The film took shape in 2020 when the pandemic's impact on the publishing industry stalled publication of the book that was to have arisen from the project.  The half-hour documentary "In a Whole New Way" toured the film festival circuit from the spring of 2021 to the fall of 2022, amassing 50 awards. The film was taken up by legislators of both parties, justice officials, and the national community corrections industry.  In August 2022, PBS accepted the film for public television broadcast and an effort began to secure underwriters to maximize audience reach.

​

With the book receiving final edits by DOP's Commissioner in September 2022, the manuscript was readied for pitching to publishers that fall.

​