Code 3, the EMS Movie: A Talk with Movie Co-writer and Former Paramedic Patrick Pianezza
The trials, traumas, and tribulations of EMS work are nicely captured in the movie Code 3. The film, which stars The Office’s Rainn Wilson as a burnt-out paramedic, is the brainchild of Patrick Pianezza, a retired paramedic and Code 3’s co-writer/technical consultant. Code 3 is based on a short story that Pianezza wrote about EMS that caught Hollywood’s attention.
EMS World recently spoke with Pianezza about Code 3 and his unexpected career change. Here’s what he had to tell us.
EMS World: What is Code 3 all about, and who’s in it?
Pianezza: The film is all about Randy, the paramedic, who is on his last shift before he quits for good. Before Randy leaves, he has to train his replacement, Jessica, and it shows some of the zany and heart-rending things experienced by people who work in EMS.
Rainn Wilson is Randy. He’s best known for playing Dwight on The Office. Lil Rel Howery (Get Out, Free Guy) is his partner, Mike, and Aimee Carrero (The Menu, Your Friends and Neighbors) is Jessica.
EMS World: George Carlin once said, “Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.” Does this describe Rainn Wilson’s character in the film?
Pianezza: I think so. Randy really loves what he does. He's just at the end of his rope.
I think that comes with years of wanting to do the best thing and being hindered by multiple different factors, from documentation, to the system, to protocols, and interactions with other responders. Because despite what you know or believe to be the best thing to do for your patients, you are limited in your ability to do so.
Over decades, Randy has faced that and has finally reached the wall where he can no longer manage that stress anymore. So, he’s decided to quit.
EMS World: Is this something that you've gone through yourself?
Pianezza: Code 3 is not an autobiography. However, Randy is certainly 85% me.
I was very, very burnt out, even years ago when I was writing the short story that this entire film is based on. So yeah, I was a burnt-out medic, and I think that's why it resonates so well.
I was a paramedic for 12 years. I started out in 2001 and worked at various EMS agencies. Then I got an office job that paid better and was much less stressful than EMS, so I got out in 2013.
EMS World: How did you manage to get your story into Hollywood?
Pianezza: I have arguably one of the most unique pathways to the field. I didn’t study screenwriting. My undergrad is in public relations, and part of that program was to take a creative writing course.
The professor at the time said something very cliché, but it was the first time I had ever heard it. He said, “If you want to tell a compelling story, write what you know.”
I had just come off this really terrible 14-hour shift, and I remember just sitting in class going, “Oh, you want a story? I'll tell you a story!” So I went home and wrote this 36-page short story all about EMS. It was never intended to be a movie. It was a homework assignment.
Flash forward five years later. My brother is working in LA in the industry. He read my story and then said, “Do what everybody does in LA and write a script.” So, I said, “I don't know anything about writing a script.” And he said, “I'll get you the software; get it done.”
Through much hard work—my brother doesn’t take “no” for an answer—he got it to Code 3’s eventual director, Christopher Leone, who liked it enough to get on board and become the co-writer. Then Chris’ manager and agent started pitching it around town. My script then landed in front of Rainn Wilson. He read it, liked it, and got us financing and the rest of the way into production. I ended up as co-writer with Christopher Leone, and serving on set as the technical consultant.
EMS World: What was that like?
Pianezza: It was fascinating. I think I got a college degree in filmmaking just by being on set. I loved it. It was thrilling and it was so much fun. I was learning stuff every single day and getting to combine really the artistic virtue of creating a film with making sure that it was incredibly accurate to the people that are doing the work.
EMS World: So, what was it like working with Rainn Wilson?
Pianezza: A dream come true.
People will ask me, “If an actor were to play you in real life, who would it be?” And I have an answer to that question. It's Rainn Wilson.
He's amazing. He has this ability to take the script and not only make it his own but add little details that really make the film jump off the screen.
There's something that he did while shooting that still to this day blows me away. As Code 3 progresses, Randy’s uniform becomes more disheveled throughout the shift as he falls apart, to indicate his state of mind.
It was something that I didn't even pick up on while we were shooting. I think I walked by him and I said, “Your shirt's untucked.” And he told me that it was done intentionally because the whole idea is to visually represent his character unraveling. That blew me away.
EMS World: So what happens now? Where does the movie stand and is there a big premiere? What's coming up?
Pianezza: So they did a gala screening at the Wayfarer Theater in Chicago. Wayfarer is also the studio behind the film. Aura Entertainment is the distributor.
We then had a limited run in about 165 theaters, which is winding down now. Once that’s over, you’ll be able to see Code 3 on Video on Demand, which is essentially online rentals. You will be able to go to Amazon or Apple and Fandango at home and be able to pay whatever the cost is to rent the film. Pre-orders are available now on Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at home.
Editor’s Note: Blu Ray and DVD of Code 3 are expected to release Dec.2, 2025, and are available for preorder on Amazon.
EMS World: So what happens to you next?
Pianezza: I would love nothing more than to turn this into a series or create a sequel, but it all depends on how successful the first one goes. I've got other stuff written because of the film. I'm now a member of the Writer's Guild of America. I also have my SAG card, which is the Actors' Union. So I would love to pursue a creative career in Hollywood. But everything depends on how well Code 3 is received, and if there's any interest in the market for medical procedurals focusing on EMS versus the drama of a hospital.
