The creators of Wolf Entertainment and Prime Video’s On Call, Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, recently sat down to discuss the development of their gripping new series. Set in Long Beach, California, On Call takes viewers on an immersive journey through the eyes of patrol officers, blending cinéma vérité-style storytelling with high-stakes drama. The duo shared insights into the inspiration behind the series, the innovative filming techniques, and their favorite moments from season one.
Why Long Beach? A Fresh Canvas for a Familiar Genre
The decision to set On Call in Long Beach was deliberate, reflecting a desire to explore a unique urban environment that hadn’t been overused in television.
“We originally chose it because we wanted to set the series in Southern California and it felt like Los Angeles had been done so many times in different capacities on television. Long Beach felt like a fresh canvas and it had all the tools that we were really interested in as storytellers,” said Elliot Wolf.
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The creators highlighted how the city’s mix of charm and grit provided a rich backdrop for the series. With iconic locations like the port, convention center, and beaches, Long Beach became more than just a setting—it became a character in its own right.
“Once we actually started writing the series and spending a lot more time in Long Beach, we fell in love with the city itself,” added Tim Walsh.
This thoughtful integration of setting and story breathes life into the series, offering a vibrant yet grounded environment that mirrors the challenges and complexities of modern policing.
A Game-Changing Perspective with Bodycam and Dash Cam Footage
One of On Call’s standout features is its innovative use of bodycam, dash cam, and cellphone footage to create a raw, immersive viewing experience. According to the creators, this approach was part of the series’ DNA from the very beginning.
“Initially, that was the idea from day one—to incorporate sort of a found footage feel. We wanted to immerse the viewer in the experience of what it’s like to be on the street with these patrol officers,” said Tim Walsh.
Wolf elaborated on how these tools add a layer of realism:
“Dash cam and cellphone footage is all over the internet and the news. To tell a fictional story with those tools adds a level of realism that hopefully makes the entire experience a little bit more visceral,” said Elliot Wolf.
The result is a series that feels both authentic and cinematic, capturing the intensity of life on patrol while maintaining the dramatic elements of fictional storytelling.
The Thrill of the Unknown: Building Stories Around Calls
One of the series’ most compelling elements is its episodic structure, where each call serves as a narrative anchor. The creators spoke about the unpredictable nature of patrol work and how it shaped their storytelling.
“The beauty of patrol is that you never know what’s next. It can be the mundane or the life-altering, and as storytellers, that’s very fun for us,” said Tim Walsh.
When asked about their favorite calls from season one, Walsh and Wolf were hesitant to pick just one, likening them to their “children.” However, Walsh pointed out a standout scene from episode four:
“When they hit the motel, it’s pretty fantastic,” he noted.
This unpredictability keeps both the characters and viewers on their toes, ensuring each episode delivers fresh perspectives and new challenges.
Looking Ahead: Innovation Meets Emotional Depth
As Wolf Entertainment’s first scripted streaming series, On Call combines innovation with emotional storytelling. Walsh and Wolf’s vision for the show is clear: to immerse viewers in the daily realities of law enforcement while tackling complex moral and societal themes.
“We wanted to create something that felt immediate and raw, but also deeply human. This isn’t just about action—it’s about the people behind the badge,” said Elliot Wolf.
By grounding their characters in the vibrant culture of Long Beach and leveraging cutting-edge storytelling techniques, the creators have crafted a series that feels both timely and timeless.
A Must-Watch Series for Drama Enthusiasts
On Call isn’t just another police procedural—it’s a groundbreaking exploration of life on patrol, brought to life by the vision of Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf. With its innovative format, compelling storytelling, and richly developed characters, the series promises to set a new standard for the genre. Be sure to catch the series exclusively on Prime Video on January 9, 2025.
About On Call
Release Date: January 9, 2025
Creators: Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf
Executive Producers: Dick Wolf, Tim Walsh, Elliot Wolf, Eriq LaSalle, Peter Jankowski
Production: Universal Television, Amazon MGM Studios, Wolf Entertainment
Cast: Troian Bellisario, Brandon Larracuente, Lori Loughlin, Rich Ting, Eriq La Salle
Synopsis
On Call, a thrilling new half-hour drama series from Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television, is an adrenalized and visceral police drama that follows a rookie and veteran officer duo as they go on patrol in Long Beach, California. Incorporating a mixture of bodycam, dash-camera, and cellphone footage to create a cinema verité effect, the innovative series explores the morality of protecting and serving a community.
What excites you most about On Call? How do you think the unique filming style will shape the viewing experience? Let us know what you think on social media!
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