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STEVE BUSCEMI

New York, NY – June 23, 2025

Steve Buscemi and Wren Arthur
Join as Executive Producers for the Powerful New Documentary
Into the Unknown About Paramedics on the Front Lines

Award-winning actor, director and producer Steve Buscemi and two-time EMMY-winning producer Wren Arthur have been announced as executive producers of the highly anticipated documentary feature Into the Unknown. This groundbreaking film offers an unflinching, in-depth look at the lives of paramedics. The film follows six paramedic crews from across the U.S., including a Gulf War veteran, Columbine survivors, best friends on the night shift, rural volunteers, and a helicopter rescue team. It offers a raw, real-world portrayal of their high-stakes work, exploring the dangers, mental health challenges, and emotional toll of saving lives and facing loss.

Steve Buscemi, known for his iconic roles in Reservoir Dogs, Fargo, The Big Lebowski, and his celebrated TV work on Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, and Miracle Workers brings his commitment to powerful storytelling to this project. In addition to his acting, Buscemi has directed and produced numerous films and television projects, including The Listener, which world premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival. He is currently starring in the hit Netflix series Wednesday and is in production on Martin McDonagh’s upcoming film Wild Horse Nine. “I started my career as a firefighter with the FDNY, and I’ve seen firsthand the dedication and courage it takes to serve others in these high-stress environments,” said Buscemi. “Paramedics are often the unseen heroes, and this documentary offers a much-needed, authentic look at their lives and the sacrifices they make. I’m proud to be part of this project and to shine a light on these incredible individuals.”

Wren Arthur, co-founder of Olive Productions with Buscemi, has produced and worked on numerous award-winning films and documentaries, including the EMMY-winning Park Bench with Steve Buscemi and Medora, as well as HBO’s A Good Job: Stories of the FDNY. Arthur’s producing credits also include Puzzle (Sony Classics) and the upcoming Psycho Therapy
(Brainstorm Media). She is deeply passionate about telling stories that highlight the real struggles and triumphs of everyday heroes. “I am thrilled to be working with the talented team on Into the Unknown. The paramedics we follow in this film are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Arthur. “Our goal is to not only show their courage and resilience but to also open a dialogue about the importance of mental health and the unseen emotional toll this work can take. I’m excited to bring their stories to the screen.”

Into the Unknown will provide an unparalleled and emotional perspective on the realities faced by paramedics, shedding light on their motivations and the courage that drives them to do this critical work. The film offers a deep look into the sacrifices these frontline heroes make to serve their communities, even in the face of personal and professional challenges.

Buscemi and Arthur
join the film’s executive producersRandolph Mantooth and Kevin Tighe,
the stars of the legendary TV show Emergency.

Mantooth shard his admiration for Steve Buscemi’s connection to this project: “Steve’s background in the FDNY gives him a unique insight into the lives of first responders. His authenticity and commitment to portraying these real-life heroes with respect and understanding is what makes this documentary so special.”

Tighe also speaks highly of the collaboration: “Olive Productions has an incredible track record of producing meaningful, compelling programs, and their passion for telling real, impactful stories is unmatched. Joining forces with Steve and Wren on this project, given their shared passion for the subject, ensures that Into the Unknown will be a film that resonates with audiences long after the credits roll.”

Into the Unknown will premiere later in 2025. The film is directed by Tom Putnam, whose previous firefighting documentaries include directing BURN and its sequel, BURN X, and supervising producing Dick Wolf’s NBC series LA Fire and Rescue.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 17, 2023

Los Angeles County Fire Museum
Partners with Producers of Documentary
“Into the Unknown: The Paramedics’ Journey.” 

LOS ANGELES—For nearly 50 years the Los Angeles County Fire Museum has been preserving and celebrating the history of the fire service and EMS. Now the Museum has agreed to support the documentary “Into the Unknown: The Paramedics’ Journey.”  Due out soon, the film will tell the real-life stories of today’s paramedics, featuring a half-dozen agencies throughout the U.S.

There is a strong connection between the Museum, the documentary, and the TV show “Emergency!,” said Steve Martin, former LA County Assistant Fire Chief and a member of the documentary’s executive team.

“The show depicted LA County firefighters and paramedics, and the stars of the show, Randy   Mantooth and Kevin Tighe, are the producers of the documentary,” Martin said.  “The show’s iconic Squad 51 rescue truck was donated to the Museum, one of the first in the collection of more than 70 historical and modern vehicles.”

Mantooth and Tighe both said they treasured the personal and professional relationships they have developed over the decades with the men and women involved with the Museum. “To have them step up to support “Into the Unknown” as a major contributor is a true honor,” Mantooth continued.

Paul Schneider is a Captain with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and is the past President and current Treasurer of the Museum. Like many firefighters and paramedics of his generation, he said he grew up inspired to become a first responder after watching Gage and DeSoto of Squad 51 bringing order out of chaos and helping countless people.

“For nearly 30 years Randy Mantooth and Kevin Tighe have not only been steadfast supporters of our Museum but also friends to us all,” Capt. Schneider said.  “We have partnered on many worthy projects but this one is special—its potential impact is enormous. Our mission to honor and remember the special men and women in EMS is only strengthened with this documentary. The story of the modern paramedic needs to be told and we’re honored to help.”

In addition to Martin, the executive team on the documentary includes Dr. Baxter Larmon, founding director of the UCLA Center for Prehospital Care, Producer Tonya Mantooth, sister to Randy Mantooth and a ten-time Regional Emmy award winner, and Richard Carmona, MD, the nation’s 17^th Surgeon General and a former military medic. Tom Putnam, a highly regarded documentary filmmaker, is the director of “Into the Unknown” and won multiple awards for “BURN,” an in-depth and engaging portrayal of Detroit firefighters.

INTO THE UNKNOWN
THE PARAMEDICS’ JOURNEY
documentary is in post-production

The Producers of INTO THE UNKNOWN, THE PARAMEDICS’ JOURNEY documentary have announced that the film is now in post-production. Randy Mantooth and Kevin Tighe are two members of the fabulous production team working on this film.

The documentary follows a select group of Paramedics with diverse backgrounds.  The film will provide you the opportunity to experience where they are in their chosen profession as a Paramedic. You will learn how they handle the job and how it affects their personal life. Discover what motivates these heroic men and women who risk it all and step out into the unknown.

Below, the Producers of the film share the first trailer of INTO THE UNKNOWN, THE PARAMEDICS’ JOURNEY with the fans of the LACoFM.
When you have finished watching it, join the conversation and leave a comment below the trailer. You must be logged in to post a comment.

The Los Angeles County Fire Museum is a proud supporter of this production.

The film will be released to streaming, details coming soon!

Follow the production HERE >>> 

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