Championing the voices of our emergency service heroes and asking:
are we doing enough to rescue those who rescue us?
Our Initiative
Out of the Fire Initiative CIC — A Community Interest Company supporting emergency services mental health through storytelling, events, and advocacy.
Through public engagement, our mission is to educate, humanize, and inspire solidarity for Firefighters. We shine a light on the challenges faced by emergency personnel visible, understood, and impossible to ignore, to drive meaningful change in protocols, training, and public policy.
Associations and collaborators of the founder
Associations, partners and collaborators of the founder
Upcoming Fundraiser Event
Film Update: "Out of the Fire"
This short film/POC is based on my personal experiences as a firefighter and trauma care responder. I built various rigs and adapted vintage projector lenses to recreate looks and feelings, such as flashbacks and disorientation.
Ahead of its official release Summer 2025, "Out of the Fire" has already gathered multiple award nominations and wins, including Best: Director, Experimental Short, Sound Design and Cinematography (see below for more)
Logline
"A firefighter is haunted by the silent burden of an unresolved tragedy,
denial extinguishing the passions and relationships that once defined him. Devoted to saving others, he must finally confront the one rescue he’s always avoided —his own."
My debut as a writer, director, DP, and lead actor, it was entirely self-funded and made possible by the generosity of my former fire crew and local village community in the UK - I have also written and produced all of the music for the film.
Compelled by the loss of a colleague and my own battle with PTSD, I created this film to raise awareness and encourage open conversations about mental health and in solidarity for the emergency services.
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About the Founder
Maximilian Curnow is a former Surrey Firefighter and IEC - turned advocacy filmmaker. An award-winning director, cinematographer, writer, and composer, spearheading Out of the Fire Initiative CIC (Community Interest Company) - a multi faceted Firefighter wellbeing initiative. Informed by a 16+ year background in production working with Spitfire Audio, BBC and Universal - and a "boots on the floor” mentality cultivated through his previous work as a Firefighter and first responder - He is an O1B special ability Visa holder and Firefighter wellbeing advocate based between the UK and Los Angeles.
Maximilian's unique approach and creative vision marries together music, film and impactful storytelling from a position of unique, real world insight.
"After losing good a friend and colleague and struggling myself after a career ending injury, I’ve dedicated my voice to raise awareness about this cause. I've established Out of the Fire Initiative CIC - our mission is to advocate for Emergency Service Worker Wellbeing, showcasing Firefighter voices through film, fundraising events and various creative initiatives.I've explored effective means of packaging prevention/safety initiatives so that the public can have a better understanding. UK firefighters are hugely unrepresented, and I'm doing what I can with this angle, to bring lesser understood wellness issues to the public in order to inspire positive change in UK services."
"This is a rare case of an individual who is able to be a successful artist and humanitarian simultaneously."
🔥 Firefighting & Advocacy Testimonials
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Karen Pointer – Group Commander, Surrey Fire & Rescue Service “Maxi’s acclaimed safety video led to a key media role within the fire service. His work helped secure national awards, including the Public Sector Transformation Awards – Working Together Gold Award, and a personal fire service award for outstanding contribution to reducing public risk.”
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Matthew England – Emergency Preparedness & Recovery Manager, NHS
“Maxi made critical contributions as a firefighter and media lead, producing essential video content for Fire, Ambulance and Police services that improved communication and public safety. His multi-faceted talents were instrumental in helping achieve national recognition and awards.” -
Jim Glover, OBE – High Sheriff of Surrey
“I have rarely, if ever, attended such a powerful, hard hitting, perfectly organised, impactful event (SDSA) – congratulations to everyone involved with this excellent initiative.” -
Kay Hammond – Cabinet Associate, Surrey County Council
“This video produced by one of Surrey’s own firefighters powerfully brings home the message.”
🎬 Entertainment & Media Industry Testimonials -
Dan Pursey – Engineer (Celine Dion, Biffy Clyro)“An elite multi-instrumentalist, composer, and producer—Maxi stands in the top tier of talent we’ve worked with.”
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Dan Lancaster – Producer (MUSE, Blink-182, BMTH) “Maxi operates at a rare standard across directing, Pro Tools, and production—worthy of the high reputation he holds in music and video.”
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Peter Lauer – Director (Scrubs, Gilmore Girls, Arrested Development)
“Maxi’s ingenuity, emotional storytelling, technical brilliance and fearless drive are simply astonishing. His work on international award-winning productions stands as a testament to his talent. He’s the kind of whirlwind artist I hope to be in business with.” -
Sam Lewis – Cinematographer (James Bond, Jurassic World)“Maxi builds his own lenses and rigs, with visual storytelling skills shaped by his firefighting background—his work is striking and highly respected.”
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Oli Morgan – Mastering Engineer, Abbey Road Studios“Maxi’s mastering on Fire By the Silos earned over 4M streams and charted #45. His ear and detail place him at the top of the craft.”
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Rabea Massaad – Toska, Ernie Ball“Maxi consistently pushes creative boundaries. His dedication and collaborations with industry leaders reflect his standout talent.”
