Two Thousand Stiffs

A True Story of Courage and Hardship & Adventure inspired by Jack London

In an era of seismic societal shifts, where class lines become battle lines for America's future, young Jack London marches with Kelly's Industrial Army. His raw journey with two thousand "stiffs" illuminates the struggle, forging a hopeful voice for a nation in transformation.

A Docudrama Series

Series Concept:

Long before the age of mass protests, thousands of unemployed men, organized into "Industrial Armies," marched on Washington from all corners of a nation in crisis. This series tells their forgotten story.

"Two Thousand Stiffs," is a gritty, moving docudrama that chronicles the march of Kelly’s Industrial Army through the eyes of a young, then-unknown Jack London. It is a coming-of-age journey set against a backdrop of national crisis, mass protest, and raw American spirit.Told in the style of The Grapes of Wrath meets Into the Wild, the episode blends archival photographs, narration drawn from London’s own words, expert interviews, and cinematic recreations of the march’s most powerful moments. This is the untold prequel to Jack London’s literary legacy—a transformation from hungry boy to writer of the people.

Jack London’s Journey: The Heart of the Rebellion

While London's journey with Kelly's Army provides an intimate, human lens, Jack London would go on to become one of the world’s most widely read authors, known not only for adventure—but for his unflinching portrayals of labor, poverty, and protest. It began here.

Educational Mission and Outreach:

This series is designed as a powerful educational tool, with a strong focus on outreach to high schools, universities, and community organizations. Through curated educational materials, expert historian interviews, and engaging storytelling, the project aims to bring this vital history to life for students and audiences of all ages.

By fostering critical discussions about labor movements, economic unrest, and civic activism, the series will enrich educational curricula and inspire future generations to connect with the lessons of the past. By emphasizing the story of the Industrial Armies, including Jack London’s journey, this project seeks to go beyond entertainment, using history as a lens to explore enduring questions of inequality and collective action. It aims to empower educators, engage communities, and spark meaningful dialogue about the ongoing relevance of grassroots movements in shaping a more equitable society.

Tone and Style:

The tone of the series is gritty, intimate, and defiantly human—a blend of raw realism and lyrical reflection. It's a story steeped in dust, hunger, and cold iron rails, yet also lit with sparks of humor, camaraderie, and quiet resilience. Visually, the film will draw from the natural light and earthy textures of films like The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, the documentary intimacy of Ken Burns' The Dust Bowl, and the stylized realism of The Grapes of Wrath. 

Voiceover narration from London's writings, alongside a haunting score of fiddle, banjo, and reimagined union and protest songs they sang in the marches, will guide the narrative. The pacing is meditative but purposeful, echoing the trudge of tired feet on frozen ground.

This project focuses on the 1894 Industrial Armies, notably Kelly's Army and Hogan's Montana contingent, through a docudrama series, "The Industrial Armies of 1894," with the pilot episode "Two Thousand Stiffs" based on Jack London's experiences. The series portrays the era's societal shifts through London's journey, blending archival materials with dramatic recreations. 

In 1894, 2,000 forgotten men walked into history. One of them told the story. That man was Jack London.

Executive Producer: Jerry Spencer
Jerry will oversee the entire project, from initial concept to final distribution. He will manage the financial aspects, including securing funding and distribution deals, and will be responsible for maintaining the overall vision of the film. Jerry is an experienced entrepreneur who has started, run, and sold for a profit, three businesses and been involved in startup funding and execution for over 20 years. Jerry has two utility patents, deep background and experience with computers, and an in depth understanding of the business startup and success cycle.

For this production Jerry will also be responsible for the duties of the traditional role of Producer. He will handle the day-to-day operations of the production, including scheduling, coordination between different departments (such as cinematography, sound, and re-enactment teams), and ensuring that the project remains on time and within budget.

Learn more: www.timelesstales.media