotlight key issues and expand your organization’s voice in public discourse.

• Strategic Messaging Integration: Embed your brand in compelling narratives around equity, resilience and opportunity to reinforce your mission.

• Expanded Audience Reach: Increase awareness and stakeholder engagement through co-branded content targeted campaigns, and earned media.

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Timeline

 

• Pre-Production and Production: Jan 2025 – June 2025

• Post-Production: June 2025 – Dec 2025

• Festival Submission: Oct 2025 – March 2026

• Distribution & Release Starting in January 2026

 

Why Your Support Matters

 

Fire & Freedom is a catalyst for change. Your support fuels policy discussions, empowers communities and equips schools and nonprofits with tools that create lasting impact. Together, we can shift narratives, support rehabilitation and advance systemic reform through the power of storytelling. Please join us in telling a story that matters.

 

Thank you!

 

For all inquiries, including funding, please contact Jessica Reddig.

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Jessica Reddig

Jessica@OnMark.us

916.712.3260