Impact Strategy for “Zero Weeks” Documentary with Working Films

Client: Working Films (on behalf of Zero Weeks Documentary)
Role: Impact Producer / Strategic Consultant
Goal: Design and execute an integrated campaign strategy to maximize the film’s influence on public policy, civic engagement, and cultural discourse around paid family and medical leave.

Challenge

In a national environment where paid family leave was still a fringe political issue, the goal was to position 'Zero Weeks' as a documentary catalyst for legislative reform, public engagement, and cultural visibility. The campaign needed to connect deeply with grassroots audiences, nonprofit advocates, and policymakers across the U.S., while also building industry recognition for the filmmakers and impact team.

Strategic Approach

- Managed partnerships with over 25 national and grassroots organizations including AARP, MomsRising, the ACLU, and the National Partnership for Women & Families
- Created and distributed toolkits, action packets, and digital resources for community screening hosts
- Directed festival strategy and submissions for more than 60 festivals, securing official selections at DOC NYC, Camden, and International Women’s Film Festival
- Coordinated press strategy with Berlin Rosen and led content strategy for social and email channels
- Developed web and collateral copy, take-action pathways, and a framework to integrate the film into advocacy campaigns in target states

Results

Secured accolades and selections in:
- DOC NYC, Camden International Film Festival, Portland Film Festival, Loft Film Festival, and others

Campaign Impact:
- Screenings held with local, state, and national policymakers in key battleground states
- Documentary directly supported campaigns that led to paid leave legislation changes in states including New York
- Over 200 screenings hosted nationwide with high engagement in public health, labor, and maternal care networks

Policy Impact & Strategic ROI

- Legislative Influence: The film became a cited resource in paid leave advocacy campaigns across multiple states, including those that went on to implement paid leave legislation
- Stakeholder Mobilization: The campaign activated coalitions of nonprofit partners, HR professionals, and health equity advocates through integrated tools and coordinated messaging
- Cultural Visibility: Elevated the conversation around paid leave through coordinated screenings, digital storytelling, and news coverage during a pivotal window in the national policy debate
- Lasting Infrastructure: Developed templates, guides, and toolkits now used by other documentary campaigns as a model for impact strategy