SoapBox Productions and Organizing

What SoapBox Productions and Organizing does

SoapBox Productions and Organizing is a Chicago-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 82-4144067) founded in 2013 by filmmaker Caullen Hudson, specializing in multimedia storytelling for social-justice movements. The organization produces documentary films, micro-docs, public service announcements, the "Bourbon 'n BrownTown" podcast (100+ episodes), editorial articles, and live events (including the Fitness Against Fascism fundraiser series and BnB Live recordings), and runs a campaign-media service called SoapBox Action Works that documents and amplifies grassroots organizing efforts.

Its underlying methodology is a media-based organizing framework adapted from Allied Media Projects, integrating documentary filmmaking, podcast production, editorial content, and community programming across YouTube, Simplecast/Spotify/Apple Podcasts, festival screenings, and educational institutions including DePaul University and the True/False Film Festival's Camp True/False media literacy program.

Revenue comes from individual donations via Facebook Fundraisers and Give Lively, foundation grants (including Crossroads Fund), branded merchandise through the Raygun Custom store, and corporate/partnership PSA work (notably a Nike partnership via Gumbo Media and recurring annual galas for the Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights). The 8-person core team serves two primary customer segments — social-justice organizations and coalitions (No Cop Academy, Illinois Prison Project, Erase the Database, Final 5 Campaign, Defund CPD, Coalition to Decarcerate IL, Bring Chicago Home) and educational institutions — with documented campaign-level outcomes including contributing to the defeat of a $95 million police training center proposal.

Name

SoapBox Productions and Organizing

Legal name

SoapBox Productions and Organizing

Website

https://soapboxpo.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2014

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SoapBox Productions and Organizing is a Chicago 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces documentary films, podcasts, and campaign media for social-justice coalitions, educational institutions, and select corporate clients. Founded in 2013 by Caullen Hudson, it pairs multimedia storytelling with grassroots organizing across racial and economic justice movements.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Justice Media Production

NAICS

Social Advocacy Organizations (8133), Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Human Rights Organizations (813311), Media Representatives (541840)

SIC

Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Production (7812), Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Advertising Agencies (7311)

akta.pro primary industry

Social Issue & Advocacy Documentaries (MPADADAG)

akta.pro secondary industries

Audio Production & Podcasting (BPAFAIAE), Nonprofit & Cause Communications (BPAFADAK), Docuseries & Episodic Nonfiction (TV/Streaming) (MPADADAB), Political & Advocacy Advertising (MPADAEAK)

Keywords

• Documentary film production
• Social justice media
• Podcast production services
• Grassroots campaign organizing
• Multimedia storytelling

Headquarters

HQ city

Chicago Park

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Fundraising: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting social change media. Fundraisers conducted on Facebook Fundraisers and Give Lively platforms.
2. Merchandise Sales: Sale of branded merchandise including Bourbon 'n BrownTown podcast T-shirts and SoapBox swag through Raygun Custom store.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsored Content: Partnerships with corporations like Nike for PSA production and commercial work.
4. Grant Funding: Support from foundations and organizations including Crossroads Fund and other movement-building funders.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

SoapBox Productions and Organizing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that produces documentary films, the Bourbon 'n BrownTown podcast, SoapBox Action Works campaign micro-docs and rapid-response videos, commercials and PSAs, editorial articles, live events, and education/workshops for social justice movements. Through its SoapBox Action Works (SAW) model, it documents, amplifies, and builds power with grassroots organizations, coalitions, and nonprofits by telling campaign stories through a cinematic lens. It serves racial, economic, and social justice causes and corporate clients such as Nike, Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, and ICIRR.

Product overview

SoapBox Productions and Organizing is a film and social activism 501(c)(3) nonprofit specializing in multimedia storytelling for structural social change. The organization operates as a unified multimedia production house offering documentary films (including 'One Million Experiments', 'No Cop Academy: The Documentary', 'Seguimos Aquí'), the Bourbon 'n BrownTown podcast, SoapBox Action Works (SAW) campaign micro-docs and rapid responses, commercials and PSAs, social campaigns documentation, education and workshops, live events, and editorial content. These offerings are integrated through a cross-platform, participatory media approach that serves grassroots organizing movements for racial, economic, and social justice.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bourbon 'n BrownTown: A conversation-based podcast co-hosted by Caullen Hudson and David A. Moran that fosters radically imaginative dialogues on media, culture, politics, and social movements through a liberatory lens with a Chicago focus.
• SoapBox Action Works (SAW)
• Fitness Against Fascism (FAF)

Products and services

• Documentary Films Feature and short documentary films addressing social justice issues including racial, economic, and structural inequality. Key films include 'One Million Experiments', 'No Cop Academy: The Documentary', 'Chi DNA', 'Seguimos Aquí', 'Calvin's Story', 'What's Beef?', and 'Blue Notes'. Produced for movement audiences, educational institutions, and film festivals.
• Bourbon 'n BrownTown Podcast A conversation-based podcast hosted by Caullen Hudson and David A. Moran that fosters radically imaginative dialogues on media, culture, politics, and social movements through a liberatory lens, featuring guests from activism, art, and organizing spaces.
• SoapBox Action Works (SAW) Campaign Micro-Docs and Rapid-Response Videos A multimedia production service that documents, consults, amplifies, and builds power with movements, grassroots organizations, and nonprofits to tell campaign stories through a cinematic lens, producing micro-docs and rapid-response videos for clients such as Illinois Prison Project, No Cop Academy Coalition, Erase the Database Coalition, and Final 5 Campaign.
• Commercials & PSAs Commercial spots and public service announcements produced for clients including Nike, Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights, NewRoot, AUADD, and US PIRG on topics ranging from safe driving to social justice issues. Includes branded content and cause-marketing campaigns.
• Education & Workshops Participatory workshops, curriculum building, Q&A sessions, and educational programming for colleges, universities, film festivals, and youth organizations focused on media literacy and social justice.
• Live Events Project premieres, live podcast recordings, and fundraisers including the Fitness Against Fascism series, BnB Live podcast recordings, and Chi DNA Speaker Series.
• Editorial Content (SoapBox Editorial) Articles and opinion pieces published on Medium covering social justice topics, campaign analysis, and movement commentary aligned with SoapBox's mission.
• Branded Merchandise Sale of branded merchandise including Bourbon 'n BrownTown podcast T-shirts and SoapBox swag through the Raygun Custom store, supporting fundraising for the organization.

Quantifiable outcome

• Campaign contributed to defeating $95 million cop academy proposal
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.

• Interrupting CriminalizationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producing One Million Experiments documentary, an experimental documentary film companion to the AirGo and Interrupting Criminalization podcast exploring safety in a world without police and prisons.
• AirGocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-producing One Million Experiments documentary companion to the AirGo podcast on abolitionist approaches to safety and wellness.
• ALMA (Association of Latino/as/x Motivating Action)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on Seguimos Aquí documentary featuring four LGBTQ+ identifying Latinx Chicagoans navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Chicago History MuseumcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Seguimos Aquí documentary project as part of the museum's OUT AT CHM programming.
• Collective Freedom ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMulti-region collaboration on abolition campaigns including Erase the Database micro-doc in Chicago, with work also in Texas, Atlanta, and California.
• Illinois Prison ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProduction of 'We Are More' micro-doc series centering experiences of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people.
• Erase the Database CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition steering partners including OCAD, BYP100, Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, and GoodKids MadCity working to abolish Chicago's gang database.
• No Cop Academy CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition including Assata's Daughters, Black Lives Matter - Chicago, People's Response Team, For The People Artists Collective produced documentary chronicling campaign against $95 million police training center.
• Final 5 CampaigncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition dedicated to closure of the final five youth prisons in Illinois, featuring youth leadership and community investment.
• Bring Chicago HomecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPromotional video production for coalition restructuring Real Estate Transfer Tax for affordable housing and wraparound services.
• Not Me, WesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerFellows from Not Me, We organizing alongside Bring Chicago Home and Obama CBA campaigns.
• Crossroads FundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMovement funding organization serving as anchor for movement building since 1981, providing grants and relationship building support.
• Obama Community Benefits Agreement CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition ensuring Obama Presidential Center builds South Side communities without displacement, including BYP100, STOP Chicago, and others.
• Black Abolitionist NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetwork created to build #DefundCPD campaign calling for 75% divestment from Chicago Police Department.
• Coalition to Decarcerate ILcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition of loved ones, currently/formerly incarcerated, activists, and creatives working towards abolition and fighting for rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.
• Chicago Lawyers' Committee for Civil RightscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAnnual gala PSA production (2023-2025) highlighting civil rights work around voting rights, housing, and community advocacy.
• NewRoot Learning InstitutesecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerGala PSA production on restorative practices uplifting equity, wellness, and radical love in schools.
• Chicago VotescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThird season of Sh*t Talks series inspiring young people to vote and become agents of transformational change.
• NikesecondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerPSA partnership highlighting FroSkate womyn+ TQGNC BIPOC skate crew in collaboration with Gumbo Media.
• DePaul UniversitysecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerWhat's Beef documentary supported by DePaul; used as curriculum for GEO 399 Hip Hop, Politics and Place course.
• True/False Film FestivalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEducation team partnership for Camp True/False media literacy program with high school students.
• Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR)secondaryStrategic or Co-development Partner2020 Census promotional PSA production in English and Spanish for immigrant and refugee communities.
• Chicago Independent Media Alliance (CIMA)secondaryGTM or Marketing PartnerCensus project sponsored by Chicago Reader via CIMA.
• Brighton Park Neighborhood Council (BPNC)secondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner featured in Chicago Lawyers' Committee work around housing and community advocacy.
• Lugenia Burns Hope CentersecondaryStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner featured in Chicago Lawyers' Committee work.
• National Museum of Mexican ArtsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorScreening partner for Seguimos Aquí documentary.
• Reeling Film FestivalsecondaryChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFilm festival screening platform for LGBTQ+ content including Seguimos Aquí.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Allied Media Projects: Detroit-based nonprofit network advancing media-based organizing through its Allied Media methodology — the same framework SoapBox explicitly cites as foundational. Highly comparable as a peer in movement-driven, participatory multimedia production.
• Firelight Media: Nonprofit documentary production company supporting Black filmmakers and social justice storytelling through programs like the Documentary Lab. Comparable model of mission-driven, identity-centered documentary production for movement impact.
• Kartemquin Films: Chicago-based independent documentary production nonprofit behind films like 'Hoop Dreams' and 'The Interrupters'. Most direct geographic and functional peer, producing social-issue documentaries with movement impact for over 50 years.
• The Marshall Project: Nonprofit newsroom covering criminal justice — a core issue area for SoapBox (Illinois Prison Project, Final 5, Coalition to Decarcerate IL). Comparable as a mission-aligned media nonprofit producing investigative and narrative content on overlapping subject matter.
• Black Public Media: Nonprofit (formerly National Black Programming Consortium) funding and supporting media projects by and about Black communities. Comparable as a movement-aligned media nonprofit with documentary funding and distribution functions.
• Vision Maker Media: Nonprofit that funds and distributes documentaries by Native American filmmakers for public media. Comparable as a mission-aligned documentary funding/distribution nonprofit focused on underrepresented communities and movement storytelling.
• Brave New Films: Robert Greenwald's activist documentary production company producing short-form campaign videos and features for progressive movements. Directly comparable as documentary production explicitly tied to organizing and advocacy outcomes.
• In These Times: Chicago-based nonprofit magazine covering labor, economic justice, and social movements. Comparable as a Chicago-anchored, movement-aligned independent media outlet with overlapping issue focus and nonprofit funding model.

Emerging players

• The Real News Network: Nonprofit progressive video news network producing documentary-style journalism on social and economic justice. Comparable as a mission-aligned video/podcast nonprofit with movement content focus, though operating primarily in news rather than documentary feature format.

Broad incumbents

• StoryCorps: Large nonprofit oral history and storytelling organization with national infrastructure. Comparable as a nonprofit using audio/video storytelling for social connection, though at significantly greater scale and broader thematic scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@soapboxpo
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/soapboxpo

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about SoapBox Productions and Organizing