Community makes student film possible

That "Every Second Counts," a Carson High School advanced-video production film, made the final top 10 tells a lot about the community members who pulled together to produce it.

"It's clear to me the effort that went into this video," said Carson City Fire Department Battalion Chief Richard Chrzanowski. "I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't take home the top prize."

More than 60 community members worked with students from teacher Brian Reedy's advance- video production class to produce the film.

Students and adults found out earlier this week the film was in the finals for a $10,000 grant from State Farm Insurance. The projects were pared down from 25 entries across the nation.

The "Every Second Counts" video shows two vehicles in a T-bone accident in front of the high school. It was made to promote student awareness.

"The accident itself was really realistic," said Sgt. Mike Cullen with the Carson City Sheriff's Department. "People who were driving by while we were setting up were doing what they do at real accidents: Looking to see what happened. If this whole thing can save one of these people's lives, then that's what it's all about."

The Sheriff's Department contributed a motorcycle unit, two patrol units and many deputies for the filming. The fire department brought an engine company, two rescue ambulances and a rescue squad. Makeup artist Laura Ruecker created injuries on the students, and AGM Production director Michael Grimes guided the film along.

Two cars from Little John's Auto Wrecking Co. in Mound House were used to set up the crash.

"One of the vehicles we used was actually driven by a teenager driver and actually caused by driver inattention due to a cell phone," Chrzanowski said.

Jeff Wilson, son of the owner of Little John's, said he remembers Chrzanowski coming out to look for cars. They found a 1999 Toyota Echo with front-end damage. Wilson added a little more damage to a late-80s Honda that had been hit on the side.

"I put the Honda up against another vehicle and pushed the side of it in," Wilson said. "It wasn't nothing real major, but evidently enough to get the point out."

During the filming, deputies directed vehicles around the scene, which had been blocked off on Saliman Road. Even Care Flight arrived.

"It was incredible," Cullen said. "A lot of people were really concerned enough to make time to do this. It really showed me this was a really important project to the community."

Some of the video production students will travel to Long Beach, Calif., in March, where the winner of the $10,000 grant will be announced.

Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

Thank you

The video production class wishes to recognize the following people who contributed to the "Every Second Count" video:

• Sheriff's Office: Sheriff Kenny Furlong, Undersheriff Steve Albertsen and Chief Deputy Steve Schuette, Sgt. Mike Cullen, Deputy Dean Williams, Tom Crawford and Tara Tuttle.

• Parent Gary Lyon for writing the initial grant to enter the class in the competition

• Carson City: Liz Teixeira and Daren Winkelman

• Carson-Tahoe Hospital: Kelly Dawson and Lori Burt

• Carson City Fire Department: Richard Chrzanowski and Bob Charles

• Carson High School administrators and the Carson City School District

• AGM Production: Michael Grimes

• Theatrical Make-up: Laura Ruecker

• CHS drama students and other students who helped

• T-shirts and key chains: Susie and Larry Biehn

• Care Flight