A team of Taylor University film students devoted their fall semester working with the City of Marion to produce a first responder recruitment video. The City of Marion and several other organizations submitted requests for projects for the 2020 fall semester with TU’s “Producing for Clients” class. At the start of the semester, the class selected projects, and the City was one chosen.
A team of four was connected with the City of Marion’s Director of Marketing & Community Relations, Layla Price-Bodkin, to complete the semester-long project. Price-Bodkin received the good news the City’s proposal had been chosen, then kicked into full gear working with the students in tandem with the Marion Police Department and Marion Fire Department over the next 2 ½ months. “I couldn’t be more thankful and proud of everyone. The students showed extreme care with this project, were great listeners, and unleashed full creativity in producing what will be a perpetual recruitment tool for us,” she explained.
The video is found on the City of Marion’s YouTube Channel. On YouTube, search for “City of Marion, IN,” then find the video (OR direct link: https://youtu.be/eySuimGdv‑U) entitled “The Call to Serve Marion.” Subscribe to the Channel to see more videos from the City of Marion. The video will also be shared on the City’s website as well as various social media pages.
The TU team was made up of Maggie Cripe (Producer), Kendra Copeland (Director/Cinematographer), Mitch Wheeler (Editor), and JD Groh (Asst. Producer/Asst. Cinematographer), under Professor Steve Bailey.
Cripe said she is proud of her team on what they were able to create. “Producing this film has been such an honor, and so rewarding. My team and I got to work alongside the actual police and firefighters of Marion, and I am so appreciative that they took time to act in the video. I hope those who watch see how truly passionate Marion’s first responders are as I have learned through this process myself.”
Marion Police Chief Angela Haley expressed appreciation for the overall project, and said everyone involved did great work. “I’m grateful for the collaboration and talents of the student filmmakers and Layla Price-Bodkin who helped bring this concept to life.”
Marion Fire Chief Paul David stated, “I personally want to thank Layla Price-Bodkin and the Taylor University film student team for the excellent work done on the recruitment video for the City of Marion Fire and Police Department. In partnering with the Police Department, I believe this type of material produced will certainly aid us in getting more applicants. The film crew, with the limited knowledge of what the job pertains to, I feel they captured the heart of what our departments are about. Collectively working together will only make us stronger as city employees and quite prideful of the jobs that we perform daily. As the 2 largest departments of the City, we have one common goal — to protect its citizens and visitors at all cost. We have a great community to be proud of, and again collectively, we make it safer. Thanks so much to Layla and the T.U. film crew.”
Mayor Jess Alumbaugh expressed, “This project is exemplary of the talents that exist within our community. Not only do we have public safety agencies that are second to none, the partnerships and support within our community make Marion a great place to work and live!”
Video Summary: Do you have what it takes to be a first responder? City of Marion police officers and firefighters offer advice of what to expect in the challenging yet rewarding career path. To learn more about ongoing City of Marion first responder career opportunities, visit www.cityofmarion.in.gov/careers.
Media Contacts:
Layla Price-Bodkin, Community Development Dept., 765.382.3755, lprice@cityofmarion.in.gov
Chf. Angela Haley, Marion Police Dept., ahaley@cityofmarion.in.gov
Chf. Paul David, Marion Fire Dept., pdavid@cityofmarion.in.gov
