Inspired by an original story by Peter Yoakum, the documentary “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.

Co-directed by Gary Matoso and Cameron Zohoori, the 90-minute film 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.

Release Date

Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat will be released in theaters beginning on July 7th, 2023, in New York and Los Angeles, as well as across Washington, Texas, Oregon, Tennessee, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Michigan and Wisconsin, among others, with a North American TVOD/Digital platforms release set for July 27th, 2023.

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.

Official Trailer

Watch the official trailer for Odd Hours, No Pay, Cool Hat

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

The film is presented by John Deere in association with the National Volunteer Fire Council, Hold Fast Features, and Vignette.