Legislative Changing Doc “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” Illuminating Volunteer Firefighting Community Makes Public Broadcasting Debut Nationwide on 9/11 

“Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” Takes Audiences Behind the Lines of America’s Heartland- Led Volunteer Fire Service with Public Broadcasting Release on over 137 Stations Nationwide Timed to 9/11

(Los Angeles, CA) Sub-Genre Media’s engaging documentary “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat,” a Vignette Production and Hold Fast Features Project from filmmaking co-directing team Gary Matoso & Cameron Zohoori, will make its Public Broadcasting debut nationwide airing nationally on PBS stations, beginning in September, timed to 9/11, and in October on more than 300 stations (Over 700 air dates include 145 markets, as well as throughout America’s heartland to a an audience of over 36 million). 

PBS stations and channels embrace “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” with primetime programming commemorating 9/11, October’s National Fire Prevention Month, and National First Responders Day (Oct 28).  Since the film first made 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 and increases the lives they will save.

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 wide release.

 “Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat” is inspired by an original story by Peter Yoakum and takes audiences behind the lines of America’s volunteer fire service community. The film is truly 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.

This extraordinary film released theatrically in New York, California, Washington, and Oregon; has screened as part of a coveted private screening series including the John Deere Headquarters Screening & Panel event honoring regional fire departments, the National Volunteer Fire Council Board of Directors Screening, Elevate Brand Storytelling in Sundance, Utah, and the NVFC Training Summit; and across the nation with nearly 300 impact recruitment screenings.

The 60-minute public television version grants audience’s exclusive access to follow the inspiring journey of the most remarkable neighbors whose help you hope you never need – volunteer firefighters – as they encounter heart-breaking challenges and exhilarating triumphs to fulfill a single mission: serving their community. Heart-warming, humorous, and thrilling, this sweeping portrait of bravery will capture your heart and inspire. 

“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 & 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

Downloadable assets: trailer and press materials

Private screeners available upon request for review and interview consideration [email protected]

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