In a beautiful frenzy of just ten days, the 21st edition of the Tribeca Festival has come and gone. And among the explosive film screenings, immersive art displays and star-studded red carpets that cemented themselves as this year’s favorites was the debut of The Big Lie, an Audible Original drama. Starring V favorites – John Hamm, Kate Mara and Ana de la Reguera – the series is based on the true story by Paul Jarrico, which documents the making of the 1954 film, Salt of the Earth, the only movie named to the “Hollywood Blacklist.” It follows the story of three outcast filmmakers trying to make a movie that dramatized their pro-labor, pro-feminist beliefs. 

“When you actually just listen to [The Big Lie], there is something very different and you’re able to transport yourself,” Jon Hamm said during last week’s festival preview. “Getting to tell this story over audio, in a format that mirrors the way audiences might have actually heard it over the radio in the 1950s, made it all the more authentic.”

Set in Hollywood, at the height of the “Red Scare,” Hamm plays the FBI agent who tries to shut down the film’s production. In the intervening seven episodes, the series follows our protagonists as they are denounced on the floor of Congress and are confronted with riots. This unique audio experience was re-written for podcast format by John Mankiewicz and produced by Audible and Fresh Produce Media. 

“It was a much bigger challenge than I expected, but it was equally rewarding because we’re still telling a story,” shares The Big Lie director and executive director Aaron Lipstadt. Lipstadt is no stranger to the world of entertainment as he’s also helped create film fanatic favorites like, Bosch and Miami Vice. 

To celebrate the series’ thrilling release, festival attendees were given the true 1950s Hollywood experience. There were themed cocktails, Old-Hollywood photo opportunities, and light refreshments. Shortly after the reception, the audience got a unique, exclusive listen to the first episode followed by a conversation with the creators and cast. Join V as we get a look into the unforgettable night. 

If you’re interested in checking out the series for yourself, you can stream the series via Audible tomorrow, June 16th.