Locally-produced movie shares the challenges of volunteer firefighters

Vignette, a Seattle-based documentary production company and creative team, recently announced the regional & nationwide release of “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat,” a documentary that takes audiences behind the scenes of America’s volunteer fire service community. The film, presented by John Deere in association with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Hold Fast Features, Subgenre Media and Vignette, has made a significant impact across the country.

In addition to interviews filmed around the U.S., the film captures the challenges and triumphs of new volunteers beginning their training at the North Bend, WA Fire Training Academy, and featuring volunteer firefighters from Yakima, the Key Peninsula, Issaquah, and Snohomish County.

The documentary, inspired by an original story by Peter Yoakum, highlights the selfless bravery, compassion, and unwavering sense of community among the nearly 700,000 volunteer firefighters in the United States. Since its release, the film has been screened by nearly 300 fire departments during recruitment events, with 50% of these departments enlisting new volunteer firefighters or receiving strong inquiries. Additionally, the National Volunteer Fire Council experienced a 41% increase in volunteer inquiry submissions during the film’s wide release.

The PBS Station Air Dates are available on the film's website.

Vignette, known for combining the strategic insight of a creative agency with the cinematic skills of a production company, played a crucial role in the production of this film. “Our roots in photojournalism and documentary film spark the curiosity at the core of everything we do. We love this work because of the opportunity it gives us to explore, connect, and share,” says Vignette Co-Director Gary Matoso.

The 60-minute public television version of “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” grants audiences exclusive access to follow the inspiring journey of volunteer firefighters as they encounter heart-breaking challenges and exhilarating triumphs to fulfill their mission of serving their community. Heart-warming, humorous, and thrilling, this sweeping portrait of bravery will capture your heart and inspire.

The filmmaking team is led by Co-Director, DP & Producer Gary Matoso, Co-Director & Editor Cameron Zohoori, Executive Producer Peter Yoakum, Casting Director & Associate Producer Louise Colette Matoso, and Composer Dillon Byron. The movie is distributed by Subgenre Media.