(Story from Fire Engineering Magazine on Sept. 19, 2024)

A recent documentary that shone a spotlight on the struggles of the nation’s volunteer firefighters and even spurred state legislative action on the matter made its public broadcasting debut in September.

Sub-Genre Media’s “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat,” a Vignette Production and Hold Fast Features Project from filmmaking co-directing team Gary Matoso and Cameron Zohoori, aired nationally on PBS stations. In October, that will expand to more than 200 stations, with more than 500 air dates including the top 10 markets.

Since its North American-wide release in 2023, the film directly influenced Maryland’s state governor to change legislation that allows for non-social security holding EMTs to become fully licensed. This allows those persons to advance their careers as full-time professionals.

Furthermore, the film made a significant impact nationwide, with 50% of the nearly 300 fire departments who screened the film during recruitment events enlisting new volunteer firefighters or receiving strong inquiries. The National Volunteer Fire Council experienced a 41% increase in volunteer inquiry submissions during the film’s release. The film also helped volunteer fire stations increase donations, with one station receiving a $350,000 grant from Maryland legislation to fund their new heavy rescue squad.

An original story by Peter Yoakum, “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” takes audiences behind the lines of America’s volunteer fire service community. The film is a tribute to the nearly 700,000 volunteer firefighters around the country, highlighting their selfless bravery, compassion, motivation, and unfaltering sense of community. The film is presented by John Deere in association with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Hold Fast Features, and Vignette.

“It was important for us to release Odd Hours across public media,” says Sub-Genre distribution executive Jordana Meade. “Now millions of Americans across the country will have access to Odd Hours’ captivating story of community and extraordinary bravery when the country needs it most.”

The “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” filmmaking team is led by Co-Director, DP & Producer Gary Matoso, Co-Director & Editor Cameron Zohoori, Executive Producer Peter Yoakum, Casting Director and Associate Producer Louise Colette Matoso, and Composer Dillon Byron.

To follow the film and its journey and find your location station listings: www.oddhoursfilm.com