A Riparian Studios-produced film accompanying Nevada County’s “Ready, Set, Go” Handbook has been released. The film, made in partnership with Nevada County and FREED Center for Independent Living features local first responders and Office of Emergency Services (OES) staff as well as local residents. Interview subjects include Ana Acton of FREED, Paul Cummings and Jenn Tamo of Nevada County OES, Lt. Bob Jakobs of the Nevada County Sheriff’s Department, and CAL FIRE Chiefs Brian Estes and Jim Mathias.
Rather than follow the traditional educational video approach, Riparian Studios owner Kit Kohler and Consulting Producer Sheila Cameron chose to focus on personal stories and expert interviews to reinforce information found in the Ready, Set, Go Handbook. “We viewed the film more as a supplement to the handbook than a replacement.” says Kohler. “It’s designed to cover the subjects at a high level so that when folks open the handbook up, they’ll have the familiarity and interest to take a deeper dive.”
New in this film is the use of an American Sign Language interpreter. Courtney Williams of FREED contributed her time and skill to interpret the entire film, and the ASL translation is included in the final film for accessibility. Additionally, stills from the film were used in this year’s handbook, designed by Suzanne Calkins. Other image contributors to the final film include CAL FIRE, Drone Cowboys, and Union photographers John Hart and Elias Funez.
This film represents Riparian Studios’ second production in partnership with the County of Nevada Office of Emergency Services. A third short is currently in production.