Producing Public Service Announcements

in Redding, California

Even in rehearsal, the firefighters work at top speed.

Last fall (October 2018) we shot a series of Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for the City of Redding Water Utility. We were actually supposed to shoot a video about their water treatment process in the late summer, but two weeks before the shoot the Carr fire almost burned down both of Redding’s water treatment plants. So in October we went up to shoot a PSA series instead, to share with the community the Utility’s heroic effort to keep the water flowing.

Feeling the power of the fire hose was amazing.

Keeping the water system functional was essential. Not only do all city residents rely on it for drinking water, but firefighters use it to battle blazes. Through extraordinary effort, the water service continued without a hiccup.

Working with the Redding Police Department was a joy.

We wrote, shot and edited five 30-second PSAs which played in rotation not only on TV, but also in movie theaters throughout the winter holiday season. We were ready to deliver in 4k resolution, but even the theaters specified they only accept HD. So to “go all out,” we mixed the sound in 5.1-channel surround and some venues may have used that format. This is a case where our capabilities exceed the client’s expectations, but we still do it, if for no other reason than because it looks and sounds terrific in our editing room. There is no added charge.

We run a small crew, so we’re often out-numbered by the actors, clients or extras.

Andy Linda directs a dinner scene, timed out to get a beautiful evening look outdoors.