Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat

Behind the lines of America's volunteer fire service.


ODD HOURS, NO PAY, COOL HAT is a feature-length documentary film that immerses the audience in stories of volunteer firefighters across the USA. We crafted an ensemble film showcasing the impact of these selfless individuals in their communities and the transformative power of service in their lives.

The film was released in theaters in summer 2023 and is now available on streaming platforms.


PBS Apple TV YouTube Amazon

Clients
  • John Deere
  • NVFC
Our Role
  • Story Development
  • Casting
  • Film & Photography Production
  • Post-Production
  • Distribution Strategy
Deliverables
  • Feature Documentary
  • Trailers & Promos
  • Still Images
  • Impact Campaign Assets

Synopsis

Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat takes viewers into the heart of the volunteer fire service, and by extension on a journey through the many facets of America. Locations like California’s wine (and wildfire) country, a small Nebraska farming community, and an Orthodox Jewish enclave of New York are the backdrop for stories of service, found family, and the search for purpose. Together they convey the depth, diversity, and critical role volunteer fire departments play across the country.


Told through an unexpected cast of characters, the film challenges stereotypes and preconceptions at every turn. Barbara is a retired grandma who suits up as an EMT when the tones drop. Madely, a Salvadoran immigrant, joins a crew of teenagers who balance saving lives with getting their homework done. For Jaime, the volunteer fire service saved his life, and he’s passing on those lessons and legacy to his sons and grandson.


At a fragile and fractured point in American history, the film is entertaining, hopeful, and optimistic. It suggests that when it comes to the most desperate and important moments of our lives, we will drop everything and come together to help our neighbors.

Model & Impact

ODD HOURS is a great example of our 'Unbranded' model for creating documentary projects sponsored by purpose-drive brands. John Deere joined the project as a benefactor, helping the film get made and seen while allowing the storytelling to remain totally independent. Most crucially, the National Volunteer Fire Council served as subject matter experts, story connectors, and leaders of the impact campaign, making sure the film resulted in meaningful results in communities across the country.

The film reached audiences through theatrical runs, streaming platforms, and a nationwide broadcast on PBS. It simultaneously anchored a nationwide grassroots impact campaign: hundreds of community screenings that brought neighbors together to celebrate their local first responders and mobilize around local recruiting needs.


See the full case study