”The First Step” with Brandon Kramer & Lance Kramer

Top Docs: Award-Winning Documentary Filmmakers

Van Jones loves to talk. Or so it would seem to those who have closely followed the progressive CNN commentator’s frequent on-air rebuttals to Donald Trump’s words and deeds in recent years. But Jones is even more keen on the idea of action — specifically, action on the issue of prison reform, his driving passion for decades. Instead of spending the Trump presidency exclusively on the sidelines, Jones chose a different path: going over to “the dark side” to build alliances with Jared Kushner and Republican politicians to help pass long overdue prison reform legislation in the form of The First Step Act.

Joining Ken on Top Docs, director Brandon Kramer and producer Lance Kramer (“City of Trees”), dissect the strategy behind Jones’ approach and discuss the creative process behind the Kramer brothers’ incisive, politically deft and masterfully constructed documentary “The First Step”. How did the Kramers first connect with Van Jones and what led them to track this complex personal and political journey? Why did the filmmakers decide to follow multiple story threads knowing that this would cause their budget — and stress levels — to increase dramatically? And, ultimately, what contributed to Jones’ and his allies’ success? While The First Step Act represents one small victory on the road to true prison reform, it marks a giant leap forward in the careers of two visionary filmmakers.

“The First Step” is available for streaming on Amazon Prime.

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Hidden Gem:

Brandon Kramer: Crisis

Lance Kramer: To Be Heard

The Presenting Sponsor of "Top Docs" is Netflix.