Docu-miniseries to be based on Zinn book

Project Greenlight's Chris Moore will executive-produce a miniseries and feature-length documentary based on historian-author Howard Zinn's 1980 book, "A People's History of the United States."

Titled "The People Speak," the project will feature music and readings based on America's struggles with war, class, race and the rights of women. Matt Damon, Marisa Tomei, Viggo Mortensen and Josh Brolin will provide performances for the project that will interweave archival footage, photographs and interviews, with Eddie Vedder and John Legend lending their musical talents. Danny Glover, David Strathairn and Kerry Washington also are set to appear.

"It's going to be a great piece of entertainment but more importantly something people can watch and learn and remember how great this country has been and how individual people have changed the course of history," Moore said. "It's going to make them think, laugh and cry and be proud to be American."

The project, also based on Zinn's companion book, "Voices of a People's History of the United States," which he co-wrote with Anthony Arnove, will begin production in January in Boston.

Zinn, who will provide introductions and the historical context through on-camera appearances, also is executive producing with Arnove.

"Our hope is that these words from the past will speak passionately and clearly to the needs of the present," Zinn said.

Moore's producing credits include the "American Pie" movies and "Good Will Hunting." *