About
About Commons Cut
The strange stories behind familiar classics
What it is
Commons Cut is a free weekly newsletter, a website, and short videos. Discover the true stories behind classic films, books and characters, and follow the people, rivalries and surprises behind them. Public-domain context shows up where it matters.
- True stories of classic films, books, and characters
- The people, rivalries, and surprises, with the sources
- Public-domain context where it matters, including what stays protected
A new issue goes out every Tuesday. The latest is Issue No. 2, Was trick-or-treating born on Thanksgiving? Read them all. Want more? The Director’s Cut is the paid edition.
Who makes it
Commons Cut comes from Half-In Productions, in Costa Mesa, California. Half-In Productions creates original entertainment and resources for the people who make it, including Kacti Kids, our stop-motion musical series.
Write for Commons Cut
We’re looking for contributors: filmmakers, animators, writers, musicians, game makers and researchers who can tell a sourced story about a familiar classic.
Send a short pitch, with what you’d write about and a link to your work, to info@halfinproductions.com.
Contact
Questions, ideas or corrections: info@halfinproductions.com.
Commons Cut is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a lawyer before commercial use.