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Getting the shot means getting dirty - and wet

August 13th, 2006

A lot of people have asked about the work involved in gathering video material for firefighting videos. In addition to the ongoing research and study related to the creation of the LAFD education series of videos, there is time spent in the field capturing crews at work. While this often involves traffic accidents and EMS (emergency medical services) calls, fire remains the primary objective.

Our team is equipped with protective gear and radios and we have been given instruction on how to interact with department members while on scene at an incident. And, as exciting as it may sound to ride out with a fire company, it is serious work. And, as a part of that work, we get seriously dirty - and on occasion, very wet!

Battalion Chief Joe Castro and Camera Person Cameron Barrett
Videographer Cameron Barrett & Battalion Chief Castro
When we’re on scene, we assign one individual as a producer and spotter and the other as a videographer. The producer/spotter acts to ensure the safety of the team and seeks story angles or important shots to capture. Teamwork is important not only for firefighters, but for our production crew as well.

Protecting our equipment is another aspect of shooting video that becomes serious business when shooting video at a working fire scene. Smoke, water, and debris fly through the air, often in directions you aren’t expecting and with tremendous force. Our HD video cameras are delicate and intricate pieces of equipment and water and related foreign objects are not good for long-term functionality.

Following fire-related incidents, we carefully clean and inspect each piece of equipment. Batteries are recharged after every shoot - but smokey and wet conditions result in extra care being given to each piece of gear we use.

The results speak for themselves - high quality, exciting, and dramatic images of firefigthers doing their job. It’s just one reason why firefighting videos are tremendous fun to watch.

Kids Love Fire Engines Now Complete

August 13th, 2006

The first title in the Los Angeles Fire Department Museum & Memorial education series is now complete. Kids Love Fire Engines is being mastered and will be available before the end of the month.

A lot of small details have been changed during the past month, and as this is the initial product, some additional time was taken to ensure a quality product.

Formal release will follow pre-release copies to reviewers and LAFD officers. As soon as the title is available, the purchase links in products will allow you to execute an online order. Shipping typically takes one week.