I don’t normally post my work product from Avista on my
blog, but I’m really proud of this video and my company, so I’d like to share.
It’s also a nice jumping off point to discuss storytelling and honing your
craft with a diverse mix of mediums.
So often I hear from other authors who only write – noble as
it is - but there are so many other ways to get your stories out. I’m lucky
enough to have a position in the communications department at Avista Utilities
and I have the ability to share stories through text, photos, videos and audio.
Let’s not forget the “in person” stuff too.
My friend Dan Absalonson is in the same boat with
storytelling. He works for
a software company, creating 3D art, graphic design, audio & video editing.
He’s also a kick ass writer, whose novel I’m currently reading on WattPad.
Check out his stuff here, which includes text, art, music and podcasts.
Storytellers shouldn’t be isolated to one medium. He gets it.
In this
video I filmed and produced Avista, an electric and natural gas utility, surprises Journeyman Lineman Matt Anderson with a mock ATV
accident in the Idaho wilderness while he was servicing a remote power line in
late June 2012. Anderson had about three minutes to prepare for the scenario.
After lifting the ATV off the victim, radioing for help and MedStar, performing
CPR and getting a pulse, Anderson grabbed his chainsaw and on the fly made a
stretcher out of nearby trees, his coat, sweatshirt and some straps from his
own ATV.
Once additional
co-workers arrived on scene they carried the victim to a Trooper/Snowcat and
evacuated him to a landing zone for MedStar where he was met by the helicopter
crew and Deary, Idaho EMS.
Avista creates
these mock scenarios to test our employees, emergency procedures and first
responders to make sure that when an accident happens -- we're all ready for
action. We have to be ready to serve our customers and sometimes that means
being out in very remote areas or in terrible weather conditions where anything
could happen.
This was
a great video to shoot. The safety and operations guys set up the scenario and
made all the arrangements with the first responders. They guaranteed me access
to every step of the event and never once said, “don’t film that.” The video
helps showcase the story that people couldn’t see unless they too were up in
the Idaho wilderness with us.
As you
can tell, I’m pretty proud of this work and I hope you’ll watch the video.
So maybe this brief little post in words (see irony here),
can be your inspiration to try to tell a story in another medium. It might be
clunky at first, but your skills are there – just give it a shot.
If you’re a multi-tool storyteller. Post a link to your work
in the comments below.
