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A Story of Yesterday & Today

The demise of Eastman Kodak has left locals struggling to find work

In our first episode, we explore the demise of Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y., and the impact it has had on local families struggling to find work in the aftermath of the company’s massive layoffs.
Through the eyes of two individuals – a former Kodak employee and a modern freelance photographer – "A Story of Yesterday & Today" digs into the changes of work from day's past to the present, specifically looking at photography and how the workforce has evolved from the classic 9-5 to the modern freelance era.
Director: Barbara Kopple

Eastman Kodak once was one of America’s premiere companies. Kodak was a brand synonymous with the art of photography. Now it has become a technology company, but at a terrific cost to its workforce.

We introduce “FutureWork,” a four-part series from Oscar-winning documentary director Barbara Kopple about how American workers and companies are adapting to new economic realities.

In our first episode, we explore the demise of Eastman Kodak in Rochester, N.Y., and the impact it has had on local families struggling to find work in the aftermath of the company’s massive layoffs.

Upcoming episodes of “FutureWork” will focus on: Year Up, a non-profit organization that partners with employers to provide young adults with training and internships; a two-year technical program developed by Toyota in central Kentucky that combines real work experience for incoming employees with advanced training in the field of robotics and automation; and how youth tech competitions like the Vex Robotics World Championships are becoming recruiting grounds for companies seeking employees with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills.

FutureWork is our signature digital series that shines the spotlight on the most innovative initiatives helping to train and re-skill Americans for the most in-demand jobs now and in the future.

FutureWork