The year 2020 was unquestionably one of the quietest times in a century, yet THE QUIETEST YEAR illustrates how noise pollution, that so many were subjected to while trapped at home, is not just an irritation but rather a full-blown public health and environmental justice crisis too long ignored.
The year 2020 was unquestionably one of the quietest times in a century, yet THE QUIETEST YEAR illustrates how noise pollution, that so many were subjected to while trapped at home, is not just an irritation but rather a full-blown public health and environmental justice crisis too long ignored.
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Story
Mission Statement
Raising the level of awareness about noise and its health implications to jumpstart a discussion about how we can all make the 21st century quieter than the last is our goal.About The Project
After years as a community activist in Austin, Karen just wanted some peace and quiet for herself and her young family.
So, they moved to the beautiful state of Vermont...
But she learns the hard way ...
"People move to escape noise, and by moving they always find it."-Garret Keizer
While there are no billboards to detract from the state's beauty, she discovers that Vermont is the wild west of noise regulations and that protection of the acoustic environment is not a priority in the state, despite its strong laws protecting the visual environment.
Vermont is America's noise canary-in-a-coal-mine and has some of the weakest exhaust noise laws in the country. Karen's new hometown has no noise ordinance, and there is talk of a new fighter jet to be based nearby, in the most densely populated area of the state.
Introduce pandemic stay-at-home orders, obnoxious truckers engine braking, leaf blowers, fighter jets, and the next-door neighbor adding a rooster to his rapidly growing herd of farm animals... all corralled in a tiny, downtown, backyard... mere feet from Karen's not-sleeping ears.
And now that her award-winning, documentary, El Susto, is in distribution...
Our favorite Karen (as it were) presents to you:
The Quietest Year, a feature-length documentary on the health, psychological, and social dangers of noise exposure. And never has it been more important to tackle this important issue.
We've filmed all of our experts and now we're in post-production (our most expensive phase), where we put it all together, make it look and sound great, and get it out to film festivals where we can spread the message and potentially "get distribution" so it can be presented to the world and make a real impact.
We've set our goal at the minimum to get the film to "picture lock" with original music. But in reality we'll need to keep the project going. The more money we can raise, the better the doc will be... more funds equals more editing time to refine and tighten, better graphics, more archival clips, and things that make a huge difference like audio mix and color correction. Then, of course, there's always the task of marketing the film once it's finished, which can be as much work as making the film.
Please enjoy our crowdfunding trailer (above), peruse our fun incentives, and become a supporter of this important project.And while you're at it, please follow us on your favorite social media site and spread the word, by copying and pasting the following note into your post:
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Join me in supporting this exciting documentary about the very real health dangers of noise! They are so close to completing the film and spreading the word about this serious public health issue (and they have some fun incentives for contributors). Help them make a little noise... ABOUT NOISE!
https://seedandspark.com/fund/thequietestyear
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Incentives
$10
Make A Little Noise
We get it, sometimes we can only make a little noise, but every bit helps and we'll give you a social media shout-out for your tax-deductable contribution.
$25
Custom Shout Out
Your tax-deductable contribution gets you a custom Social media shoutout! Please tell us your handles and why you contributed so we can quote you.
$50
Virtual Sneak Peek Group Screening
Your tax-deductable contribution will allow you to join with other donors to see our film before its released! Watch online from the comfort of your home or desk, then join us afterwards for an after party online via Zoom for a Q&A with the director and cast members.
$50
The Quietest Year Earplugs
Your tax-deductible contribution gets you "The Quietest Year" branded earplugs with carrying case to keep handy for noise emergencies. And we'll even include a Social Media Shout Out, so everyone will know how awesome you are!
$50
Personal Thanks from Director
Your tax-deductible contribution earns you a personal, handwritten thank you postcard from Stowe, Vermont from our director, Karen Akins. And we'll even throw in a pair of The Quietest Year-branded earplugs and a unique Social Media Shout Out, thanking you for your support!
$60
Stowe or Burlington VT "Sneak Peek"
Two tickets to our local IN-PERSON "sneak peek" at the Stowe Cinema or a Burlington area theater upon the film's completion, date TBD.
$75
Make Some Noise... about Noise
Send us your OWN short video about your personal noise issue to be used on our website and even edited into a campaign about the re-funding of the EPA's Office on Noise Control Abatement! (video less than 20 seconds please). We may even use it at the end of The Quietest Year, if your appearance release is submitted. Your contribution is tax-deductible!
-- We'll also throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded earplugs and a Social Media Shout Out!$100
Big Screen Thank You!
“See your name in lights!!" For your generous tax-deductible contribution, you will receive an On Screen Special Thanks credit! Not to mention, your name will have an official IMDb listing, like the big Hollywood star that you are!
-- And we'll throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!Claimed: 39 of 100
$150
Can you give us 2 Seconds?
Archival and stock footage clips cost about $80 PER SECOND, so please help us enrich our film with your tax-deductible contribution to help us acquire archival film and beautifully shot stock clips, and you'll get recognized in our closing credits and get an official IMDb credit!
-- And we'll throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!$500
House Party with Filmmaker
Host a virtual screening of our film at your home with up to 15 friends, with Director Karen Akins joining by zoom at the end to do a private Q&A session. (Your contribution is tax-deductible!)
-- And we'll throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs for everyone at the party, and you'll get a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
$500
Associate Producer Credit
For your generous tax-deductible contribution, you'll get an Associate Producer credit in the film and an eternal reference of your valuable support with an IMDB listing.
-- And, of course, we'll throw in a pack of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
Claimed: 4 of 6
$1,000
Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain
Enjoy a sunset cruise with the director and her husband "Captain Dan" on Lake Champlain during the 2023 boating season. Leave from Marble Island Marina in Colchester and enjoy heavy apps, drinks, and spectacular views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. (up to 4 people)
-- And, of course, everyone on the cruise will receive a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and you'll get a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your tax-deductible support!
* We are not responsible for transportation to the location or lodging during your stay.Claimed: 1 of 4
$1,500
Fall in Vermont
Enjoy a 3-day stay in the village of Stowe, Vermont during the fall of 2023 at the historic Maple Street Dairy, the original dairy in Stowe, where our director lives on this compound of old dairy buildings. Dates are first come first serve. Up to 6 people. Pets welcome. Includes lodging only.
-- And, of course, we'll throw in a pack of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
* We are not responsible for transportation to the location.Claimed: 0 of 4
$2,500
Non-profit Partner
Become associated with the film by becoming a partner with the film team to jointly promote the film and its message. This level of support entitles you to a private board/staff screening and Q&A with the director to strategize PLUS a virtual fundraising screening for your membership, where you can split revenues with the filmmaker to raise funds for your organization.
Claimed: 0 of 20
$5,000
Producer Credit
You are one of our top supporters and, as such, you will be immortalized as an official Movie Producer, listed right at the top of the film's credits and listed right on IMDb. (It's even tax-deductible!)
-- And, of course, we'll throw in a pack of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
Corporate Sponsor
Your tax-deductible contribution goes a long way in helping us complete our project and your corporate or non-profit logo will be prominently displayed in closing credits and all marketing materials, showing your support for noise control.
Claimed: 1 of 10
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Wishlist
Use the WishList to pledge cash and loan items - or - Make a pledge by selecting an incentive directly.
$10
Make A Little Noise
We get it, sometimes we can only make a little noise, but every bit helps and we'll give you a social media shout-out for your tax-deductable contribution.
$25
Custom Shout Out
Your tax-deductable contribution gets you a custom Social media shoutout! Please tell us your handles and why you contributed so we can quote you.
$50
Virtual Sneak Peek Group Screening
Your tax-deductable contribution will allow you to join with other donors to see our film before its released! Watch online from the comfort of your home or desk, then join us afterwards for an after party online via Zoom for a Q&A with the director and cast members.
$50
The Quietest Year Earplugs
Your tax-deductible contribution gets you "The Quietest Year" branded earplugs with carrying case to keep handy for noise emergencies. And we'll even include a Social Media Shout Out, so everyone will know how awesome you are!
$50
Personal Thanks from Director
Your tax-deductible contribution earns you a personal, handwritten thank you postcard from Stowe, Vermont from our director, Karen Akins. And we'll even throw in a pair of The Quietest Year-branded earplugs and a unique Social Media Shout Out, thanking you for your support!
$60
Stowe or Burlington VT "Sneak Peek"
Two tickets to our local IN-PERSON "sneak peek" at the Stowe Cinema or a Burlington area theater upon the film's completion, date TBD.
$75
Make Some Noise... about Noise
Send us your OWN short video about your personal noise issue to be used on our website and even edited into a campaign about the re-funding of the EPA's Office on Noise Control Abatement! (video less than 20 seconds please). We may even use it at the end of The Quietest Year, if your appearance release is submitted. Your contribution is tax-deductible!
-- We'll also throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded earplugs and a Social Media Shout Out!$100
Big Screen Thank You!
“See your name in lights!!" For your generous tax-deductible contribution, you will receive an On Screen Special Thanks credit! Not to mention, your name will have an official IMDb listing, like the big Hollywood star that you are!
-- And we'll throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!Claimed: 39 of 100
$150
Can you give us 2 Seconds?
Archival and stock footage clips cost about $80 PER SECOND, so please help us enrich our film with your tax-deductible contribution to help us acquire archival film and beautifully shot stock clips, and you'll get recognized in our closing credits and get an official IMDb credit!
-- And we'll throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!$500
House Party with Filmmaker
Host a virtual screening of our film at your home with up to 15 friends, with Director Karen Akins joining by zoom at the end to do a private Q&A session. (Your contribution is tax-deductible!)
-- And we'll throw in a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs for everyone at the party, and you'll get a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
$500
Associate Producer Credit
For your generous tax-deductible contribution, you'll get an Associate Producer credit in the film and an eternal reference of your valuable support with an IMDB listing.
-- And, of course, we'll throw in a pack of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
Claimed: 4 of 6
$1,000
Sunset Cruise on Lake Champlain
Enjoy a sunset cruise with the director and her husband "Captain Dan" on Lake Champlain during the 2023 boating season. Leave from Marble Island Marina in Colchester and enjoy heavy apps, drinks, and spectacular views of the Adirondacks and Green Mountains. (up to 4 people)
-- And, of course, everyone on the cruise will receive a pair of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and you'll get a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your tax-deductible support!
* We are not responsible for transportation to the location or lodging during your stay.Claimed: 1 of 4
$1,500
Fall in Vermont
Enjoy a 3-day stay in the village of Stowe, Vermont during the fall of 2023 at the historic Maple Street Dairy, the original dairy in Stowe, where our director lives on this compound of old dairy buildings. Dates are first come first serve. Up to 6 people. Pets welcome. Includes lodging only.
-- And, of course, we'll throw in a pack of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
* We are not responsible for transportation to the location.Claimed: 0 of 4
$2,500
Non-profit Partner
Become associated with the film by becoming a partner with the film team to jointly promote the film and its message. This level of support entitles you to a private board/staff screening and Q&A with the director to strategize PLUS a virtual fundraising screening for your membership, where you can split revenues with the filmmaker to raise funds for your organization.
Claimed: 0 of 20
$5,000
Producer Credit
You are one of our top supporters and, as such, you will be immortalized as an official Movie Producer, listed right at the top of the film's credits and listed right on IMDb. (It's even tax-deductible!)
-- And, of course, we'll throw in a pack of Quietest Year-branded ear plugs and a special Social Media Shout Out, to thank you for your support!
Claimed: 0 of 2
$5,000
Corporate Sponsor
Your tax-deductible contribution goes a long way in helping us complete our project and your corporate or non-profit logo will be prominently displayed in closing credits and all marketing materials, showing your support for noise control.
Claimed: 1 of 10
- Updates
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Current Team
About This Team
Karen Akins, Director/Producer
Karen Akins is an award-winning documentary film director, with a passion for public health. Inspired by a volunteer medical mission to Mexico, her first documentary, EL SUSTO, about the politics Type 2 diabetes in Mexico is a cautionary tale about the harms of sugary drinks. A trained urban designer, with an MSc. in City Design and Social Science from the London School of Economics, she is interested in how the built environment interacts with community cohesion and health. Sandra Guardado, Editor
Guardado works as a documentary editor/producer. She was coordinating producer on George Wallace: Setting’ the Woods on Fire, (won an Emmy for research). Guardado edited/co-produced the POV documentary Last Man Standing on a contentious political race in Texas. Guardado co-edited When I Rise, on an African American opera singer’s small part in the civil rights struggle for Independent Lens. She was an editor on the CNN Original Series High Profits on the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. Recently, Guardado edited the feature-length documentary Becoming Leslie on Leslie Cochran, a homeless man and one of Austin’s most famous celebrities (the film premiered at SXSW) as well as EL SUSTO, her first collaboration with Karen Akins. She is currently editing two feature-length documentaries, The Quietest Year and The Trouble I See.
Michael Fisher, Cinematographer
20 years of experience in film production. Cinematographer, Editor, Gaffer, and Key Grip for narrative, documentary, commercial, and music video. Director of over 50 narrative short films.
Jim Picariello, Assistant Producer, Writer
Jim's a screenwriter and filmmaker breaking into the industry from rural, coastal Maine. It's a surefire plan! Jim's scripts are high-placing (Nicholl/Black List), he's a 2-time Pitch Finalist at the Austin Film Festival, and a Stowe Story Labs alum. His short films are Official Selections and winners at wicked-fancy film fests. Jim even made one for Sesame Street!
Devin Rice, Sound/Music
Devin is a director, cinematographer, nature photographer, editor, animator, and composer, among other specialties. He's worked on a wide range of projects, including social, nature, and politically-minded documentaries and narrative films.
Chris DeMars, Camera/Graphics
Ethan Geiger, Camera
Carly Myers, Asst. Producer -
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