Latest news with #OnCall
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Troian Bellisario talks playing a police officer in ‘On Call', reflects on ‘Pretty Little Liars' 15th anniversary
In On Call, Troian Bellisario plays Tracy Harmon, a veteran field training officer in the Long Beach Police Department, navigating the mental and physical toll of her job while mentoring rookie officer Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente). The role marks a striking shift from her Pretty Little Liars days, and Bellisario admits she was surprised when first approached to play a police officer. 'Tracy Harmon, veteran police officer, 40 years old. I thought, 'Oh my god, I'm never going to get this,'' she admits. 'I've never played anyone older than me, and certainly never a cop.' But something in the script clicked. 'The minute I started reading her words, I was enthralled. I'd never seen a cop show like this.' More from GoldDerby 'I Am: Celine Dion' will now compete for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking at Emmys - so what's the difference? Jacob Elordi reveals personal reason for joining 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North': 'It was something important to me' 'Étoile' creators say cinematographer M. David Mullen was their 'film school' Unlike traditional procedurals, Prime Video's On Call leans heavily into body cam footage and a half-hour drama format, a fusion Bellisario calls 'thrilling' and 'raw.' The real-time style gives the show a documentary edge, which grounds its emotional beats. 'It made me lean in,' she said. 'You're not watching a formula — you're watching a city in motion.' To prepare, Bellisario undertook ride-alongs with real officers and underwent a crash course in tactical training. 'They cleared out a whole office at Wolf Entertainment and basically did a mini-academy,' she said. One eye-opening moment? Witnessing how even a fender bender can disrupt an entire neighborhood. 'Just clearing an intersection after an accident — no injuries, thankfully — took so many moving parts. It made me realize how much officers do just to keep a city functional.' Amazon MGM Studios The shift from her Pretty Little Liars character Spencer to Tracy hasn't just been about genre — it's also been personal. 'With Pretty Little Liars, everything was a bit heightened,' Bellisario said. 'It was emotional, dramatic, a little soap-y — and Spencer was desperate for people to understand her.' But Harmon is the opposite. 'She doesn't care if you like her. She doesn't want to be your friend. She's here to do her job.' It's not just the emotional restraint that challenged Bellisario. 'A lot of what's demanded in this industry is superficial,' she says candidly. 'There's an unspoken expectation that women should be attractive, put together, desirable. Tracy wasn't written that way. Her strengths are her intelligence and her empathy.' In one memorable moment, Bellisario laughs as she remembers being repeatedly outrun by Larracuente on set. 'I'm a decent runner, and Brandon just smoked me every time. I was like, 'Please never write us running next to each other again!'' Yet the chemistry between Bellisario and the cast is undeniable. She praises the ensemble and executive producers Brenna Malloy and Tim Walsh — for creating a grounded and ego-free environment. 'It was one of those rare sets where you looked around and thought, 'Pinch me. Is this really happening?'' As she looks ahead, Bellisario is thoughtful about her future roles. 'I'm a mom of two now,' she says. 'Time is the most important factor. On Call was perfect because it was intense but short — eight episodes, half-hour format. I got to be the actor I want to be and the parent I need to be.' And as the 15th anniversary of Pretty Little Liars approaches, Bellisario is still moved by the legacy of Spencer Hastings. 'I'm so grateful,' she says. 'That show gave me a rocket ship of a career. It also gave me a family. The people I worked with — cast and crew — I still consider them that. It's rare. But it's also amazing to finally play someone like Tracy — someone rooted in reality who leads with her brain and her heart.' Best of GoldDerby Chloë Sevigny on Kitty Menendez and 'Monsters' fascination: 'People are endlessly curious about those who have privilege and abuse it' Jason Isaacs relives filming 'The White Lotus' piña colada scene: 'It was one of the reasons I was worried about taking the job' Kaitlyn Dever on playing 'horrible' characters in 'Last of Us', 'Apple Cider Vinegar': 'I just don't see any other option but to give 100 percent' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Eriq La Salle on developing ‘On Call's' ‘imperfect' hybrid style and returning to acting
Since his time on ER, Eriq La Salle has focused on directing for most of the past two decades, becoming a staple in the Dick Wolf universe. He's worked on Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order, Law & Order: Organized Crime, Chicago P.D. (including serving as an executive producer for five years), Chicago Med, and FBI. So it was no surprise when he got the call for the prolific producer's new drama On Call. "They just called up and said, 'Hey, we've got this cool pilot, we'd love you to do it,'" La Salle tells Gold Derby. "I took a look at it and read it in, I don't know, like, 29 minutes, and said 'yes' in 30 minutes. It was just pretty much a no-brainer." More from GoldDerby Jane Lynch on her 'funny and touching' final scene with Steve Martin on 'Only Murders in the Building' 'Only Murders in the Building' Emmy odds for Selena Gomez, the Martins, and all those guest stars 'Dune: Prophecy' showrunner teases the Fremen and which books Season 2 could cover Signing on in 30 minutes is apt since On Call is Wolf's first half-hour series. The Prime Video police drama follows veteran officer Traci Harmon (Troian Bellisario) training her rookie partner Alex Diaz (Brandon Larracuente) in Long Beach, Calif. Created by Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, Wolf's son, On Call was always designed to be a half-hour drama — a rare format nowadays that La Salle would like to see make a comeback. "It's really a throwback to the old dramas back in the '60s that really captured our attention and really held it. And they always felt, in a good way, like they were longer than they were because they had such substance to it and resonated," he says. "You think of, like, Adam-12, Naked City. There were so many cool shows back then, and they were actually half-hours, and we've gotten away from that. And so this really lent itself to return to that format. I just kind of thought like, 'Who better to sort of lead us back there than the Dick Wolf camp?' I think as we're as this industry is struggling with sort of coming up with a new image and a new approach and a new format of how we entertain. I thought this was just right on time." SEE Troian Bellisario on playing a police officer in On Call, reflects on 15th anniversary of Pretty Little Liars La Salle, who also joined as executive producer, directed four episodes of the eight-episode first season, including the pilot — his Emmy submission — in which he established the look of the show. On Call incorporates footage from body cams, dash cams, and cell phones, creating a voyeuristic, cinéma vérité feel. "Part of our training was to do ride-alongs, and we wanted to basically put the audience in and make them feel that they were in the cop car, doing a ride-along, a day in the life of a cop," La Salle says. "You want the unsteadiness of the body cam. You want the imperfect framing. This is not about beauty. It's about the truth and the grit of what is happening in that moment. You sometimes want a little separation. You want a dash cam where we want to pull the audience in and make them feel like they need to look harder to see what's really going on because they can't see everything perfectly." Amazon MGM Studios The three-time Emmy nominee credits the "collaborative effort" between his crew to find the right "alchemy" for the hybrid footage. "I just have to be very clear when I'm explaining my vision and I just love talented people that can take that and run with it," he continues. "Adam Silver, who's our DP, was just so gung-ho about all of it. And we experimented a lot. And then our editor was essential as well because we were still finding the balance the alchemy of all of this, even in post. 'How much is too much?' 'OK, let's cut a little bit of the body cam out.' 'Maybe it's too much. It's not appropriate.' It was a process and it was really cool. But everyone jumped in. I think we got to a point where, like, 'OK, we're close, but wasn't still quite it.' And then we made some more adjustments. And then it was like, 'That's it. That's the right amount. Not too much, not too little.' It was very important to us in honoring what I think is a great script. We never wanted the show in any way to feel gimmicky." La Salle hadn't been onscreen in almost a decade and never intended to act on On Call. His BFF and former ER co-star Michael Beach was cast as Sgt. Lasman but had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Other actors were considered before La Salle decided to take on the role himself, inspired by another actor-director-producer on one series. "I have a lot of admiration and respect for what Jason Bateman did with Ozark. And obviously he did it on a much larger scale than what I did. He was the lead. He was in pretty much every scene, all of that, but I just thought he did such a fantastic job," he says. "I strive to be sort of in the very small class of multi-hyphenates. There are endless numbers of actors, there are tons of directors, there are tons of producers. It's much smaller a scale for people that do all of that." SEE ER alum Eriq La Salle looks back on the Benton-Carter rehab moment 25 years later: 'If you have to go to hell, I'm coming to hell with you' La Salle, who's also an award-winning novelist, "absolutely" felt rusty getting back in front of the camera. He relied a lot on Bellisario, with whom he shared his most intense scenes as their characters frequently clashed. "She has a very easy way about her. She has, and more importantly — or equally important, I should say — a very honest way about how she approaches the craft. And so when part of my brain is over here thinking about the directing, and part of it is over here, thinking about the overall production — I just leaned on her more. There was just something about me locking eyes with her, and maybe with maybe she saw the pleading in my eyes," he says with a laugh. "I thought we had fantastic chemistry, but I felt everyone had great chemistry. ... By the end of the shoot, I started feeling much more comfortable. But yeah, there were some times in the beginning I was like, 'Oh man, I am rusty. I haven't hit that note in a long time.'" Prime Video canceled On Call last month, but the show is being shopped to other platforms, including Peacock, which streams Wolf's NBC projects. "Everyone would love to [do a second season]," La Salle says. "It's a great, great cast and crew. We became very close. We'd love that, but it's up to the powers that be." On Call is streaming on Prime Video. Best of GoldDerby Jane Lynch on her 'funny and touching' final scene with Steve Martin on 'Only Murders in the Building' Chloë Sevigny on Kitty Menendez and 'Monsters' fascination: 'People are endlessly curious about those who have privilege and abuse it' Jason Isaacs relives filming 'The White Lotus' piña colada scene: 'It was one of the reasons I was worried about taking the job' Click here to read the full article.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dick Wolf's On Call Cancelled After One Season at Amazon — Could It Be Saved by Another Streamer?
Officers Traci Harmon and Alex Diaz will no longer be policing the streets of Long Beach, Calif., now that Prime Video has cancelled Dick Wolf's On Call, according to our sister site Deadline. The cancellation comes four months after the release of Season 1, which consisted of eight episodes and dropped on Jan. 9. More from TVLine Found Cancelled After Two Seasons on NBC Suits LA Cancelled at NBC After One Season The Irrational Cancelled at NBC After Two Seasons The series, though, is already being shopped to other platforms, Deadline reports, with two of them (including Peacock, which streams Wolf's Law & Order and #OneChicago series) engaging 'in discussions about a potential second season.' On Call — which hails from creators Tim Walsh and Elliot Wolf, and counts Dick Wolf as an executive producer — is described as 'an adrenalized and visceral police drama that follows a rookie and veteran officer duo as they go on patrol in Long Beach, Calif. Incorporating a mixture of body-cam, dash-camera, and cellphone footage to create a cinema verité effect, the innovative series explores the morality of protecting and serving a community.' The series stars Troian Bellisario (Pretty Little Liars) as Harmon, the hard-charging, protective veteran officer who struggles to find her place in the department while training the next generation of officers. Brandon Larracuente (The Good Doctor) co-stars as Diaz, the ambitious rookie who grapples with holding onto his optimistic outlook as he realizes the challenges he'll face in today's climate. Rounding out the ensemble are executive producer/director Eriq La Salle (ER) as Sergeant Lasman, Lori Loughlin (Full House) as Lieutenant Bishop, and Rich Ting (Tulsa King) as Sergeant Koyama. An A-to-Z List of 300+ Scripted Series View List Best of TVLine Yellowjackets Mysteries: An Up-to-Date List of the Series' Biggest Questions (and Answers?) The Emmys' Most Memorable Moments: Laughter, Tears, Historical Wins, 'The Big One' and More 'Missing' Shows, Found! The Latest on Severance, Holey Moley, Poker Face, YOU, Primo, Transplant and 25+ Others
Business Upturn
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Upturn
On Call Season 2: Release date speculation, cast and plot details – Everything we know so far
By Aman Shukla Published on May 6, 2025, 18:30 IST Last updated May 6, 2025, 11:32 IST On Call , the gripping police procedural drama from legendary producer Dick Wolf, has captivated audiences with its intense storytelling and realistic portrayal of law enforcement in Long Beach, California. After a thrilling first season that premiered on Amazon Prime Video on January 9, 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting news about On Call Season 2. While the show has not been officially renewed, there are promising updates from the cast and crew, along with plenty of speculation about what a second season could bring. In this article, we dive into the release date speculation, potential cast, plot details, and everything we know so far about On Call Season 2. On Call Season 2 Release Date Speculation Since On Call Season 2 has not been officially greenlit, there is no confirmed release date. However, based on typical production timelines for streaming shows, we can make an educated guess. Most renewed series take 12 to 18 months to produce, especially for a streaming platform like Amazon Prime Video. Given that Season 1 debuted in January 2025, if the show is renewed soon, On Call Season 2 could potentially premiere as early as early to mid-2026. On Call Season 2 Cast: Who's Returning? Assuming On Call Season 2 is renewed, the main cast is expected to return, barring any unexpected changes. The core of the show revolves around the dynamic between veteran training officer Traci Harmon and rookie Alex Diaz, and their story is far from over. Here's a look at the likely returning cast: Troian Bellisario as Traci Harmon : The seasoned officer who mentors Diaz. Bellisario has expressed enthusiasm for exploring Harmon's complex relationship with Diaz further. Brandon Larracuente as Alex Diaz : The impulsive rookie who must restart his probationary period after Harmon's decision in the Season 1 finale. Their mentor-student dynamic will likely remain central. Eriq La Salle as Sergeant Lasman : The sergeant with a bold plan to tackle gangs, which could lead to conflict in Season 2. La Salle also serves as an executive producer and director. Rich Ting as Detective Sergeant Tyson Koyama : Harmon's close ally on the force, expected to return. Lori Loughlin as Lieutenant Bishop : A higher-ranking officer whose role could expand, though some fans have mixed feelings about her casting due to past controversies. Mac Brandt, Rich Ceraulo Ko, Rafael Cabrera, and others as supporting officers, likely to reprise their roles. On Call Season 2 Plot: What to Expect? The first season of On Call followed Traci Harmon and Alex Diaz as they responded to emergency calls in Long Beach, tackling high-stakes situations like car chases, confrontations, and a murder investigation of a fellow officer. The season ended with Harmon choosing not to let Diaz exit his probationary period due to his brash behavior, setting the stage for further tension in their partnership. Additionally, Sergeant Lasman's aggressive plan to confront local gangs and the unresolved fentanyl trade involving Smokey (Lobo Sebastian) left significant plot threads open. How to Watch On Call Season 1 While waiting for news on Season 2, fans can catch up on all eight episodes of On Call Season 1, now streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. Aman Shukla is a post-graduate in mass communication . A media enthusiast who has a strong hold on communication ,content writing and copy writing. Aman is currently working as journalist at
WIRED
17-03-2025
- Business
- WIRED
The Anti-DEI Agenda Is Reprogramming America
Mar 17, 2025 7:00 AM President Trump's anti-DEI playbook doesn't just affect the makeup of America's workplaces. It also impacts cultural production. Just ask Netflix's former head of diversity. Photo-Illustration:If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED It would be silly to think, in this time of spectacular fools, that the Donald Trump administration mandate to kill diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs was simply a workplace issue. What's happening is bigger than that, says Vernā Myers, and it will have implications for years to come. The US government has declared war on American culture. The removal of DEI efforts doesn't just impact the workforces at specific companies, it also impacts what those companies produce, their cultural output. Removing diversity programs limits the voices present when decisions are made about features on social media platforms or what TV show to make. But for Myers, a longtime consultant and cultural strategist who served as Netflix's vice president of inclusion strategy from 2018 to 2023, the administration's anti-DEI agenda is 'not about how DEI is practiced.' 'This is about the principles of equality and inclusion for all,' Myers says. 'This is, 'We are going to take down the structure of values that DEI is associated with, and by doing so we are going to pull back your civil rights.'' Trump made a target of DEI on day one, signing an executive order to end 'radical and wasteful' preferencing in federal agencies. He followed that up with another order aimed squarely at DEI programs in the private sector. His attorney general Pam Bondi has called for investigations into companies that uphold DEI standards. A federal judge subsequently blocked Trump's DEI orders, but that hasn't stopped companies from scaling back on their initiatives. Warner Bros. Discovery changed the title of its DEI program to simply 'Inclusion.' Paramount put a stop to several policies. Disney changed the diversity and inclusion factors it used to determine executive compensation. Per a report in Axios, the company also altered some of the content advisory disclaimers that ran before older titles on Disney+. Companies like Meta, meanwhile, were eager to embrace a corporate culture of 'masculine energy,' because it aligns with the Trump administration's 'warrior' ethos. It also preemptively ditched its third-party fact-checking program and paid moderators in favor of a system that is similar to Community Notes on X. The move, coupled with changes to its Community Guidelines, has exposed users across Facebook, Threads, and Instagram to more hate speech and abuse. In Hollywood, there is a shift happening, a move toward programming geared to Trump's America. Law-and-order shows are making a comeback (Prime Video's On Call ; A+E's Ozark Law ) as broadcast-style TV slowly reasserts its dominance. Even the first breakout show of the year— Paradise on Hulu—is all about keeping order in a world ripped apart by nuclear warfare and climate disaster. Rolling back the studios' diversity initiatives will likely only ensure this continues. Last month, Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr, a Trump loyalist who previously said he would end the agency's DEI efforts if appointed, opened a probe into NBC parent company Comcast, promising to take action against the telecom giant if it found 'any programs that promote invidious forms of DEI.' 'This whole, we want MEI over DEI is laughable,' Myers says. 'Who do you actually think is disadvantaged by DEI? It certainly cannot be white men or white people because they are not. If you do a cultural audit, those are the groups that are doing best. The highest percentages are coming from men and white folks.' In a political climate where Republicans hold power, she says the current temperature is to be expected. 'When you've been in the majority for a very long time and pretty much your world is at ease, you don't like when it gets disrupted. You don't like when it feels uncomfortable. You certainly don't like when things are pointing at you,' Myers tells me. Myers left Netflix in 2023. The timing of her departure was, she says, coincidental. That June, several Black studio executives also exited top-level roles. The exodus included LaTondra Newton, chief diversity officer and senior vice president at Disney, Karen Horne, head of DEI efforts at Warner Bros. Discovery, and Jeanell English, executive VP of impact and inclusion at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, among others. The joint departures sent the rumor mill into overdrive. Almost all of the women oversaw DEI initiatives, and their exits suggested that maybe the entertainment industry—and America at large, some speculated—wasn't exactly ready to commit to a shared vision of inclusion, both onscreen and off. Corporate power would only allow change to go so far. Myers says that wasn't the whole story. 'When people start going on about what was happening in Hollywood, somehow they're not paying attention to the fact that studios were losing money,' she adds. 'And often DEI is a cost center.' Myers says all of that talk merged together. Some women were let go in response to DEI rollbacks. Others, like her, were already planning an exit. Still, Myers says, the problem is that DEI is seen as an ancillary resource—necessary only when it benefits the bottom line. In fulfilling his pledge to 'make America great again,' Trump finds no benefit in how DEI points the finger at white power structures that prop up men like him. The remaking of his America demands blind complicity. It requires the kind of stale cultural programming that DEI—the work of giving everyone a voice—stands in opposition to. Thus far, reviews have been mixed.
